Within the engineering industry, the role of a commissioning engineer is essential across every sector. It’s an integral position combining theory with practice and provides a dynamic working experience.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the role of a commissioning engineer, including day-to-day responsibilities and skills required to succeed in the role.
What is a commissioning engineer?
Commissioning engineers provide crucial support for construction and engineering projects. Their primary responsibility is to inspect the equipment, facilities, and other aspects of engineering projects to ensure everything has been designed and installed correctly. To ensure everything is up to standard, they will create reports, assist with any issues, conduct testing, and oversee the entire project from start to finish.
Additionally, commissioning engineers can provide technical support to ensure that your project meets regulations and is within budget.
What are a commissioning engineer's responsibilities?
As a commissioning engineer, no day is the same. But here are a few responsibilities you can expect to undertake:
- Reviewing technical documentation of existing client systems and machinery to understand their functions and purposes
- Coordination visits with clients
- Collaborating with construction firms to ensure safety and quality regulations are being met
- Visiting different sites to oversee the testing of equipment
- Reviewing test results and preparing test reports to confirm compliance
- Work with engineers to carry out tests and repairs
What skills does a commissioning engineer need?
The role of a commissioning engineer requires a combination of technical expertise, practical work, and the ability to work in tandem with other engineers and site staff. Regardless of whether you are a general commissioning engineer or a commissioning engineer in a specific sector, there are several critical skills you will need to succeed.
If you’re going to succeed in your role, you will need to have outstanding technical and mathematical skills. You will need these skills no matter your experience or the industry you work in. You’ll also need to understand the machinery you are working with and how to resolve any problems that surface.
As a commissioning engineer, you will likely work on several different aspects of a project across a range of sectors, including life sciences and energy management. You will require excellent communication skills — as you need to relate to and communicate with a wide range of people.
Why should you become a commissioning engineer?
If you are ambitious and love solving complex problems, pursuing a career as a commissioning engineer may be the right path for you. They are consistently ranked as one of the most sought-after engineering disciplines and provide a fast-paced, challenging role, which makes it attractive to many.
As technology advances, commissioning engineers will be one of the last jobs replaced by machines. That’s because the job requires a complexity of thought needed to resolve particular issues. Commissioning engineers are also required to travel — as they are involved in a range of projects. As you travel the globe, you’ll get the opportunity to learn from other engineers and gain more knowledge and experience.
Contact Bothwell Engineering to make your process a success
Whether you need an expert with knowledge of current industry regulations or help managing projects, Bothwell Engineering offers biotech engineering services that can help your manufacturing or startup project be a success.
We can provide your facility with a team of industry experts to help you take your project from development to commissioning. We are committed to providing solutions that are tailored to your exact needs.
Get in touch with us today to learn more.
