Society of Operations Engineers
SOE is the professional home for 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.
Supporting careers
Diverse sectors linked by engineering excellence
Raising standards
Working in partnership to create industry standards
Strategic objectives
Charting the global future of operations engineering
Our sectors
Consisting of five professional sectors in particular technical specialisms.
Why join SOE?
I regard my SOE membership as an essential and valuable part of my professional credentials.
Chris Ellis MSOE MIRTE
I look back, and if I hadn’t joined professional institutions such as the SOE and BES, made the effort to attend meetings and the rest of it, then I wouldn’t have met the people to pull me through.
Dave Cooper MSOE MBES
Being a CEng and CEnv keeps me ahead of the game for professional standards and best practice sharing.
Jeffrey Yung CEng CEnv HonFSOE HonFIPlantE
I got the CEng and, from an aspirational point of view, I really wanted to achieve it because it’s the highest engineering qualification you can get. Also, if you look at the rail industry and many other industries, it’s become more or less a standard; it’s not a standard in the bus industry yet, but I think it will be one day – it’s definitely worth having.
James Higlett CEng AMSOE AMIRTE
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.
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.
Careers Advice For Engineers
Meeting modern CPD needs of engineers and employers
Become professionally registered
The global benchmark of recognition for engineering professionals
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.
Upcoming Events
Take a look at our upcoming events at SOE!
Unmanned Air Systems Presentation
Join us for this event for an insightful and timely technical presentation on Unmanned Air Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. The session will explore what constitutes a UAS, its key components, and its growing role within both military and wider aviation contexts, highlighting why this rapidly evolving technology is of significant relevance in today’s world.
Machines and Global Warming
Join Ian Jackson CEng FSOE FIPlantE for a hybrid webinar exploring machine operation and global warming.
Legislation Update
Join IRTE North London, as Es Shepherd, Road Transport Consultant, returns to provide us with an update on legislation affecting the transport industry.
EU Tachograph Changes 2026: What LCV Operators Must Know
Join us to get ready for the July 2026 EU tachograph changes for LCVs. Learn what the new rules mean for your business, the compliance steps you need to take, and how to avoid costly fines, plus take part in a live expert Q&A.
Recent News
Take a look at the recent news at SOE.
SOE Strengthens Industry Standards with DVSA Investment in IRTE Apprentice Memberships
The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) is pleased to announce that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is actively investing in the professional development of Vehicle Standards Assessor apprentices by supporting membership with the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), a sector of SOE.
Closing the Engineering Skills Gap: How SOE is Strengthening the Engineering Talent Pipeline
The UK engineering industry is facing a skills crisis, intensified by factors including an aging workforce and advances in technology. Demand for skilled technicians and engineers significantly outweighs supply, and the need for a highly trained, professionally recognised workforce is clear.
Raising the Bar: How Evolving Standards Are Transforming Lorry Loader Crane Safety
The safety, reliability, and performance of lorry loader cranes are undergoing major improvements thanks to updated design requirements, new regulatory changes, and more robust safety and performance standards. These developments are reshaping how operators, manufacturers, and inspectors approach the use, maintenance, and thorough examination of this essential lifting equipment.
Celebrating the Technicians Who Keep Britain Moving: The Inaugural IRTE HGV Skills Challenge Awards
The Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE) recently celebrated the inaugural IRTE HGV Skills Challenge Awards, in partnership with DAF Trucks, to recognise the talent and achievements of the technicians who keep the UK’s Heavy Goods Fleets on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions.