How Do I Become a Meter Engineer?

In order to become a meter engineer, you will typically need a relevant engineering bachelor's degree in addition to work experience and certifications. Meter engineers work in a number of different industries, so you may need educational or work experience in hydraulics, electronics, or other areas, depending on your preferred field. Employers may also require that your degree come from a university that has certain accreditation, such as that offered by the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET). After school, you may also need to work in an engineering capacity before you can be certified and become a meter engineer. In some countries, including the United Kingdom, the title of meter engineer applies to jobs such as meter reader or installer, which have different requirements.

A career as a meter engineer can involve different responsibilities depending on where you live, since the title does not mean the same thing everywhere. If you live in the United States, then you will need a post-secondary education in engineering, in addition to job experience and certifications, to become a meter engineer. The first step is to attend a university that is ABET accredited, as many employers will require at least a bachelor's degree from that type of institution. That is typically enough education to become a meter engineer, though you may need to obtain a more advanced degree for certain positions.

The other main requirement to become a meter engineer is certification. Each U.S. state has its own certification process, so you will need to determine the specific requirements where you live. You may need to work in an engineering capacity for some time before you can gain a certification and be hired as a meter engineer. Some employers are more concerned about certifications than traditional education and degrees, and in many cases a certification can be a legal requirement imposed by the government.

If you want to become a meter engineer in other places, the job description and requirements may be quite different. People who install, maintain, and read electric and gas meters in the United Kingdom are typically also referred to as meter engineers. Entry level positions of this type typically require no post-secondary education, though you will usually need a driver's license and in some cases may need your own vehicle as well. There is typically some type of on-the-job-training, though certain positions also require a number of certifications.