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92100.01 – Power engineers

Power engineers operate and maintain reactors, turbines, boilers, generators, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment to generate electrical power and to provide heat, light, refrigeration and other utility services for commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and other work sites. Apprentices are also included in this occupation.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Power plant operator
  • Stationary engineer

Core competencies

  • Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment to ensure equipment operates efficiently and safely by continuously monitoring various parameters such as temperatures, pressures, flow rates or electrical outputs
  • Troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve equipment malfunctions or operational problems, such as mechanical failures, electrical faults or control system malfunctions, quickly and effectively
  • Pattern Identification and Perceptual Speed to identify potential leaks or other equipment malfunctions by monitoring plant equipment, gauges, alarms, meters and other instruments
  • Selective Attention to operate automated or computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment with a focus on identifying critical parameters and ensuring safe functionality at all times
  • Attention to Detail to analyse and record accurate instrument readings and equipment malfunctions
  • Knowledge in Electrical and Electronics to interpret electrical diagrams, perform electrical measurements and safely handle high-voltage equipment

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Power engineers

    • Operate automated or computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment such as reactors, boilers, turbines, generators, pumps, compressors, pollution control devices and other equipment to generate electrical power and to provide light, heat, ventilation and refrigeration for buildings, industrial plants and other work sites
    • Start up and shut down power plant equipment, control switching operations, regulate water levels and communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate transmission loads, frequency and line voltages
    • Monitor and inspect plant equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, meters and other instruments to measure temperature, pressure and fuel flow to detect leaks or other equipment malfunctions and to ensure plant equipment is operating at maximum efficiency
    • Analyze and record instrument readings and equipment malfunctions
    • Troubleshoot and perform corrective action and minor repairs to prevent equipment or system failure
    • Respond to emergency situations if required
    • Clean and lubricate generators, turbines, pumps and compressors and perform other routine equipment maintenance duties using appropriate lubricants and hand, power and precision tools
    • Maintain a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities, and write reports on plant operation and non-compliance
    • May assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures.

Additional information

  • There is little mobility between nuclear power generation station operators and other classic or alternative power generation station operators.
  • Progression from lower to higher classes for power or stationary engineers is dependent on further training and experience.
  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

9 – Occupations in manufacturing and utilities

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

92 – Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and utilities operators and controllers

Sub-major group

921 – Utilities equipment operators and controllers

Minor group

9210 – Utilities equipment operators and controllers

Unit group

92100 – Power engineers and power systems operators

Occupational profile

92100.01 – Power engineers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.