Wind Energy Engineers

Career summary

To develop a wind farm, engineers must bring together the right technology (wind turbines) in the right places (open spaces with lots of wind), with good transportation, and a connection to the electrical grid.

When identifying sites for wind farms, engineers calculate wind power density (WPD) to make sure farms will be productive. Some wind farms are even located at sea.

Wind energy engineers use complex computer software to lay out wind farms and to test and operate turbines and other systems. They make models of the system to see if the wind farm will produce the required amount of power.

Engineers also write computer programs or build equipment to control the wind turbines. They develop and test all the components of an energy farm, including gearboxes, generators, and converters.

Engineers oversee the construction phase of the turbines, towers, and substations. They make sure the plant follows rules for safety and environmental impact.

Following construction, engineers test the turbines and systems for strength, energy output, and noise levels.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aerospace Engineers
• Construction Managers
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Energy Engineers
• Environmental Engineers
• Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
• Mechanical Engineers
• Renewable Energy Engineers
• Wind Energy Operations Managers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to wind energy engineers.

• Create and maintain wind farm layouts and schematics.
• Provide engineering technical support to designers.
• Recommend changes to process or infrastructure to improve the performance of wind turbines.
• Investigate new technologies or experimental wind turbines for things such as aerodynamics, production, noise, and load.
• Create models of wind farms, including roads, paths, and substations.
• Use math to develop electronic controls, software, and other systems.
• Test wind turbine components using various equipment. Determine the effects of stress on the system.
• Oversee the work of consultants or subcontractors.
• Monitor wind farm construction to ensure compliance with regulations.

Common work activities

Wind energy engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Process information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Analyze data or information
• Document and record information
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Evaluate information against standards
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Think creatively
• Develop and build teams
• Develop goals and strategies
• Schedule work and activities
• Guide, direct, and motivate others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, wind energy engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a moderate amount of social interaction with others.
• Hold some responsibility for the work done by others.
• Usually work as part of a team.
• Communicate via telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face discussions. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors planning projects, but work outside to scope projects and inspect progress.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate when performing the job.
• Sometimes repeat the same mental activities.
• Make decisions that strongly affect their employer and clients. This is because they rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set most daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere. They abide by strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a set schedule.
• Usually work 40 hours a week. May work overtime to meet project deadlines.

Physical demands

Wind energy engineers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for wind energy engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for wind energy engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

Skills and abilities

Wind energy engineers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Mechanical Engineering

Other programs of study to consider

• Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
• Engineering Mechanics
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Pre-Engineering

Training

To work as a wind energy engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Many four-year colleges and universities offer this program of study. You may need between four and five years to complete this program.

Some jobs require a master's or doctoral degree (PhD). For instance, if you are interested in teaching mechanical engineering at a college you need a PhD. Also, many student engineers go to graduate school to specialize in one area of mechanical engineering.

In a typical four-year program, classes include math, basic science, introductory engineering, and social science. Courses may include mechanics and materials, turbines and engine engineering, and product engineering. You may also study design and manufacturing and mechanical vibration.

Some two-year colleges have agreements with the engineering departments at four-year schools. These agreements allow you to take your first two years of courses at the two-year college. Then you move to the university for the last two years. Some liberal arts schools have similar programs to prepare you for engineering schools.

Work experience

You should consider participating in an internship with an engineering firm while you are in college. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

In general, wind energy engineers receive one to two years of on-the-job training. New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. As you gain knowledge and experience you have greater independence and work on more difficult tasks.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Applications
• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
• Electronics
• Natural Resources Management
• Probability and Statistics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require that wind energy engineers have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering. Employers also look for people with strong communication and mechanical skills. Certification or licensing may also be required.

Costs to workers

Some workers join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Engineer-in-training licensing requirements include:

• an engineering degree from a school approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), or four years of practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of education and work experience; and
• passing a written exam.

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

• completion of the engineer-in-training requirements;
• four additional years of active practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer or a combination of work experience and education; and
• passing a written exam.

Engineers who wish to be licensed as professional engineers must pay $65 to the State for an initial national exam application. After State approval, $350 must be paid for the registration examination from the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. The license renewal fee is $116 every two years. Not all engineers in Washington must be licensed.

There are different requirements for engineers who work with structures.

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program 
PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

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Wages

#Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for wind energy engineers. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other engineers."

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The engineer's level of training, experience, and responsibility also affect wages.

Wind energy engineers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

National wage information is not available specifically for wind energy engineers. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineers."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Currently, there is no specific statewide outlook information available for wind energy engineers. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other engineers."

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Engineering firms
• Utility companies

National outlook

Growth is expected to continue in the wind-power industry. This is due to the trend in government incentives and increased consumer interest. These incentives make wind power more affordable for individuals and businesses.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for wind energy engineers. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineers."

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

American Society of Mechanical Engineers 
Two Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
800.843.2763

American Wind Energy Association 
1501 M Street NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005
202.383.2500

Association of Energy Engineers 
(training and certification information)

Discover Engineering 

eGFI - Dream Up the Future 

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy information 
(US Department of Energy)

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Engineering Your Future 

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 
901 D Street SW, Suite 930
Washington, DC 20024
202.488.2200

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

US Department of Energy 
(Renewable energy information - wind energy)

US Department of Energy: Clean Energy Training Programs 

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Wind Solar Alliance 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Wind Energy Engineers (17-2199.10) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Strong Interest Inventory

• Engineer

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Professional