Society of Operations Engineers

SOE is the professional home for around 16,000 members working to inspect, maintain and manage the equipment and machinery which keeps people and businesses safe on a daily basis. We are a Professional Engineering Institution and registered charity, and our members work to implement smarter ways of working, improve maintenance and inspection processes, and embed environmentally friendly and sustainable engineering practice. SOE actively champions the next generation of engineers, and is passionate about making a global difference to the world around us.

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Supporting careers

Diverse sectors linked by engineering excellence

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Raising standards

Working in partnership to create industry standards

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Strategic objectives

Charting the global future of operations engineering

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Our sectors

Consisting of five professional sectors in particular technical specialisms.

 

Why join SOE?

 

Whether you are looking for professional registration to boost your career, comprehensive CPD support, or tailored knowledge and events, SOE membership offers the benefits you would expect from a Professional Engineering Institution.

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CPD and Networking
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Knowledge and Skills
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A range of benefits
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Professional Registration

Ready to take the next step?

Join SOE today

Join SOE Today!

 

Career Development

Whether you are an apprentice in your first HGV maintenance role, or a senior engineer responsible for the complex connected plant in an industry 4.0 ready factory, SOE supports career progression for as far as you want to go. We offer a CPD library, industry leading publications, mentoring, and a range of professional qualifications - with content relevant to all members as they continue their career journey.

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Careers Advice For Engineers

Meeting modern CPD needs of engineers and employers

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Become professionally registered

The global benchmark of recognition for engineering professionals

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Technical guides for members

SOE produces a range of technical guides to support our members and industry in their roles. These guides are free to all SOE members, or can be purchased on request.

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Search and book events

Upcoming Events

Take a look at our upcoming events at SOE!

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Visit to King Edward Mine
IRTE Cornwall welcomes members and guests for a sitive visit with Tony Wood, featuring a guided tour and social breakfast.
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SS Great Britain visit
Join Brunel Western Regional Group and IRTE Wiltshire for a guided tour of SS Great Britain, exploring life onboard for passengers and crew, followed by a Brunel Institute Talk featuring rare artifacts, with time afterwards to freely explore the museum.

Find and book events

 

Recent News

Take a look at the recent news at SOE.

David Sheppard to Host IRTE Skills Challenge Awards 2025

Former BBC broadcaster David Sheppard will host the IRTE Skills Challenge Awards Lunch, on 16 July in Wolverhampton, celebrating the UK’s top transport engineers.

SOE welcomes The British Compressed Air Society as newest Corporate Partner

We’re proud to welcome The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) as our newest Corporate Partner. Together, we’re championing training, safety, and technical excellence in the compressed air sector.

Want to Earn More as an Engineer? New Survey Shows Professional Registration is Key

Professionally registered engineers are out-earning their peers. Want to boost your career and income? Registration might be the next step.

IRTE Launches Inaugural HGV Skills Challenge in Partnership with DAF Trucks

This new competition celebrates the UK’s top HGV engineers and technicians. Building upon the success of the Bus and Coach Skills Challenge, it's time for HGVs to take the spotlight. Join us in recognising skill, precision, and the people keeping Britain moving.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Our frequently asked questions.

What is the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE)? +
SOE is a professional membership organisation that supports individuals and organisations in engineering-related fields, offering training, development, and accreditation opportunities.
How do I reset my password if I’ve forgotten it? +
If you've forgotten your password, click on the forgotten password link on the login page. Enter your registered email address, and you'll receive instructions to reset your password. If you face issues, contact support at [email protected].
How can I become a member of SOE? +
You can apply for membership directly on our website. Visit the join now page, choose the appropriate category (e.g., Student, Associate, Member, Fellow), and complete the online application form.
What are the benefits of SOE membership? +
Members receive access to industry-recognised qualifications, training resources, professional development support, and networking opportunities within the engineering sector.
How do I contact SOE for further assistance? +
You can reach us via email at [email protected] or by calling +44 (0)20 7630 1111. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, excluding public holidays.
How can I find events or training sessions hosted by SOE? +
Visit our events section to view a calendar of upcoming workshops, webinars, and networking opportunities. You can register for events directly through the website.
How do I renew my membership? +
You can renew your membership online by going to your account and navigating to the subscriptions & payments page then buy clicking the pay now button. Payments can be made via card or direct debit.
Where can I find resources and publications from SOE? +
Members can access exclusive resources, such as technical guides and industry updates, in the member portal. Non-members can explore some publications via the Resources tab.
Does SOE offer support for career development? +
Yes, SOE provides career support through mentorship programmes, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) resources, and guidance for achieving professional qualifications such as EngTech, IEng, or CEng.