Energy Engineer
Energy engineers specialize in enhancing energy efficiency in various construction and renovation projects. They play a crucial role in both new constructions, where they design and implement advanced energy-saving systems, and in the renovation of existing structures, where they assess and optimize outdated systems for improved efficiency. The work of energy engineers encompasses a wide range of areas, including heating, cooling, water filtration, solar energy, air quality, and long-term energy storage.
Typically employed in diverse environments such as construction sites, engineering firms, and government organizations, energy engineers often collaborate with professionals from multiple disciplines. A strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles is vital, with many entering the field through specialized undergraduate programs that include coursework in thermodynamics and renewable energy. The career requires ongoing training to stay current with evolving technologies and regulations related to energy efficiency.
With a median annual salary of approximately $111,970, the outlook for energy engineering professionals remains stable, reflecting the ongoing demand for energy-efficient solutions and sustainable practices across industries. This occupation is ideal for individuals passionate about technical systems, environmental conservation, and innovative energy solutions.
Energy Engineer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Architecture & Construction, Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Mechanical systems, environment, green energy
Earnings (Yearly Median): $111,970 annual $53.83 hourly
Employment & Outlook: 0% (Little or no change)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Energy engineers work in the construction industry to aid in the design, implementation, and maintenance of systems dedicated to energy efficiency. Energy engineers are commonly active in new construction, particularly as firms continually embrace ways to make structures that are more energy-efficient. However, a large portion of energy engineering is solely focused on the renovation of antiquated structures and the specialized adaptation of modern energy-efficient systems to outdated infrastructure. Energy engineers span a variety of concentrations, from heating and cooling systems to water filtration, solar energy dispersal, lighting, air quality, and long-term energy storage.
Work Environment. Energy engineers work in a variety of systems design, architectural, and construction environments depending on their particular expertise or discipline. Engineers dedicated to the creation of new energy-efficient and environmentally conscious systems often work in laboratory and machine-testing settings where they design and develop new technologies. Other energy engineers work in and around building construction and renovation sites, gauging which particular efficiency technologies would be best suited and most effective to a project’s individual needs and constraints.
Occupation Interest. The field of energy engineering attracts students and professionals with a keen interest in technical and mechanical systems coupled with a strong desire and interest in practices such as environmentalism, conservation, efficiency, reuse and reallocation, and alternative energy. The burgeoning field marries an emerging social consciousness toward energy efficiency with equally fast-moving technological developments focused on conservation, responsible waste management, and environmentally conscious design.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The everyday duties and responsibilities of energy engineers are dependent on two factors: their area of specialty and the nature of particular projects. While the specific responsibilities of energy engineers differ given their particular industry—as in residential, commercial, or industrial—the field as a whole can safely be divided into two facets: engineering related to new construction and engineering related to renovations to existing structures or systems.
Engineers specializing in renovations or changes to existing structures are responsible for identifying, documenting, and presenting potential energy-saving opportunities. This is done by monitoring existing energy consumption and energy production methods and by reviewing the architectural, mechanical, and electrical layouts of existing systems to identify potential upgrade areas. The evaluation of existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is also paramount.
Energy engineers who focus primarily on new construction must be well-versed in the latest technologies related to energy efficiency. They review architectural, structural, and systematic design schemes and make recommendations as to which efficient systems would best suit a particular building or system based on a diverse range of criteria. This criteria includes specific building uses, occupancy, surrounding seasonal climate, and, as with any major construction project, budgetary and time constraints.
Energy engineers in both facets of the industry must also dedicate a large portion of their professional calendar to certification acquisition and training programs to stay abreast of new technologies and laws regarding the implementation of energy-efficient systems and building materials.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Office settings predominate, with occasional on-site work.
Plant Environment. Energy engineers work in construction, heavy industry, transportation, government organizations, engineering firms, energy conservation firms, and materials manufacturing.
Human Environment. Energy engineers often work collaboratively with large groups of people across a wide variety of specific specialties.
Technological Environment. Advanced knowledge of construction engineering, HVAC systems, and knowledge related to energy conservation tactics, consumption habits, and emerging technologies is paramount. Familiarity with analytical and scientific software as well as computer-assisted design programs is also beneficial. Energy engineers should be Internet savvy and proficient in office suite programs.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Students can best prepare for a career in energy engineering with the successful completion of coursework in advanced mathematics, geometry, physics, chemistry, and industrial arts. Drafting, introductory computer design, and biology coursework can also lay important groundwork for students aspiring to a career in engineering. Participation in any and all extracurricular projects and clubs related to science, engineering, or environmentalism—notably science fairs—is also encouraged.
Postsecondary. Energy engineering is a growing field of undergraduate study that is offered at several colleges and universities throughout the United States. Many undergraduate degree programs in energy engineering draw from the fundamentals of curricula that concentrated on fuel sciences. Such programs have been updated to include coursework on renewables, green energy, and efficient energy waste disposal. Energy engineering degree programs are often complemented with an array of elective coursework related to the basics of business, risk management, and finance. Undergraduate students of energy engineering participate in courses related to thermodynamics, cellular fuels, fuel chemistry, and energy design.
Master’s degree programs in energy engineering and related fields are also offered throughout the United States. Students seeking master’s degrees in the field tailor specific energy-related coursework with their own specialized thesis projects in sustainable energy engineering; they may often complete such research in partnership with an energy engineering firm.
Related Occupations
− Electrical & Electronics Engineer
− Energy Conservation & Use Technician
− Heating & Cooling Technician
− Solar Energy System Installer
Bibliography
"Energy Engineers." O*NET OnLine. National Center for O*NET Development, US Department of Labor, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2199.03. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.
"Energy Engineering: Powering the Future." Practical Engineering Solutions, LLC, 24 May 2024, info.stonewallco.com/blog/energy-engineering-powering-the-future. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.