Power Engineering

Our forty week program in Power Engineering prepares students for immediate employability in today's workforce. Successful completion of this program will allow students to sit for all three licensing agencies in Michigan. Imagine in less than one year you can change the trajectory of your life by gaining a universal and marketable skill. The Power Engineering industry is expected to continue to outpace the industry average for needed technicians.

The courses that comprise our Power Engineering Program are:

1. OSHA-10
2. Boiler Industry Principles
3. Boiler Accessories
4. Feedwater Principles
5. System Pumps
6. Steam and Condensate System Principles
7. Fuel System and Fuel Burning Equipment Principles
8. Draft System Principles
9. Boiler Operation Principles/li>
10. Boiler License Examination Principles I
11. Boiler License Examination Principles II
12. Exit Interview

Successful completion of these courses will earn the student a Certificate of Completion from the program and make them eligible to continue on to sit for the City of Dearborn, City of Detroit, State of Michigan High Pressure Boiler Operator License Examinations.

Students who are looking for a refresher course that currently possess a Stationary Engineer or High Pressure Boiler Operator License are welcome to register for this course or one of our seminars designed specifically for the examination you are seeking.

A Power Engineer, also called a Stationary Engineer, is a technically skilled and certified professional who is responsible for the operation, maintenance, renovation and repair of boiler and mechanical systems in a facility or power plant.

Where do power engineers work?

Power engineers work in a wide variety of industries and commercial applications. They ensure that equipment operates safely and efficiently within the facility's established limits.

What does a Power Engineer do?

Almost all industrial complexes and larger commercial and public buildings have a system of support utilities, which include equipment that requires certified power engineers to operate. This could range from a single boiler to a complex system of boilers, electrical generators, steam and gas turbines, pressure vessels, refrigeration, and air conditioning.

A power engineer may be in charge of the maintenance, repair, and operation of all the mechanical systems in a building, industrial power plant, or engine room. A chief power engineer may direct the work of assistant power engineers, boiler tenders, turbine operators, and air-conditioning and refrigeration operators and mechanics. In a small building or industrial plant, there may be only one power engineer at a time who will be responsible for the entire operation and maintenance of the building or facility.

Power engineers perform work on the following systems:

• boilers and steam systems
• heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems
• building automation systems
• diesel engines
• turbines, generators
• pumps, piping and compressed gas systems
• refrigeration and electrical systems

Practical responsibilities also extend to auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, electrical generators, motors, steam turbines, gas turbines, heat exchangers, condensers, cooling towers, water treatment systems, etc.

Routine checks are made on all safety devices, with the power engineer identifying and correcting any trouble that develops. Meters, gauges, and computerized controls are regularly monitored. Equipment is often manually controlled and any necessary adjustments are made. Potential mechanical problems can often be detected by observing and listening to the pitch of the machinery.

Depending on what is required, power engineers start up, regulate, repair and shut down equipment. Maintenance and repair work can range from a complete overhaul to simply replacing defective parts, such as pumps, motors, bearings, gaskets, or valves. Routine maintenance is also done, like replacing filters, removing corrosion or harmful deposits, and lubricating moving parts.

Record keeping is important, and any relevant events and facts concerning the maintenance and operation of the equipment is kept in a log. For example, on steam boilers, the power engineer will observe, control, and record steam pressure, water level, temperature, fuel consumption, and power output.

How much does an Operating Engineer make?

As of Oct 8, 2021, the average annual pay for an Operating Engineer in Detroit is $78,188 an year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $37.59 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,504/week or $6,516/month.

While some salaries have been reported as high as $172,918 and as low as $52,670, the majority of Operating Engineer salaries currently range between $62,111 (25th percentile) to $82,483 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $149,563 annually in Detroit.

The average pay range for an Operating Engineer varies greatly (as much as $20,372), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.

Based on recent job postings via online recruiting sites such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed and LinkedIn, the Operating Engineer job market in both Detroit, MI and the surrounding area is very active.

What are Top 5 Best Paying Related Operating Engineer Jobs in Detroit

We found at least 5 jobs related to the Operating Engineer job category that pay more per year than a typical Operating Engineer salary in Detroit, MI. Top examples of these roles include: Director Engineering, Chief Systems Engineer, and Chief Process Engineer.

Importantly, all of these jobs are paid between $17,100 (21.9%) and $67,563 (86.4%) more than the average Operating Engineer salary of $78,188. If you’re qualified, getting hired for one of these related Operating Engineer jobs may help you make more money than that of the average Operating Engineer position.