Energy engineer: Job description

An energy engineer is involved with the production of energy through natural resources, such as the extraction of oil and gas, as well as from renewable or sustainable sources of energy, including biofuels, hydro, wind and solar power.

Energy engineers are focused on finding efficient, clean and innovative ways to supply energy. They work in a variety of roles including designing and testing machinery, developing ways of improving existing processes, and converting, transmitting and supplying useful energy to meet our needs for electricity.

They research and develop ways to: generate new energy; improve the efficient use of energy through reducing emissions from fossil fuels; and minimise environmental damage.

Typical work activities

Energy engineers can have an extremely varied workload, depending on the sector they work in or type of project they are involved with. Typical activities include:

• ensuring resource extraction meets environmental standards;
• developing technical expertise in all matters to do with energy and environmental control;
• being involved in the design, development and building of renewable energy technologies;
• managing the integration of renewable energy generation into existing power systems;
• keeping abreast of legislation and ensuring compliance;
• negotiating service agreements and managing associated costs and revenues;
• liaising and negotiating with fuel providers, specialist contractors, geologists and other relevant organisations;
• working with fuel providers, arranging new supplies and negotiating tariffs;
• developing and implementing strategies relating to renewable energy and corporate sustainable development;
• carrying out site inspections and energy surveys;
• designing and selecting equipment;
• using mathematical and computer models to carry out design and specification calculations;
• carrying out lab experiments and adapting them to large-scale industrial processes;
• contributing to sustainable energy initiatives;
• preparing detailed schedules of work, feasibility studies and cost estimates;
• researching new energy methods;
• checking site and ground conditions for the installation of renewable technologies, such as wind turbines;
• monitoring new technologies or applications, and developing performance indicators;
• leading on corporate social responsibility issues.