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.
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!
Legislation Update
Es returns to IRTE North London Centre to provide an update on the latest changes and additions to legislation affecting the industry. He can also provide insight into the Transport Managers CPC as a former Chief Examiner for the City and Guilds of London Institute.Annual Update Lecture 2025 - SOE South Wales Regional Group
The Annual Update Lecture 2025 is a two-part session, featuring a feedback report from the Midlands Compliance Forum on issues affecting Heavy Goods Vehicles in Wales and England, followed by an update from the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) on their 2025 initiatives.
IRTE Ireland North Centre Student Awards 2025
Join us for the IRTE Ireland North Student Awards in Portadown, celebrating top Heavy Vehicle Maintenance students. The evening will include an industry lecture by Chris Slowey from Manfreight Limited and great networking opportunities.
Wheel and Tyre Technology – Safety Systems
The speaker will speak about the CPD Presentation topicswheel security and tyre safety systems available from the company and their future developments.
Recent News
Take a look at the recent news at SOE.
Imperial Engineering Sponsors 2025 IRTE Skills Challenge, Supporting Future Bus and Coach Engineering
Imperial Engineering, a leading PSV parts distributor, is proud to continue its sponsorship of the 2025 IRTE Skills Challenge, reinforcing its commitment to developing skilled bus and coach engineers.
C9 Recruitment Joins as a Sponsor for the 2025 IRTE Skills Challenge
The Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), is proud to announce that C9 Recruitment, a leading specialist in transport and logistics recruitment, has joined as a sponsor for the 2025 IRTE Skills Challenge.
Celebrating Excellence IRTE Northern Centre Young Engineer and Apprentice Awards 2025
The IRTE Northern Centre hosted its prestigious Young Engineer and Apprentice Awards following the Annual General Meeting in February 2025.
Society of Operations Engineers and Women in Bus and Coach join forces this International Women’s Day
In honour of International Women’s Day 2025, the Society of Operations Engineers and Women in Bus and Coach have joined forces to tackle the underrepresentation of women in engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions.