Are you a newly licensed professional engineer deciding which direction to steer your career? Renewable energy engineering offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the world while enjoying a fulfilling and versatile professional journey. Whether you are interested in solar, wind, or other renewable energy sources, this field presents a promising and rewarding path for engineering professionals.
Let’s explore what a renewable energy engineer does, what this career path looks like, what skills you need, and how to get started.
Importance of renewable energy
The world is turning to renewable power sources more and more because of the limited availability and harmful environmental impact of fossil fuels. According to the International Energy Agency, renewable energy is set to be the fastest-growing source of electricity generation over the next five years, underscoring its importance in the global energy landscape.
What is a renewable energy engineer?
Renewable energy engineers are professionals who design and develop energy systems that harness natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, and water, and convert them into usable power. These engineers can work in many different sectors, including mechanical, electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering, making this career path highly flexible and diverse.
The duties of renewable energy engineers include the planning, bidding, design, and project management of the construction of renewable energy projects. They also assess the integration of systems with existing infrastructure. Additionally, they perform energy calculations using spreadsheets and energy modeling software.
To give a few examples, renewable energy engineers might secure and assess projects for renewable energy plants—including wind farms, hydroelectric power plants, solar power plants, and thermal power stations. They might consult on energy efficiency measures for construction projects. They might work on government projects, such as wind power development, ensuring the certification of wind turbines. And they may decide to specialize in a specific niche, such as solar engineering.
Renewable energy engineer vs. solar engineer
A solar engineer is a type of renewable energy engineer who specializes in the design, development, and maintenance of solar power or photovoltaic (PV) systems. Renewable energy engineers may also work with other forms of sustainable energy, such as wind, hydro, or geothermal power, making their career broader in scope than that of a solar engineer.
Career outlook for renewable energy engineers
The demand for renewable energy engineers is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as societies and industries worldwide seek to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to sustainable energy solutions. This trend creates a strong job market for professionals in this field, with opportunities available in both the public and private sectors.
The projected job growth over the next decade (2022-2032) for overlapping engineering fields is expected to be much higher than average compared to all U.S. professions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Mechanical engineers: 10% expected job growth
- Electrical and electronics engineers: 5% expected job growth
- Chemical engineers: 8% expected job growth
- Industrial engineers: 12% expected job growth
Salary information
Renewable energy engineer salaries vary across different sectors and specializations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the 2023 median annual incomes for specific sectors of engineering that overlap with renewable energy engineering:
- Mechanical engineers: $99,510
- Electrical engineers: $109,010
- Chemical engineers: $112,100
- Industrial engineers: $99,380
Skills needed
Renewable energy engineers require a strong foundation in science, mathematics, and engineering principles. Additionally, proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, knowledge of sustainable energy technologies, and the ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex systems are essential for success in this profession. Good writing and communication skills, as well as familiarity with current laws around energy systems and sustainability, are also recommended.
How to become a renewable energy engineer
Becoming a renewable energy engineer is like entering other engineering fields. First, you will need a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, ideally with a focus on renewable energy or a related field. Next, you’ll need to gain experience through entry-level positions or internships and obtain your Professional Engineer license.
After meeting these requirements, you can advance to the role of a renewable energy engineer by gaining knowledge, skills, and experience specific to this professional niche. Continuing education courses are a great place to start. Some professionals may pursue advanced degrees or certifications to enhance their expertise in specific renewable energy technologies or management practices.
Is this the right career specialization for you?
If you are passionate about environmental sustainability, enjoy problem-solving, and have a keen interest in cutting-edge technologies, a career as a renewable energy engineer could be an ideal fit for you. The renewable energy industry offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment where professional engineers can contribute directly to addressing global energy challenges while advancing their careers.
Take the first steps to become a renewable energy engineer
Begin your journey to becoming a renewable energy engineer with Professional Engineer continuing education courses from McKissock. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to focus your career in this direction through professional development CE courses like “Alternative energy sources,” “Fundamentals of Solar Energy,” and “Introduction to Wind Energy.” With McKissock, you get expert-authored courses with flexible learning options and relevant content to fulfill your needs.
