Energy engineer
Design and construct sites to generate green power from the wind, sun and water. You’d also extract oil and gas for energy.
Also known as: renewable energy engineer, alternative energy engineer
About the job
What it's like
Energy engineers use their technical knowledge to improve how we produce and use energy. You'll help organisations cut costs, reduce emissions and find smarter ways to power our world.
You'll 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 might work on renewable energy projects, make buildings more energy efficient or help factories use less power. It’s a rewarding role if you enjoy solving problems and seeing how your work helps, especially reducing the world's use of fossil fuels.
You could be involved in projects like installing solar panels, upgrading heating systems or advising on energy-saving measures. Energy engineers work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, utilities and consultancy. Some specialise in areas like wind or solar power, energy management or building services.
Your tasks might include:
carrying out energy audits for buildings or industrial sites
designing systems to use renewable energy sources
analysing data to spot where energy is being wasted
recommending ways to improve energy efficiency
managing projects to install new energy technology
preparing technical reports for clients or regulators
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'll usually work Monday to Friday in an office designing or doing research
If you work at a site such as a wind farm or drilling platform, you'll work shifts including nights and weekends.
Some jobs might need you to be flexible and work different hours, especially if there are project needs or bad weather, such as if you're working offshore.
Environment
You could find yourself on offshore wind farms or drilling platforms, exposed to sea breezes and changing weather.
Onshore roles often mean working in modern offices or high-tech laboratories, with regular site visits to power stations or renewable energy projects.
Depending on your specialism, you might spend time outdoors inspecting solar arrays or inside control rooms monitoring energy systems, always with a focus on safety and innovation.
Travel
You may need to travel internationally to visit project sites or attend meetings with clients and partners.
Some roles require extended stays away from home, especially when overseeing installations or commissioning energy systems abroad.
Overnight stays are common when working on projects located far from your base or in remote areas.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Visit Tomorrow's Engineers for resources on engineering careers and pathways for young people
Explore WISE to find support and inspiration for women in STEM careers
Search GreenJobs for current renewable energy and sustainability job vacancies
Visit Scottish Renewables to find out more about renewable energy in Scotland
Discover more about the future of energy at My Energy Future
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Energy engineer'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Agricultural engineer Food scientist or food technologist Materials engineer Nuclear engineer Head brewer Spacecraft communicator Flight director Remanufacturing engineer Renewable energy consultant
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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta 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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
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.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Energy Engineering
Renewable Energy
Environmental Science
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Energy Engineering
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
Engineering Systems
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover MAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Discover GAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become an energy engineer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
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. You could find more information through the Energy Institute (EI).
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Energy engineer'
