Occasionally engineers are exposed to wet and humid conditions. Some engineers work near hot and noisy engines, while others work at consoles in cool, quiet control rooms. They are occasionally exposed to hazardous chemicals, fumes, gases, and dusts. Engineers may experience back strain from lifting heavy objects or crawling inside boilers. Machinery is often operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so shift work is common.
Some engineers work weekends and holidays.
Most work 40 hours a week. Some engineers work alone, while others work in small crews. Some are members of a union. Wages vary with level of training, experience and location. Entry level wages may be lower.