Steam engineer

Steam engineers provide energy and utilities to facilities, such as steam, heat and refrigeration. They operate and maintain equipment such as boilers and air compressors, and research and develop new methods and improvements for the provision of utilities.

The following job titles also refer to steam engineer:

steam engineering adviser
power steam engineer
steam engineering consultant
steam technology engineering expert
steam engineers
steam technology engineer
steam engineering expert
steam technology engineering consultant
steam technology engineering specialist
steam engineering specialist
steam technology engineering adviser
steam power engineer

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as steam engineer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Steam engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to steam engineer.

electric power generation engineer
heating, ventilation, air conditioning engineer
hydropower engineer
thermal engineer
gas distribution engineer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of steam engineer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of steam engineer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of steam engineer.

Energy market: The trends and major driving factors in the energy trading market, energy trades methodologies and practice, and the identification of the major stakeholders in the energy sector.
Refrigerants: The characteristics and properties of the different fluids used in heat pump and refrigeration cycles.
Energy: Power capacity in the form of mechanical, electrical, heat, potential, or other energy from chemical or physical resources, which can be used to drive a physical system.
Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
Technical drawings: Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
Hydraulics: The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.
Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
Thermodynamics: The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy..
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration parts: The different parts constituing heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems such as the different valves, fans, compressors, condensers, filters and other components.
Manufacturing of steam generators: The manufacture of steam or other vapour generators, the manufacture of auxiliary plant for use with steam generators: condensers, economisers, superheaters, steam collectors and accumulators. The manufacture of nuclear reactors, parts for marine or power boilers. Also the production of pipe system construction comprising further processing of tubes generally to make pressure pipes or pipe systems together with the associated design and construction work.

These skills are necessary for the role of steam engineer.

Monitor utility equipment: Monitor equipment which provides utility services such as power, heat, refrigeration, and steam, in order to ensure they are functional, operate according to regulations, and to check for faults.
Adjust engineering designs: Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
Design utility equipment: Design equipment which is used for the provision of utility services, such as heat, steam, power, and refrigeration, in order to improve efficiency and sustainability in the provision of utilities to facilities and residential properties.
Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
Approve engineering design: Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of steam engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Cad software: The computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.
Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
Automation technology: Set of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of steam engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Operate automated process control: Operate process control or automation system (PAS) used to control a production process automatically.
Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
Operate steam turbine: Operate equipment which uses thermal energy, extracted from pressurised steam, to generate rotary motion. Ensure that the turbine is balanced, and operates according to safety regulations and legislation, by monitoring the equipment during operations.
Perform maintenance on installed equipment: Perform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.
Monitor automated machines: Continuously check up on the automated machine’s set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.
Use cad software: Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
Operate hydraulic machinery controls: use correctly the controls of specialized machinery by turning valves, handwheels, or rheostats to move and control flow of fuels, water, and dry or liquid binders to machines.
Design automation components: Design engineering parts, assemblies, products, or systems that contribute to the automation of industrial machines.

2144 – Mechanical engineers

 

 

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References

1. Steam engineer – ESCO