Energy engineer
Design and construct sites to generate power from the wind, sun and water. Extract oil and gas for energy.
Also known as: renewable energy engineer, alternative energy engineer
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£890
Average
Monthly
£3,856
Average
Yearly
£46,280
Average
16,100
people are currently employed
High growth
300 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would design and construct sites to generate energy from the wind, sun and water. You could also drill for and extract gas and oil.
You would research, design and oversee construction of power generation plants that use renewable and sustainable natural resources, such as:
Water to generate hydro power
Sunlight to produce solar power
Plants or plant materials to generate biomass power
Wind power
You could also be involved in drilling for gas and oil.
You would use mathematical and computer models to research and design new generating sites.
Depending on the type of project you work on, you could decide on the best locations for installations like wind farms, solar panels or hydropower plants. Or you might plan and oversee a production programme for sites like drilling platforms or hydroelectric plants.
You would:
Manage and coordinate teams of technicians or site workers
Design and select the equipment needed at the site
Make sure the site meets environmental standards such as carbon reduction targets
Analyse the costs of running the site and improve its efficiency
Assess new and current processes to make the site as productive as possible
Do laboratory experiments to develop large-scale industrial processes
You would work with other professionals such as geologists, geophysicists and specialist contractors.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- designing
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Environmental Science
Physics
Skills for Work: Energy
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) in an engineering or a scientific subject.
Some employers may also expect you to have a relevant postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11).
Relevant subjects could include:
Energy engineering
Renewable energy technologies
Sustainable energy
Petroleum engineering,
Environmental science
Electrical engineering
Chemical engineering
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND. To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF Level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 5).
Employers value work experience so finding courses with work placements or an internship, or working for a year in industry can be especially useful.
A foreign language can be helpful if you want to work for an international company.
Once qualified, applying for chartered status can improve your career prospects. Depending on your qualifications you may decide to apply for Chartered Engineer (CEng), Chartered Scientist (CSci) or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status with the Energy Institute.
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