Energy Engineer
What is the work like?
As an engineer involved in energy production, you would work on the extraction of oil and gas, or on producing energy from renewable or sustainable sources such as wind power, solar power or biofuels.
You might work in a wide variety of energy production roles, for example:
- as a reservoir engineer, calculating how much oil or gas a well will produce and planning how to extract as much as possible
- researching new ways of generating energy – for example, designing wind farms
- designing machinery and developing ways of improving existing processes
- overseeing the drilling operations on an offshore rig, as a drilling engineer.
Your day-to-day tasks would depend on the type of project you were involved in, but might include:
- using mathematical and computer models to calculate the size and shape of a reservoir
- deciding on the best locations for production wells to maximise profit
- planning an offshore production platform's drilling programme
- co-ordinating the work of a drilling team
- designing and selecting equipment
- making sure oil or gas extraction meets environmental standards
- analysing drilling performance and factors affecting cost and efficiency
- working with other professionals such as geologists, geophysicists and specialist contractors
- carrying out laboratory experiments and converting them into large-scale industrial processes.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become an energy engineer, you will need a degree (BEng or BSc) or Masters degree (MEng or MSc) in a scientific or engineering subject, such as:
- mining or petroleum engineering
- environmental technology
- energy engineering
- earth sciences
- environmental engineering
- renewable or sustainable energy
- electrical engineering
- chemical engineering.
To get onto a relevant degree you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C), and at least two A levels including maths and a science. Alternative qualifications may be accepted, and some universities offer a foundation year for people without qualifications in maths and science. Check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
You will often need a master’s degree for senior and research posts. See the Energy Institute's website for details of approved degrees and postgraduate courses.
Foreign language skills can be an advantage for working in multinational companies.
What further training and development can I do?
You will develop your skills on the job, possibly through a company's structured graduate training scheme.
You can improve your career prospects by gaining incorporated or chartered engineer status from the Engineering Council, and joining a professional engineering body like the Energy Institute. Chartered engineers are normally involved in senior strategic management, or in research and development. Incorporated engineers solve practical engineering problems and often hold operational management roles.
See the Engineering Council and Energy Institute websites for details on how to gain incorporated and chartered engineer status.
As an experienced engineer, you should keep your knowledge and skills up to date throughout your career. The Energy Institute offers a range of short courses in new skills and technologies to help you continue your professional development.
Where can I go for more information?
246 High HolbornLondon
WC1V 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0500
Centre Park
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1GG
Tel: 01925 515200
London
W1G 7AR
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Graduate starting salaries are between £25,000 and £30,000 a year.
- Senior salaries can be between £50,000 and £75,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
If you were involved in power plant or drilling operations, you could work on a seven-day shift system including nights and weekends. You would be more likely to work standard office hours in design, research and development.
Onshore work is mainly in offices and laboratories, with some time visiting sites. As a drilling engineer you would need to work on an offshore rig or platform, usually with two weeks of shift work followed by a two or three weeks' shore leave. Some jobs may involve international travel and long stays away from home.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in science, technology and the environment
- problem-solving ability
- good planning and organisational skills
- excellent mathematical and computer skills
- the ability to manage projects, budgets and people
- good communication and teamworking skills
- knowledge of electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed in the oil and gas industry, energy production companies, or government and university research. Renewable energy is a growth area, due to increased interest in environmental issues.
With experience, you could move into planning, policy development, or freelance consultancy.
Jobs may be advertised in the national and industry press, and by specialist recruitment agencies. You may also find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
Oil Careers
Oil and Gas 4 U
Earthworks
Oil Online
Green Energy Jobs
Utility Jobsearch
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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