How to Be Physical Plant Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 16, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The physical plant engineer is a crucial role in ensuring the efficient operation of any business or organization. Their responsibilities range from designing and constructing facilities to overseeing maintenance and safety protocols. By effectively managing the physical plant, they can help reduce costs associated with energy, water, and maintenance while also improving the overall performance and efficiency of the facility.

they are responsible for keeping up with the latest regulations and technologies related to their field, as well as developing new ones. As a result, physical plant engineers play a key role in keeping businesses and organizations running smoothly, safely, and cost-effectively.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers require physical plant engineers to hold at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Popular majors for aspiring physical plant engineers include chemical, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering.
Obtain Relevant Work Experience. Aspiring physical plant engineers are encouraged to gain relevant work experience through internships or part-time jobs during college.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not required for physical plant engineers, but it can demonstrate expertise and help candidates stand out in the job market. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) offers the Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) credential, which requires experience and passing an examination.
Acquire Licensing. Depending on the state, physical plant engineers may need to obtain a professional engineering license. Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically involve a combination of education, experience and passing an exam.
Pursue Continuing Education. Many employers prefer physical plant engineers who are well-versed in the latest technologies and procedures related to the field. Professional organizations may provide continuing education opportunities to help engineers stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

In order to keep up to date and capable as a Physical Plant Engineer, one must continuously learn about the latest advancements in the industry and stay informed on relevant topics. This can be achieved by attending industry conferences, reading industry magazines and journals, or taking courses to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, it is important to keep up with the changing regulations and standards of the profession and to remain aware of new technologies and processes that could improve efficiency. By taking these steps, Physical Plant Engineers can stay ahead of the competition and ensure they are providing the best possible service.

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Job Description

Oversee maintenance and repairs of all physical plant equipment and systems, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical.
Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs to ensure effective operations of physical plant equipment and systems.
Inspect equipment regularly to identify and address potential problems before they occur.
Monitor the performance of the physical plant equipment and systems and take corrective action when necessary.
Coordinate with contractors and vendors for repairs, installation, and maintenance of physical plant equipment and systems.
Provide technical assistance in the operation of physical plant equipment and systems.
Develop and maintain all documentation related to the physical plant equipment and systems.
Ensure safety regulations are followed when working on the physical plant.
Monitor energy consumption and take measures to reduce usage when possible.
Prepare budget estimates for maintenance and repairs of physical plant equipment and systems.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering principles.
Understanding of building systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and fire safety.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and plans.
Knowledge of construction materials, methods, and tools.
Familiarity with codes and regulations related to building construction and maintenance.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Ability to operate and maintain machinery and equipment.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical problems.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively explain complex systems to non-technical personnel.
Strong customer service skills.

Good problem-solving skills are essential for Plant Engineers as they are often required to troubleshoot and fix mechanical or electrical issues. They must be able to quickly identify the cause of an issue, determine the best solution, and then implement the fix in a timely manner. Problem-solving skills involve creative thinking, analysis, research, and communication abilities which are useful in finding ways to optimize plant operations.

Plant Engineers need to be highly organized and have excellent analytical and communication skills to effectively collaborate with colleagues and suppliers. They also need a thorough understanding of electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering principles as well as safety regulations to ensure the efficient and safe operation of facilities. Finally, Plant Engineers must be able to work independently and stay up-to-date on industry developments and trends.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with physical plant engineering?
Describe a project you've completed in this field.
How do you troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues?
How do you ensure safety protocols are followed when working on plant systems?
What strategies do you use when developing preventive maintenance plans?
What experience do you have with HVAC systems?
How do you stay up to date with the latest industry standards and regulations?
Describe your experience managing projects from start to finish.
How do you prioritize tasks and handle competing deadlines?
How do you use data and analytics to improve operational efficiency?

Common Tools in Industry

Hard Hat. A protective helmet used to protect the head from injury (eg: construction workers).
Safety Glasses. Safety eyewear designed to protect the eyes from dust, debris, and other hazardous materials (eg: welders).
Ear Protection. Hearing protection designed to protect the ears from loud noises (eg: operating machinery).
Respirator. A device worn to filter out toxic particles in the air (eg: asbestos removal).
Toolbox. A storage container for tools and supplies (eg: screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. ).
Digital Multimeter. An electrical testing device used to measure voltage, current, and resistance (eg: diagnosing wiring issues).
Wrench Set. A set of tools used to turn nuts and bolts (eg: plumbing repairs).
Level. A measuring device used to determine if surfaces are parallel or perpendicular (eg: hanging a door).
Screwdriver Set. A set of tools used to turn screws (eg: cabinet assembly).
Socket Set. A set of tools used to turn nuts and bolts (eg: repairing machinery).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE)
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)

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Common Important Terms

HVAC System. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. It is a system of interconnected components used to control the temperature, humidity, and air quality of a building.
Electrical Engineering. The study of electricity and its related fields, such as electronics, power systems, and telecommunications.
Plumbing. The practice of installing and maintaining pipes, fixtures, and other apparatus for the distribution of water, waste, and gas in a building.
Mechanical Engineering. The application of principles of physics and mathematics to the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems.
Building Automation System (BAS). A system that monitors and controls various functions within a building, such as temperature, ventilation, lighting, security, and energy management.
Building Management System (BMS). A computer-based system used to monitor, control, and optimize the performance of a building's systems.
Fire Protection System. A system designed to protect people and property from fire by detecting fires and activating alarms, sprinklers, and other fire suppression systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Physical Plant Engineer do?

A Physical Plant Engineer is responsible for maintaining, operating and improving the physical facilities of an organization. This includes the management of building systems, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, as well as the development and implementation of maintenance plans.

What qualifications are required for a Physical Plant Engineer?

Physical Plant Engineers typically have a bachelors degree in engineering or a related field. They should also have at least five years of experience in managing physical plant operations. Additionally, they should have knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

What are the job duties of a Physical Plant Engineer?

The job duties of a Physical Plant Engineer include monitoring and maintaining building systems, developing and implementing maintenance plans, managing staff and contractors, conducting safety inspections and identifying safety risks, and interacting with vendors.

What is the salary range for a Physical Plant Engineer?

The average salary for a Physical Plant Engineer ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

What are the benefits of working as a Physical Plant Engineer?

Working as a Physical Plant Engineer provides the opportunity to use your engineering knowledge to contribute to the operations of an organization. Additionally, it offers the potential for growth and advancement in the field.