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!
Visit to DAF Trucks Apprentice Training Academy
Join the IRTE North Eastern Centre for a guided visit to the state-of-the-art DAF Academy in Nottingham, hosted by Training and Apprenticeships Manager Matt Coates.
Forensic Collision Investigation
The IRTE North London Centre are pleased to welcome Nathan Cattley, a Police Officer from the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit which covers the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire Constabularies.
An Introduction to the Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS)
Join SOE Technical Product Manager Leo Hubbard for an in-depth presentation on the Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS) and its application across the industry.
The Challenges Facing Logistics and Transport Organisations in Wales
Join the SOE South Wales Regional Group for an exclusive CPD event exploring challenges in logistics and transport, including NHS Wales’ Supply Chain, Logistics, and Transport operations. Gain insight into the shift to an all-electric commercial fleet,vans and HGVs and the operational changes needed to maintain vital NHS services.
Recent News
Take a look at the recent news at SOE.
The Future of Operations Engineering: Why Skills in Sustainability and Systems Thinking Are No Longer Optional
Operations engineers keep the world moving but that’s no longer enough. In 2025, the job demands smarter systems, greener solutions, and strategic thinking. Sustainability and systems thinking aren’t extras they’re essential skills.
IRTE Launches First-Ever HGV Skills Challenge - Why the Industry Needs It Now
Backed by DAF Trucks and powered by 13 years of experience running the highly successful IRTE Bus & Coach Skills Challenge, this new initiative is set to become a defining moment for the HGV sector.
SOE welcomes the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) as newest Corporate Partner.
The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) has officially welcomed the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) as its latest corporate partner, strengthening ties with the UK’s leading voice for the construction plant-hire sector.
IRTE Northern Centre honours Sgt. Peter Snook for his outstanding service to road safety
The IRTE Northern Centre has paid tribute to Sgt. Peter Snook of the Lancashire Police Commercial Vehicle Unit (CVU), marking his retirement and recognising his significant contribution to road safety and transport compliance across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions.