Hydrogen engineer
Help companies to produce, store, transport and use hydrogen as a clean source of energy.
About the job
What it's like
You'll help businesses find ways to produce, transport or store hydrogen, so it can be used or sold. Or you could help organisations, such as local authorities, to plan a hydrogen-fuelling network.
You’ll make high-level plans to help them work out what they need and how it could be done. You’ll then work with a team of engineers with different specialisms, who’ll put the plans into practice.
If you’re a hydrogen engineer, it really means you’re an engineer working with hydrogen! You could be trained as a systems engineer, working with hydrogen to make sure all parts of the system work together. Or you could be a water engineer who's designing the water systems for hydrogen production.
What's hydrogen used for?
Hydrogen has been used for about 100 years. For example, it was historically used in oil refining but it’s now used in other processes, such as:
forming glass
as a raw material in chemical reactions
producing ammonia and fertilisers
re-fuelling vehicles
producing food and whisky
Your tasks might include:
drafting a block diagram or process flow diagram for a project
writing a specification for a piece of equipment, such as a hydrogen compressor
doing calculations for a concept design, for example in pressure drops or energy balances
writing bids and proposals for work
checking and reviewing other engineers’ work
working closely between customers and suppliers, answering any technical questions
Being a hydrogen engineer allows you to be innovative and creative, while supporting the transition to renewable energy.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Development International: Hydrogen – all about the hydrogen sector and what skills are needed to work in it
The Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub – find out about this green hydrogen production, storage and distribution facility
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Hydrogen engineer'
Select qualification level(s)
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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.
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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.
- ethical
- adaptability
- attention to detail
- taking initiative
- written communication
- researching
- problem solving
- innovative
- developing a plan
- analysing
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:
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English
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Physics
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Engineering Science
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Environmental Science
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Design and Manufacture
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Chemistry
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Computing science
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Skills for Work: Energy
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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
A degree would be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects such as:
Process Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Energy Engineering
Renewable Engineering
Other technical degrees, such as Physics, Maths or Chemistry, could also help you get into an engineering career.
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
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Apprenticeships
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:
Construction Technical Apprenticeship
Construction: Civil Engineering
Construction: Specialist
Electrical Installation
Engineering and Digital Manufacturing
Engineering Construction
Food and Drink Operations
Gas Engineering
Engineering Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance
Life Science and Related Science Industries
Life Science and Related Science Industries Technical
Plumbing and Heating
Power Distribution
Process Manufacturing
Spirits Operations
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Engineering: Design and Manufacture
Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control
Discover Graduate Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Work
You could become a hydrogen engineer through applying directly with an employer or getting an entry level job and working your way up. You can use the My World of Work job search to look for job vacancies.
Getting work experience in a relevant role could help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a hydrogen engineer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Hydrogen engineer'
