Equipment engineers design, install, and maintain machines used in manufacturing and other processes. Qualifications vary, but typically require a bachelor’s degree in engineering and industry experience. They work with customers to determine project needs, develop specifications, oversee development, and ensure equipment remains operational. Continuing education is important to keep up with developments in the field.
An equipment engineer works with machines used in manufacturing and other processes. This can include the design, installation and maintenance of equipment, depending on an engineer’s skill level and job focus. Qualifications needed to work in this field vary and can include a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a higher qualification for more advanced design work. Industry experience is also typically required for lead designers and other key personnel, although entry-level positions may be open to new graduates.
In the design phase, an equipment engineer may work with a customer to determine a project’s needs and develop specifications. They take into account customer requests, along with regulatory concerns and industry standards, to ensure the finished product is safe and appropriate. Equipment engineers can develop designs and determine whether machines need to be built or can be purchased. They may also work on designs for mass-produced equipment such as medical devices. Cooperation with people in other fields may be required for some work, such as the development of safe medical implants, where physicians and other medical professionals may be involved.
Engineers may also be tasked with overseeing development from prototypes to finished products. The equipment engineer needs to inspect the processes used, confirm that products are in line with established standards, and oversee equipment testing. This may include vigorous testing to ensure that equipment does not fail under voltage. At the same time, an equipment engineer can begin work on documentation that will accompany the finished product to provide information on how to operate it.
Operation and maintenance may also be the responsibility of an equipment engineer. Facilities with complex equipment rely on engineers to keep it running efficiently and properly. This can involve a variety of activities to ensure that the equipment remains operational. Equipment engineers in this configuration may need certifications indicating that they can safely work with equipment such as rotating turbines and work with a team of qualified personnel to provide complete coverage for a plant or other facility.
Continuing education can form part of an equipment engineer’s responsibilities. This can include reading trade publications to keep up with developments in the field, attending conferences, and attending classes or workshops to learn about new technologies. Engineers need to be aware of progress in order to be able to advise customers accordingly and develop systems that take these developments into account. It is also recommended to monitor the sector in which an engineer works; someone who deals with pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, for example, needs to know new processes that can be used.
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