Energy engineer
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 such as biofuels, hydropower, 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.
Energy engineers research and develop ways to generate new energy, improve the efficient use of energy through reducing emissions from fossil fuels, and to minimise environmental damage.
Energy engineers can have an extremely varied workload, depending on the sector or type of project involved in, with typical work activates including:
This area of work is open to all engineering graduates, or to those with a scientific related degree. Graduates with non-accredited or non-cognate degrees can enter the profession but will be required to undertake a conversion course to upgrade their academic qualifications, with many dedicated postgraduate courses available in the engineering field. Relevant degree courses include the following subjects:
Renewable and sustainable energy solutions are increasing in both their profile and application, which has led to a number of specialist degrees being available that focus on energy and the environment, such as energy engineering, sustainable energy and climate change.
Postgraduate courses are available in renewable energy engineering, sustainable energy systems and energy futures, offering a useful entry point for graduates with a non-relevant degree. Such courses can also help develop particular interests, and may help to secure a more senior position.
As the demand for energy engineers increases through the growth in renewable and sustainable sources of energy, many energy engineers have been redeployed from other positions in the industry. More recently however, with increasing legislation, rising energy prices and a greater public awareness, employers in all the major sectors are recognising the need to develop specialist energy posts.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Foreign language skills can be an advantage for working in multinational companies.
Most employers look for candidates with experience so relevant work experience, gained through vacation or sandwich placements, is advantageous. Experience gained through voluntary work can also be very helpful. Even though a lot of work experience opportunities are unpaid, they provide essential experience when competing for jobs in a competitive market.
A number of the major oil and petroleum companies such as BP and Shell, offer summer courses, one-year industry schemes and summer internships.
Becoming a student member of relevant societies, institutes or charities will not only increase knowledge of the sector and show commitment to potential employers, it will also provide opportunities to network and make useful contacts. It is also important to keep track of developments and changes in the sector.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
It is essential to keep up to date with energy legislation, compliance and reporting requirements through training and continuous professional development (CPD). Attending internal and external training courses, relevant seminars and conferences is an effective way of keeping up to date with current issues and refreshing your knowledge. Most large firms offer structured training and encourage professional status.
There are a number of specialised courses and further qualifications for those that want to develop their knowledge, including a range of courses linked to renewable energy technologies, which provide opportunities for professional to further their career in new areas.
For future career development, it may be worthwhile to consider gaining chartered status from a professional body. The Energy Institute (EI) (EI) is the leading professional body for the energy industries. The EI is licensed by the Engineering Council to offer chartered, incorporated and engineering technician status to engineers. The Science Council awards chartered scientist status and is also licensed by the Society for the Environment to award chartered environmentalist status.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is one of the leading professional societies for the engineering and technology community. The IET requires members to undertake a programme of initial professional development (IPD), with a mentor assigned to monitor progress. To gain chartered (CEng) or incorporated (IEng) status, members need to submit a written qualifying report on professional development (QRPD) and satisfy an assessment panel that you have the skills, specialist knowledge and competence to practice as an engineer.
Energy has become a topic of huge importance and interest to individuals, industry and government. Climate changes and the increased price of oil and gas as an energy source, have prompted the government to make sustainable and renewable energy generation a priority. The 2007 Energy White Paper, Climate Change Act 2008 and the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan 2009 are all focused on reducing carbon emissions.
Consequently, the renewable energy industry is expanding rapidly. The demand for oil and gas is increasing and pressures for businesses to reduce carbon emissions and be more energy efficient has led to a growth in renewable or sustainable sources of energy such as solar, wind and hydropower.
Energy and environmental legislation, cost savings and the desire for public environmental credentials are a driving force in the profession. Growth areas include corporate social responsibility (CSR) as well as research and development into new and better ways to optimise production and finding new renewable energy sources.
Professional qualifications and continuous training are an integral part of career development, and the diverse nature of the profession offers opportunities to move into different areas of work in order to gain new skills and experience. There are also opportunities to join the growing number of environmental consultancies, become self-employed or move into the education field.
Almost every area of industry uses a large amount of energy in its production processes, therefore there are many industries that employ energy engineers including industrial employers; fuel production industries including oil, gas and nuclear; manufacturing companies; and government departments.
Energy engineers are also based in research departments, researching, developing, and testing alternative sources of energy, such as wind, solar, tidal and geothermal power.
Energy engineers are involved in the motor industry, helping to meet strict exhaust emission legislation; and in the wider manufacturing industry, there are roles to design, test and install energy equipment to generators, turbines and engines. Research is another key area of work, and energy engineers are based in research departments, developing and testing alternative sources of energy, such as wind, solar, tidal and geothermal power.
Employment can also be found within the mechanical and civil engineering industries where the design and manufacture of renewable energy products, such as wind turbines takes place; or in chemical engineering, which that involves the design of combustion chambers, oil and coal refining and biodeisel.
Energy engineers can also find work for energy agencies, large charities, energy partnerships and with consultancies that will advise on energy conservation and the efficient management of plant and buildings.
The growing concern about climate change and carbon management has also created opportunities as many companies now realise that energy and environmental awareness can benefit their business. Within retail for example, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an expanding area with a diverse range of issues. Ethical and environmental concerns are pertinent to every stage of retail operation from sourcing products, packaging, waste and recycling and energy use.
There has also been growth in higher and further education, with teaching and research opportunities becoming more commonly available.
In most instances, organisations recruit graduates directly rather than through recruitment agencies, however they are still a useful source of vacancies. See Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) for details.
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