What does a Stationary Engineer do?

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A Stationary Engineer tackles the evolving power problems of our time. They work on complex machines and systems to ensure the safe and efficient operation on a day to day basis. Learn more about what you need for this role and what constitutes your future job profile. 

What is a Stationary Engineer?

A Stationary engineer can go by several different titles. These include:

  • Power Engineer
  • Energy technician
  • Power systems engineer

A Stationary Engineer works with mechanical equipment and hardware in large industrial and commercial facilities, ensuring safety and efficiency during operation.  

Today, almost every industrial building and/or large commercial space houses a complex system of support equipment. These include utilities such as boilers, heating systems, electrical generators, gas turbines, cooling systems, and more. 

Stationary Engineer - Role Overview
Stationary Engineer – Role Overview

This produces a demand for an on-site stationary engineer equipped to handle and maintain these systems for maximum efficiency and safety. 

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Responsibilities

Stationary engineers are responsible for a wide range of tasks. This includes, first and foremost, management, maintenance, and repair of all mechanical power systems in the place of work. 

What activities are included here? For example, checking faults in electrical devices, systems, or machines, as well as subsequent commissioning. 

Stationary Engineer - Responsibilities
Stationary Engineer – Responsibilities

Additionally, depending on the place of employment, you may also be responsible for the manufacture of said mechanical systems and ensuring that they are carried out correctly. This means a power engineer has to monitor the assembly and set the appropriate programs on the systems and devices. 

In line with the level of skill and experience, Stationary engineer’s day-to-day tasks may vary. A junior stationary engineer may be in charge of the maintenance, repair, and operation of systems whereas a senior engineer may guide the work of a team of technicians including assistant power engineers, turbine operators, HVAC operators, and mechanics.

Day to day responsibilities:

  • Development and construction of electromechanical devices and systems
  • Tasks in manufacturing and assembly as well as in technical service
  • Planning, assembling, installing, maintaining and repairing systems
  • Providing plant support and building technology knowledge
  • Conducting routine checks safety devices, identifying and correcting issues
  • Tracking and implementation of technical innovations and developments
  • Monitoring meters, gauges, and computerized controls
  • Manual control of equipment for necessary adjustments
  • Record keeping of relevant events and facts concerning the maintenance and operation of the equipment

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Skills required as a Stationary Engineer

It goes without saying that excellent technical abilities are one of the most important skills for a stationary engineer, as they analyze and work with various power systems. 

Relevant technical skills and knowledge may include power system analysis software like EasyPower, Adobe Professional, electrical design and network architectures, and load flow analysis and protective device coordination

Stationary Engineer - Skills Required
Stationary Engineer – Skills Required

Additionally, Stationary engineers have strong communication skills in order to collaborate with colleagues and interact with clients. Strong analytical skills are essential for assessing power systems and creating solutions to issues.

Project management abilities are also a big plus as they help to oversee staff and manage multiple clients or projects.

Skills required: 

  • Detail-oriented and strong technical knowledge
  • Knowledge of power systems software such as EasyPower
  • Strong math skills and knowledge of calculus principles
  • Electrical Design and network architecture
  • Load flow analysis and protective device coordination
  • Strong communication and technical writing skills
  • Strong analytical and project management skills

Background and Career Path

The road to this profession is via technical or commercial training in electrical engineering. A Bachelor’s degree should include a curriculum that contains Project management, IT systems, Energy and automation technology, Electrical power generation, transmission and distribution systems, and Building technology systems.

Upon completion of a 4-year academic degree, practical experience is crucial. Look at cooperative engineering programs that allow for structured work experience. 

A fresh graduate engineer will start off at the entry-level and be trained in real-life work before being given higher-level responsibilities. 

Stationary Engineer Jobs

Where can you expect to work? Stationary Engineers find employment in the following industries:

  • Electronics industry
  • Automation technology
  • Energy supply company
  • Engineering firms
  • mechanical engineering
  • Plant engineering
  • vehicle construction

Salary: What do you earn as a Stationary Engineer?

The average salary of a power technician varies greatly and depends on the following factors: Size of the company, region, and work experience. 

The starting salary is around $60,000 gross per month and increases with increasing professional experience. After a few years, an income of $75,000 gross and more is realistic. Senior engineers can expect to earn over $90,000 per year. 

Junior$60,000
Average$75,000
Senior$90,000

What does a freelance stationary engineer charge?

Average rate Stationary Engineers (2022) $71/hr

On average, freelance Stationary Engineers charge $71/hour (freelancermap’s price and rate index in September 2022).

Freelance rates in Stationary Engineering range between $31 and $96 for the majority of freelancers.

If we consider an 8-hour working day at $71/hour, the daily rate for freelance Stationary Engineers is around $568/day.


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Natalia Campana

Natalia is part of the international team at freelancermap. She loves the digital world, social media and meeting different cultures. Before she moved to Germany and joined the freelancermap team she worked in the US, UK and her home country Spain. Now she focuses on helping freelancers and IT professionals to find jobs and clients worldwide at www.freelancermap.com

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