As the Chief Engineer, you are responsible for the station's infrastructure, power generation, atmospherics systems, and overall technical wellbeing. If the lights are on, the air is breathable, and the station is still structurally intact, Engineering has likely done its job correctly.
| A Good Chief Engineer... | A Poor Chief Engineer... |
|---|---|
| Delegates work to their team | Tries to do every job personally |
| Prioritizes power and atmospherics | Ignores critical station systems |
| Oversees major projects | Allows dangerous modifications without review |
| Teaches newer engineers | Leaves them to figure things out alone |
| Communicates with Command | Operates in isolation |
| Solves problems safely | Creates bigger problems through recklessness |
💡 Tip
Your job is not to personally repair every breach or wire every APC. Your job is to ensure Engineering is organized, effective, and prepared to respond to station needs.
Your primary responsibility is managing the Engineering department and ensuring essential systems remain operational.
While you should possess a strong understanding of Engineering and Atmospherics, your role is not simply to fix problems yourself, but to coordinate your team and ensure work is being completed safely and efficiently.
Delegate responsibilities appropriately and ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.
A good Chief Engineer enables their department to succeed rather than attempting to solve every problem personally.
At the start of a shift, power generation and distribution should be your highest priority.
Whether the station utilizes an AME, TEG, Solars, or another power source, ensure it is operational, stable, and capable of supporting station operations.
Atmospheric systems should be monitored and maintained to ensure the station remains safe and habitable.
New engineers and atmospheric technicians should be guided and taught proper procedures whenever practical.
You are responsible for overseeing major engineering projects and infrastructure modifications.
Significant changes to station power systems, atmospherics networks, structural layouts, or other critical infrastructure should generally be reviewed by you before implementation.
Engineering creativity is valuable, but poorly planned projects can create problems for the entire station.
Consider the long-term impact of major modifications before approving them.
You should maintain awareness of what your engineers and atmospheric technicians are working on.
Check in with your staff regularly, ensure work is being completed safely, and intervene when necessary.
If members of your department are inexperienced, make reasonable efforts to teach them or assign someone capable of doing so.
You are expected to set the standard for your department. Remain professional, prioritize safety, and encourage responsible problem solving.
During emergencies, Engineering is often one of the most important departments on the station.
Breaches, fires, power failures, atmospheric hazards, and structural damage will frequently require your attention.
Coordinate repairs, delegate responsibilities, and ensure engineering resources are directed where they are needed most.
During major emergencies, maintaining station functionality should generally take priority over non-essential projects.
As a member of Command, you should communicate regularly with other department heads regarding infrastructure concerns, construction projects, and station maintenance.
Engineering rarely operates in isolation, and cooperation with other departments is often necessary for success.
Keep Command informed of major engineering concerns that may impact station operations or crew safety.
Do not authorize dangerous experiments, reckless construction projects, unauthorized modifications to critical systems, or other high-risk engineering activities without a legitimate operational reason and appropriate command awareness.
Just because something is technically possible does not mean it is a good idea.
Consider the risks to station infrastructure, crew safety, and ongoing operations before approving unusual projects.
⚠️ Warning
Engineering has the ability to save a station or accidentally destroy it. Exercise good judgment when approving projects that could significantly impact station safety or infrastructure.