Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Also known as: Air Compressor Engineer, Air Compressor Operator, Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer) (+72 more)
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
Take our free 15-minute assessment to see how well this career fits YOUR unique profile
What You'll Do
- Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
- Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
- Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
- Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.
- Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
- Fire coal furnaces by hand or with stokers and gas- or oil-fed boilers, using automatic gas feeds or oil pumps.
- Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely.
- Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
- Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.
- Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system or industrial processes.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
- Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
- Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
Common styles
Attention to Detail, Dependability, Integrity, Independence, Adaptability/Flexibility
Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.
Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Style
Common Styles for This Career
- Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.36/5)
- Dependability (High importance: 4.36/5)
- Integrity (High importance: 4.17/5)
- Independence (High importance: 3.99/5)
- Adaptability/Flexibility (High importance: 3.95/5)
Want to see how YOUR work style matches this career?
Take Free 15-Min Assessment →How to Become One
This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.
Similar Careers to Explore
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
99.9% similar profile
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
99.9% similar profile
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
99.9% similar profile
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
99.9% similar profile
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
99.9% similar profile
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
99.9% similar profile
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
99.8% similar profile
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
99.8% similar profile
Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
Ready to Discover Your Perfect Career?
Our scientific assessment measures your styles, passions, and drivers to match you with careers where you'll thrive.
Take Free Assessment (15 min) →