How to become an Energy Engineer

With the changing state of world we live in, where is our energy going to come from in 10 years? What about in 20 years? You could be part of the shift to renewable resources in your career as an energy engineer.

What is an energy engineer?

An energy engineers role varies depending on what type of energy resource they’re working with. They could be looking at the extraction of oil and gas, and how natural resources are used. They may work with a renewable or sustainable resource such as wind, hydro or solar power. They may be researching and experimenting with biofuels. For all of these types of energy someone has to designing and building power plants that can process them, this is also something energy engineers do.

They work as part of a highly organised team with a detailed schedule for their project. For each project the engineers create a proposal, and look at viability and budget before they proceed. They use maths and computer modelling to create a design that they test the feasibility of, before they create the real product. Energy engineers need to be aware of any advancements in renewable and alternative technologies which may be relevant to their role.

They explore the location and visit the site of where they want to build. They need to decide upon the best location for equipment to be installed such as wind turbines or solar panels. Throughout the project engineers need to consider current legislation and environmental standards as they can be strict.

Energy engineers are passionate about the environment and creating cleaner forms of energy. To do this role you need all the skills of a typical engineer, including strong maths and computer skills, problem solving abilities and project management skills.

Hours & Conditions:

Energy engineers work a standard number of hours each week, however for projects where they are on site, their schedule will vary and they may follow a shift schedule including evenings and weekends. For those who work on an offshore drilling platform or at a wind farm this would be the norm.

Engineers are often in offices and laboratories but again, workplaces vary depending on their project. Some project, particularly those in the build process, may involve long periods away from home.