Wind Energy Engineer
A Wind Energy Engineer specializes in the design, construction, and maintenance of wind energy systems, including wind farms and turbines. As a vital part of the renewable energy sector, these engineers focus on creating efficient solutions to harness wind energy, contributing to a global movement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their work often involves conducting research on existing systems, analyzing environmental impacts, and developing innovative components.
Wind energy engineers typically work in diverse environments, ranging from office settings to remote wind farm sites. Their responsibilities vary based on their engineering backgrounds, which can include civil, environmental, mechanical, and electrical engineering. They utilize advanced design software and analytical tools to create models, conduct tests, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
To pursue a career in this field, individuals generally need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, with many advancing their education with master's or doctorate degrees. As interest in renewable energy grows, the demand for skilled wind energy engineers is also expected to increase, offering opportunities for travel and collaboration with a variety of professionals in the industry.
Wind Energy Engineer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Architecture & Construction, Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Environmental Studies, Physics
Earnings (Yearly Median): $111,970 annual, $53.83 hourly
Employment & Outlook: 2% to 4% (Average growth)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Wind energy engineers design and construct wind farms, wind energy turbines, and related systems and equipment. As part of one of the fastest-growing industries, green energy, wind energy engineers research and study existing wind farms and systems and determine how similar sites may be constructed in new locations. An important area of research is in designing more efficient components that can be transported and assembled with the least environmental impact. Wind energy engineers are at the center of the growth and evolution of the renewable energy movement, involved in the design, manufacturing, project development, operations, and maintenance phases of wind farm development.
Work Environment. Wind energy engineers work in office environments as well as laboratories and industrial facilities. While developing these projects, wind energy engineers may travel to remote wind farm sites for extended periods. These engineers must frequently climb to the top of wind turbines, where they experience high winds and other risks to their safety. Back at the laboratory or plant, the wind energy engineer’s work is less dangerous yet still very demanding.
Occupation Interest. Wind energy engineers are part of an exciting field with an important goal. Wind energy engineers come from a wide range of engineering backgrounds, such as civil engineering and environmental engineering, adding a broad diversity of perspectives to the field. Wind energy engineers are in demand and frequently travel to foreign countries. They are encouraged to find ways to make turbines, wind farms, and collection equipment more efficient—innovation is an important part of the business. Furthermore, wind energy engineers are part of the worldwide movement to curb greenhouse gases through harnessing renewable energy.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of wind energy engineers vary based on their individual specialties. For example, civil engineers in this field design the infrastructure for wind farms, such as roads, turbine foundations, and support buildings. Environmental engineers, meanwhile, analyze the impact of wind turbines on animal species living nearby as well as radar and telecommunications systems. Aerospace, electrical, health and safety, industrial, materials, and mechanical engineers may also provide assessments or components for wind farms.
In general, wind energy engineers assist in wind farm design and construction. They conduct research and analyses of the placement, construction, and maintenance of wind farms. Wind energy engineers generate models and schematics for efficient electrical systems and other key turbine components. They also create environmental forecasts, studying wind and weather models as well as geographic surveys of potential farm sites. Once this research is complete, wind energy engineers compile wind farm schematics and design underground and overhead collector systems, generators, blades, and electrical systems for the plant. During construction, wind energy engineers monitor systems integration and component assembly to ensure adherence to specifications and government regulations. Engineers also conduct tests on systems, which may involve climbing to the tops of turbines and entering electrical plants to study structural fatigue, energy collection, and other operational and structural elements. The engineers then write reports and recommend changes and updates to correct problems.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Wind energy engineers spend most of their time working in offices, where they write reports, compile data, and create schematics and computer models. Some of their time may be spent in manufacturing facilities, where nacelles, blades, and other vital components of a wind turbine are produced. Additionally, wind energy engineers work on wind farm construction sites, often including climbing to the top of wind turbines and other physical activities. Such site visits may involve risks and necessary precautions should be taken.
Human Environment. Wind energy engineers work with a wide range of technical and construction professionals during the course of wind farm construction. These personnel include government regulatory officials, construction workers, computer scientists, wind energy technicians, environmental scientists, wildlife biologists, and other engineers.
Technological Environment. Wind energy engineers must be skilled in design software, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and map creation programs, in addition to office and project management systems. Additionally, they use diagnostic and analytical equipment, such as anemometers (which measures wind speed), barometers, temperature sensors, and sonic detection devices.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Interested high school students should take courses in math, such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. They also need scientific training, including physics, earth science, biology, and chemistry. Coursework in drafting, electronics, and computer science is also important for the aspiring wind energy engineer. Interested high school students should also develop their English communication skills and humanities courses.
Postsecondary. All wind energy engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Many obtain a master’s degree or a doctorate in engineering. Wind energy engineering encompasses a wide range of other engineering fields, which means that these engineers may have advanced degrees in civil, environmental, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Some universities, such as Texas Tech University and the University of Massachusetts, offer specialized engineering training in wind energy.
Related Occupations
− Electrical and Electronics Engineer
− Energy Conservation and Use Technician
− Environmental Science Technician
− Forester and Conservation Scientist
− Water and Wastewater Engineer
Bibliography
"Agricultural Engineers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/agricultural-engineers.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
"Next-Generation Wind Technology." US Department of Energy Wind Energy Technologies Office, www.energy.gov/eere/wind/next-generation-wind-technology. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
"Wind Energy Engineers." O*NET OnLine. National Center for O*NET Development, US Department of Labor, 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2199.10. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.