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Energy Engineer

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Life As an Energy Engineer

Example of Energy Engineer Job Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Life As an Energy Engineer

  • Identify and recommend energy savings strategies to achieve more energy-efficient operation.
  • Research renewable or alternative energy systems or technologies, such as solar thermal or photovoltaic energy.
  • Prepare energy-related project reports or related documentation.
  • Write or install energy management routines for building automation systems.
  • Manage the development, design, or construction of energy conservation projects to ensure acceptability of budgets and time lines, conformance to federal and state laws, or adherence to approved specifications.
  • Analyze, interpret, or create graphical representations of energy data, using engineering software.

Things an Energy Engineer Should Know How to Do

Below is a list of the skills most Energy Engineers say are important on the job.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Types of Energy Engineer Jobs

  • HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer)
  • Energy Manager
  • Project Engineering Director
  • Energy Project Manager
  • Renewable Energy Engineer

Energy Engineer Job Outlook

There were about 132,500 jobs for Energy Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,500 new jobs for Energy Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 9,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Energy Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Minnesota, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for an Energy Engineer

The typical yearly salary for Energy Engineers is somewhere between $50,750 and $155,650.

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Energy Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Energy Engineers make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $115,710
Alaska $114,040
Arizona $94,450
Arkansas $71,510
California $107,700
Colorado $111,610
Connecticut $100,230
District of Columbia $132,530
Florida $82,970
Georgia $93,580
Hawaii $96,940
Idaho $110,270
Illinois $87,220
Indiana $73,340
Iowa $78,230
Kansas $82,060
Kentucky $79,690
Louisiana $90,580
Maine $85,800
Maryland $118,420
Massachusetts $109,220
Michigan $90,420
Minnesota $101,620
Mississippi $79,630
Missouri $86,850
Montana $79,590
Nebraska $82,760
Nevada $94,950
New Hampshire $99,070
New Jersey $114,990
New Mexico $114,790
New York $95,270
North Carolina $83,900
North Dakota $83,270
Ohio $93,370
Oklahoma $83,080
Oregon $90,720
Pennsylvania $96,550
Rhode Island $95,790
South Carolina $100,750
South Dakota $84,320
Tennessee $82,030
Texas $113,370
Utah $89,810
Vermont $81,960
Virginia $118,390
Washington $104,890
West Virginia $91,420
Wisconsin $86,600
Wyoming $97,040

What Tools do Energy Engineers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Energy Engineers may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Project
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Visio
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Home Energy Efficient Design HEED
  • Architectural Energy Corporation ENFORMA Building Diagnostics
  • Cool Roof Calculator
  • DesignBuilder Software DesignBuilder
  • EffTec EffTrack
  • Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor
  • EnergyPlus
  • Facility Energy Decision Systems FEDS
  • Federal Renewable Energy Screening Assistant FRESA
  • Fielding Data Labs OptoMizer
  • InterEnergy Software Building Energy Analyzer PRO

How do I Become an Energy Engineer?

Learn what Energy Engineer education requirements there are.

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where do Energy Engineers Work?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Those interested in being an Energy Engineer may also be interested in:

Those who work as an Energy Engineer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Rémi Kaupp via Multi-license with GFDL and Creative Commons CC-BY-SA

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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