Professional Sectors

Representing engineers from a variety of disciplines

At the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) we welcome applications for membership from anyone interested in career development in road transport, engineer surveying and plant or from those working within the sphere of operations engineering.

Our members gain valuable professional recognition and enjoy the support of a leading professional body as they develop their careers.

As an inclusive body, SOE welcomes people from all fields of expertise and at all levels of attainment. Find out more about joining the SOE.

SOE was formed as a result of the merger of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE) and the Institution of Plant Engineers (IPlantE) in 2000 and was further boosted in 2004 when the Bureau of Engineer Surveyors (BES) joined. These bodies now form the three Professional Sectors of the Society and collectively bring over 50 years’ experience to its members.

IRTE members come from a wide variety of transport-related roles including apprentices and technicians in the light and heavy vehicle and bus and coach sectors, workshop managers, fleet engineers, transport managers and company directors.

Institute of Road Transport Engineers

IPlantE members are engineers and technicians responsible for the design, procurement, operation and maintenance of plant and equipment assets used in industry, commerce, transport, utilities and the armed forces.

Institution of Plant Engineers

Although BES members are predominantly Engineer Surveyors, this Professional Sector is also of interest to building services engineers, technical health and safety professionals and those involved in engineering facilities.

Bureau of Engineer Surveyors