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!
Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme
Join IRTE North London to learn about the The Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS), launched in April at the Commercial Vehicle Show.
Enhancing Safety and Efficiency: Modern Refuelling and Lubrication Systems for the Transport Industry
Join IRTE Scottish Ayrshire for an insightful evening exploring the latest in vehicle safety equipment, refuelling, and lubrication systems for the road, rail, marine, and construction industries. Discover how modern safety systems improve operational safety, enhance efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.
BG Powerflow Presentation
Join us for a presentation on BG Powerflow by Andy Cotton, exploring the system’s features, benefits, and practical applications
The Science of Collision Investigation
Join us for an exclusive presentation with an experienced officer from the Durham Constabulary, as we explore the latest breakthroughs in Road Traffic Collision investigation. Discover how cutting-edge scientific techniques are being applied right here in the Darlington and Durham operational area to uncover the truth behind incidents on our roads.
Recent News
Take a look at the recent news at SOE.
Zurich Engineering and SOE Partnership Empowers Over 400 Staff Through Professional Membership
The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) is celebrating a major milestone in its ongoing partnership with Zurich Engineering with more than 400 employees signing up to become members of SOE, marking a landmark achievement in the organisations’ shared mission to champion professional standards across the engineering and operations sectors.
SOE and T&RS Engineering Strengthen Pathway to Professional Recognition for Graduate Engineers
The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) is pleased to announce T&RS Engineering have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SOE, confirming their graduate development program meets the Engineering Council’s Incorporated Engineer (IEng) Professional Status.
IRTE Northern Centre Opens New Season with Insight from the Traffic Commissioner
The IRTE Northern Centre opened its new CPD season with an exclusive presentation from Northwest Traffic Commissioner David Mullan. From digital security threats to real-life compliance cases, members were given a rare insight into the challenges facing the transport industry today.
First-ever IRTE HGV Skills Challenge hailed as a success at DAF Apprentice Academy
The Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), a sector of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), has celebrated the successful launch of the first-ever HGV Skills Challenge in partnership with DAF Trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions.