Working hours and conditions Typically includes regular unsocial hours Many process and manufacturing plants operate 24 hours a day throughout the year. Some jobs may require working away from base on a continual basis at client installations. Working hours are often irregular. Jobs are available in most areas Maintenance engineers work on industrial sites and in major complexes throughout the country. The work is often undertaken against a background of tight deadlines and the pressures associated with breakdown emergencies.
Maintenance engineers are often on-call outside normal working hours.
Travel Travel within a working day is occasional Absence from home at night is uncommon Overseas work or travel is occasional Gender balance More men than women enter this field of engineering but the number of women is increasing. An honours degree is required for Chartered status. An honours degree is needed for Chartered status. This is sometimes possible Entry as a trainee technician may give maintenance engineering experience, but career opportunities could be limited. A background in engineering or technology that is appropriate to the employer's products and processes is preferable.