Renewable Energy Engineers
Career summary
Renewable energy engineers develop, promote, and implement sustainable energy technologies.Renewable energy engineers create technology to harness natural energy resources such as:
- Wind energy
- Solar energy
- Thermal energy
Renewable energy engineers talk to their clients to learn what they need. Based on this information, engineers design systems and equipment. They make technical drawings of their designs using computer-assisted design (CAD) software.
Renewable energy engineers test the products and systems they design. They adjust the design and construction so the products function properly. Some engineers oversee the construction and assembly of products and systems. They may research costs and get bids from different companies for materials and production.
Renewable energy engineers develop a maintenance schedule for products and systems. They evaluate problems with the systems and tell mechanics which repairs to make.
Some renewable energy engineers work as field engineers and focus on the installation, maintenance, and repair of equipment. Some are energy auditors and monitor how homes and businesses use energy. Others work as renewable energy inspectors or planners.
Related careers
This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Aerospace Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- Energy Engineers
- Environmental Engineers
- Fuel Cell Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Wind Energy Engineers
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
Other programs of study to consider
Training
To work as a renewable energy engineer, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
- complete a bachelor's degree in engineering.
Education after high school
Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree. However, there are only a handful of undergraduate degree programs in renewable energy engineering. You can also prepare for this field by majoring in mechanical or electrical engineering. A list of training programs within the United States is available at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/education/educational_professional.html
As a student you study physics, chemistry, and math. You also take courses in electrical and mechanical engineering. Your upper-division courses focus on renewable-energy content. You will study photovoltaics (solar energy research and technology), energy management and auditing, wind power, biofuels, renewable-energy transportation systems, green building, and fuel cells.
Work experience
You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. 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, renewable energy engineers receive on-the-job training. The length of training varies by employer. Recent graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. 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 .
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:
- Algebra
- Blueprint Reading
- Chemistry
- Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
- Drafting
- Electricity
- Electronics
- Physics
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
- A background and understanding of mechanical or electrical engineering is good preparation.
- Currently, only a handful of undergraduate degree programs in renewable energy engineering are offered in the US.
- Be careful when enrolling in programs in this area. Because this is an emerging area of study, the industry does not yet have training requirements. As a result, the quality and depth of information provided by programs vary widely. You should investigate the schools you are interested in.
- Starting salaries for renewable energy engineers typically range from $35,000 to $45,000 for graduates of two-year programs. Graduates of four-year programs generally earn between $45,000 and $60,000 per year.
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, 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, $265 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.
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
#2/19/20
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
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
Institute of Energy Conversion (IEC) at the University of Delaware
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
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
56 Clifton Country Road, Suite 202
Clifton Park, NY 12065
800.654.0021
Society of Women Engineers
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636
Solar Energy International
Solar Energy Technology Basics
Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010
Training or continuing education programs in wind energy
US Department of Energy
(Renewable energy information)
Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545
World Energy Council
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Investigative (Science)
DOT occupations
Holland occupational cluster
- Investigative/Realistic/Enterprising