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!
OWL NI
IRTE members and friends are invited to attend OWL NI, in partnership with IRTE Ireland North Centre, taking place at the Titanic Centre in Belfast on 23 October 2025.
Knorr-Bremse: Introducing the iTEBSX System
Join the IRTE Northern Centre for a CPD presentation by Richard Veasey of Knorr-Bremse. Discussing the company’s evolution, future technologies, and the UK launch of the iTEBSX trailer EBS system.
The Later Avon Valley Copper & Brass Industry 1740 to 1925 Presentation
Join us for our next presentation, “The Later Avon Valley Copper & Brass Industry 1740–1925,” with speaker Tony Coverdale. Discover how the Avon Valley became a centre of innovation in brass and copper production from the pioneering work of William Champion to the lasting legacy of the Bristol Brass Company at Keynsham and Saltford.
BG Powerflow Presentation
Join us for a presentation on BG Powerflow by Andy Cotton, exploring the system’s features, benefits, and practical applications
Recent News
Take a look at the recent news at SOE.
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.
Why Engineers in 2025 Are Turning to Professional Institutions for Career Growth
Find out why engineers are joining the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) in 2025. Learn how membership supports professional recognition, CPD, and career growth in transport, plant, and environmental sectors.
Top 5 Skills Every Engineer Needs in 2025
Discover the top 5 skills every engineer needs in 2025, from digital literacy to sustainability. Learn how SOE membership supports professional development and career growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions.