Energy engineer jobs

A career as an energy engineer will place you at the forefront of this important industry, whether your interest is in the mining of energy or in the harvesting of energy from renewable sources. This worry is widespread around the globe.

You will be engaged in the production of energy from natural resources, such as the extraction of oil and gas, as well as the production of energy from renewable or sustainable sources of energy, such as biofuels, hydro, wind, and solar power, if you choose to work as an energy engineer.

Your primary objective will be to discover energy supply methods that are not only creative but also environmentally friendly and efficient. You have the potential to work in a number of professions, including the following:

constructing and putting machines through its paces

creating new methods for enhancing already used procedures

generating, transporting, and distributing usable energy in order to satisfy our need for electrical power

doing research and creating innovative methods to produce new forms of energy, reducing emissions from fossil fuels, and minimizing the harm done to the environment

Responsibilities

In order to be a successful energy engineer, you will need to:

technology for the design, development, and construction of renewable energy sources

Integrate the generation of renewable energy with the power infrastructures that are already in place.

organize fresh supply, and engage gasoline sources in price discussions and negotiations.

conduct site inspections as well as energy consumption assessments.

design and pick equipment

Calculations for the design and specifications may be done with the use of mathematical and computer models.

conduct research in the lab and then modify the results to fit larger-scale industrial procedures.

Detailed work schedules, as well as feasibility studies and cost projections, should be prepared.

In preparation for the construction of renewable technologies like wind turbines, the site and ground conditions should be inspected.

establish service agreements while managing the expenses and profits connected with them.

maintain communication and negotiate with specialized contractors, geologists, and any other organizations that are pertinent.

maintain a level of familiarity with the most recent laws and environmental requirements, and check to ensure that all processes and systems conform with them.

Obtain a high level of technical understanding in all issues relating to the management of energy and the environment.

Salary

Beginning earnings for energy engineers often fall around between £20,000 and £30,000.

After gaining experience, you may be able to earn a salary that falls in between £35,000 and £60,000.

Within big firms, salaries might potentially reach even greater heights at the most senior levels of management.

Your location, as well as the size and character of your company, both large and small, might have an impact on the pay that you get.

The monetary amounts listed are just meant to serve as a reference point.

Time spent working

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., that is the average workday schedule for those who work in design, research, or development. You could discover that you need to cover a seven-day shift schedule if you work in a power plant or in the drilling industry.

In certain companies, you can have the opportunity to work part-time or take a break from your profession. After accumulating a significant amount of expertise in either the energy or environmental consulting fields, opportunities for self-employment and freelancing work become accessible.

What may be anticipated

You may be working out of a laboratory, an office, or even out in the field. Visits to the sites and work in the field take place outdoors and in all kinds of weather. Some occupations may be located overseas or in less-populated areas.

It is possible that you will be the only one working at the job under some circumstances, making it an extremely lonely position. In other circumstances, there can be widespread support from the team.

Despite the fact that their numbers are growing, women are still significantly under-represented in the field. WISE and Women's Engineering Society are two of the organizations working to increase the number of women working in engineering and technology (WES).

It is possible that travel will play a significant part in the position, especially if your business has many locations, and it is also possible that you may have the opportunity to work abroad if you are employed by a company that operates on a global scale.

There is a possibility that an employee may be given access to a business automobile; nevertheless, in the event that this is not the case, reimbursement for mileage will often be expected during site visits.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in engineering or another scientific field is required to work in the field of energy engineering. Relevant topics include:

sciences of the earth

engineering that deals with electricity, mechanics, or chemistry

environmental engineering

environmental science and management

mining or petroleum engineering

energy that is either renewable or sustainable.

Both the profile and the implementation of energy solutions that are renewable and sustainable have been on the rise recently. This has resulted in the establishment of a number of specialized degrees, such as energy engineering, sustainable energy, and climate science. These qualifications concentrate on energy and the environment as their primary areas of study.

It is not required to have a postgraduate qualification, although having one might be beneficial, especially if your undergraduate degree was not in engineering or a related discipline. There are classes that may be taken in a wide number of topics that are pertinent, such as engineering for renewable energy, sustainable energy systems, and energy futures. These kind of courses may also assist in the development of certain interests and may be of use in securing a more senior job.

It will be easier for you to become a chartered engineer in the future if you earn a degree that is recognized by a pertinent professional body, such as the Energy Institute (EI) or the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), either of which can accredit your first degree or your master's degree. You may get information on approved courses by visiting the Engineering Council's Accredited Course Search page (ACAD).

Skills

You will need to demonstrate that:

an interest in the natural world, technological advancements, and scientific research

comprehension on a more broad level of the energy industry

familiarity with the applicable regulations concerning energy efficiency and carbon emissions

a solid command of verbal and written communication abilities

a capacity for scientific study and mathematical analysis

abilities in organization as well as bargaining

Abilities in information technology, including familiarity with 3D applications like AutoCAD

a knowledge of business and commerce together with a keen awareness of the market

project management skills

initiative as well as the capacity to identify developing issues and proactively propose solutions for such issues.

The ability to speak a foreign language is desirable for those seeking employment in global corporations; nevertheless, it is not required.

Practice in the workplace

Because the majority of employers would anticipate that you have some experience, it is helpful to build up whatever relevant knowledge and abilities that you can via work experience or through a placement that is a required element of your academic program. Internships lasting either one or twelve months are available at a number of the world's largest oil and petroleum firms, including BP and Shell.

You may submit speculative applications to several firms in the energy industry in the hope of gaining work experience there.

Becoming a student member of relevant groups, institutions, or charities is also beneficial to your academic career. This will give chances for you to network and create helpful connections, in addition to enhancing your understanding of the industry as a whole and demonstrating to future employers your devotion to the field. In addition to this, it is essential to remain current on the latest advancements and alterations in the industry.

Find out more information on the many types of work experience and internships that are currently offered.

Employers

The demand for energy engineers is high because employers in all of the major sectors recognize the need to develop specialist energy posts as a result of increasing legislation, rising energy prices, and a greater public awareness. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are aware of these issues. Energy engineers may be found working for a variety of companies, including the following:

employers in the industrial sector

Businesses related to the production of fuel, including oil, gas, and nuclear

manufacturing firms

government departments.

Alternate forms of electricity, such as those generated by wind, solar, tidal, and geothermal energy, may be the focus of your work in a research department, where you would investigate, develop, and test new technologies.

Other possible fields of employment for which you might look include the following:

the automotive sector, contributing to the fulfillment of stringent exhaust emission requirements

the broader manufacturing business, which includes the designing, testing, and installation of various forms of energy equipment like generators, turbines, and engines

Engineering of chemicals, which includes the creation of combustion chambers, the refinement of oil and coal, and the manufacturing of biodiesel

energy agencies, big charities, energy partnerships, and consultancies offering advice on energy saving and the effective management of plant and buildings are included in this category.

education at the higher and further levels, both in terms of teaching and research.

Improvement of one's profession

Obtaining the designation of chartered engineer can be something you wish to strive for (CEng). This qualification is one that is recognized all around the world and was given out by the Engineering Council. If you hold the CEng designation, you will have increased earning potential in addition to greater job chances.

You will be required to be a member of a professional institution in order to submit an application for professional registration via that institution. Relevant bodies include:

The Institute of Energy

This organization is known as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

If you have a Bachelor's degree from an authorized institution as well as a Master's degree from an approved institution or an acknowledged integrated MEng degree, the process of being chartered will be much simpler for you. Check out the Engineering Council Accredited Course Search for more information on which credentials have been approved (ACAD).

To facilitate the process of being chartered, many firms provide their employees with the opportunity to pursue a master's degree in a related field on a part-time basis. Visit the Engineering Council's Chartered Engineer page to learn more about how to become a chartered engineer.

In the field of energy engineering, continuing professional development (CPD) is essential to ensuring that one stays abreast of the latest technological advancements and innovations. EI is committed to continuing professional development (CPD) and provides an online tool to assist you in monitoring the activities that count toward CPD. Reading trade publications and going to conferences and other events for networking are two examples of this.

Both the EI and the IET provide opportunities to attend training courses, seminars, and conferences that might assist in the development of one's knowledge and abilities.