Commissioning Engineer Job Description
Commissioning is the process of testing a facility, plant or specific piece of equipment when it is almost finished being built to make sure it functions properly. Therefore, commissioning engineers need to have a thorough knowledge of manufacturing in order to test whether a piece of machinery or production plant functions correctly and according to the specifications of the customer.
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Education
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To be a competitive applicant for most commissioning engineer positions, an individual should possess at least a bachelor's degree in an engineering-related field such as construction or mechanical engineering. Additionally, since this is not an entry-level job, those applying to be commissioning engineers should have significant previous experience working in an engineering, commissioning, contracting, construction or related company.
Skills
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Those applying for to be commissioning engineers should demonstrate good communication and organizational skills. They should exhibit solid understanding and regard for safety issues related to the engineering field. Furthermore, competitive applicants need to have strong analytic skills, be able to work well both independently and as part of a team, and be very service-oriented. These individuals need to be able to work well in fast-paced environments and should exhibit respect for strict project deadlines.
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Duties
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Commissioning engineers must test equipment and verify that it works according to given specifications. They must complete documentation about their work. Additionally, they must participate in meetings with architects and customers to discuss projects. These individuals must calculate, draw and schedule plans to make sure projects are completed correctly and on time. They must strictly adhere to safety regulations. Senior and lead engineers may be required to manage teams.
Work Environment
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most engineers work standard 40-hour workweeks, though they may have to work overtime to meet deadlines. Commissioning engineers spend most of their time in office buildings or industrial plants. Sometimes their job may require them to work outdoors. They may also be required to travel to plants or other work sites.
Salary
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According to a June 2010 survey from Payscale.com, the average annual salary for a commissioning engineer ranges from $55,656 to $78,468 per year. As with all salary surveys, these figures can vary greatly based on geographic location, employer and years of experience.
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References
- Photo Credit builder and architect image by goce risteski from Fotolia.com