Energy engineer : Employers and vacancy sources

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.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Environment Jobs  
• New Scientist Jobs    
• GreenRoles  
• The Environment Post  
• Your Energy Jobs  
• Utility Jobsearch    
• Green Energy Jobs   
• Earthworks Jobs   
• Ethical Jobs  
• Environmentjob.co.uk  
• Local and regional press.

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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