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!
Machines and Global Warming
Join Ian Jackson CEng FSOE FIPlantE for a hybrid webinar exploring machine operation and global warming.
Shaping the Future of Your Centre
Join IRTE North London, for an update from Centre Chairman Paul Arber.
EU Tachograph Changes 2026: What LCV Operators Must Know
Join us to get ready for the July 2026 EU tachograph changes for LCVs. Learn what the new rules mean for your business, the compliance steps you need to take, and how to avoid costly fines, plus take part in a live expert Q&A.
How We Won The Battle of Britain
Join IRTE North London as they welcome Bruce Clark, a Volunteer Guide with Bentley Priory, the RAF Fighter Command HQ during the Battle of Britain.
Recent News
Take a look at the recent news at SOE.
Gate safety: understanding risk, responsibility and compliance
Automated gates and barriers are widely used across workplaces, schools and residential settings, yet when safety is overlooked, the consequences can be devastating. Hosted by the BES sector and presented by Gate Safe UK founder Richard Jackson OBE, the recent hybrid event explored the key risks associated with automated gate systems and the shared responsibilities required to manage them effectively.
SOE Strengthens Industry Standards with DVSA Investment in IRTE Apprentice Memberships
The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) is pleased to announce that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is actively investing in the professional development of Vehicle Standards Assessor apprentices by supporting membership with the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), a sector of SOE.
Closing the Engineering Skills Gap: How SOE is Strengthening the Engineering Talent Pipeline
The UK engineering industry is facing a skills crisis, intensified by factors including an aging workforce and advances in technology. Demand for skilled technicians and engineers significantly outweighs supply, and the need for a highly trained, professionally recognised workforce is clear.
Raising the Bar: How Evolving Standards Are Transforming Lorry Loader Crane Safety
The safety, reliability, and performance of lorry loader cranes are undergoing major improvements thanks to updated design requirements, new regulatory changes, and more robust safety and performance standards. These developments are reshaping how operators, manufacturers, and inspectors approach the use, maintenance, and thorough examination of this essential lifting equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions.