Becoming a renewable energy engineer puts you at the forefront of a sustainable future. They are directly responsible for designing, developing and implementing the technologies that harness different renewable energy sources.
To become an engineer, you’ll typically need to complete a recognised engineering qualification. Extensive work experience, as well as additional certifications and accreditation, can also help you stand out.
Once graduated, engineers have the chance to lend their skills and experience to a variety of roles. From solar, hydropower, or wind industries, engineers can design new systems, manage projects, and drive innovation. Whether you’ve just finished high school or you're looking to change careers, read on to discover our complete guide on becoming a renewable energy engineer.
Why choose a career in renewable energy?
As the world turns to renewable power sources to cut carbon emissions, the renewable energy industry is growing rapidly. Because of this global shift, there’s a demand for skilled workers who can contribute to a sustainable future. This makes a career in renewable energy one with strong job security and a steady stream of future job opportunities. This also translates into competitive salaries, with engineers earning more than $100,000, with the potential for higher earnings as they gain experience.
Working in renewable energy means contributing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. You are working to create a meaningful, positive change to the environment, whether it be designing solar systems or researching new ways to improve energy storage. Your work has never been more relevant, and amidst the green revolution, it has never been more in demand.
What does a renewable energy engineer do?
Before you kickstart your new career as an engineer, it’s helpful to be aware of your tasks and responsibilities. While these may change depending upon the industry, renewable energy engineers will typically be responsible for the following:
- Design renewable energy systems
A key part of your role as a renewable engineer is creating detailed plans and designs. Engineers will typically need to ensure these designs meet regulatory standards and maintain performance levels. - Project management
Engineers must supervise the entire life cycle of a renewable energy system, including both the construction and installation. Using their technical expertise, engineers must communicate with contractors and relevant stakeholders to ensure projects are completed safely, within budget and on time. - Maintenance and installation
Engineers can carry out installations and provide ongoing maintenance to ensure everything continues to operate smoothly. Part of their role may also include providing technical support to clients and employees on how to operate and maintain renewable energy systems. - Research and development
They are also responsible for innovating new technology. This includes researching various ways to improve energy systems, using cutting-edge designs that refine and optimise existing ideas and processes to maximise energy production.
Where could I work as a renewable energy engineer?
A great advantage of working in renewable energy is the variety of industries that engineers can work in. This diverse range typically includes:
- Solar Energy Engineer
Engineers in solar are responsible for designing and installing solar systems. Their role can also extend to research, with developments that attempt to find new materials and technologies to improve solar production. Their work typically centres on residential and large-scale commercial farms. - Wind Energy Engineer
This industry focuses on the design, installation and continued maintenance of wind turbines. A crucial part of the renewable energy sector, engineers conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for wind farms and carry out research. - Energy Storage Engineer
The battery industry is a rapidly growing part of the renewable space, with their role in providing an efficient storage system for excess energy. Engineers are typically responsible for overseeing the design and development process, and for finding innovative solutions and technologies to improve cost-effectiveness and safety. - Hydropower Engineer
Engineers are also vital to the continued success of hydropower, applying their knowledge of fluid dynamics, civil engineering for infrastructure, and electrical and mechanical engineering for generators and turbines. These skills are essential for ensuring hydropower continues to produce energy at an optimal level. - Sustainability Consultant
Engineers can also lend their expertise to working with businesses and governments on developing renewable energy strategies as a sustainability consultant. Within this role, engineers help to design, evaluate, and implement environmentally friendly projects. This can be a great opportunity for those who want to contribute to a better future and drive policies that reduce environmental impacts.
Skills needed to become a renewable energy engineer
To thrive as a successful engineer, you’ll need to develop both soft and technical skills. These typically include the following:
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in engineering principles
You must develop a foundational understanding of engineering principles. This is because the role of a renewable energy engineer fundamentally relies on knowledge across multiple disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and energy technology, to solve complex problems. - Project management
Many of the renewable projects you’ll work on are large-scale initiatives. Their success relies on careful planning, coordination and execution. Therefore, engineers need exceptional skills in project management to ensure everything is completed smoothly. Senior engineers, in particular, may be responsible for overseeing the different stages of a renewable project and distributing tasks to employees. - Health, safety and environmental Awareness
The renewable energy industry is highly regulated within Australia. Prospective engineers must develop a strong understanding of any health, safety and environmental regulations for compliance. - Familiarity with renewable energy technology
As Australia looks to fulfil their energy goals, businesses are looking for engineers with extensive knowledge of renewable energy technology. This could include a detailed understanding of how wind turbines and solar power work, to hydrogen and battery storage. As the industry grows, an awareness of this technology will be vital.
Soft Skills
- Strong communication
With so many different stakeholders involved in renewable energy, strong communication skills will be vital. Particularly for engineers, who are required to clearly explain technical information and project goals. - Teamwork
Collaboration is at the heart of renewable energy projects, from engineers to environmental scientists and contractors. To ensure project goals are achieved, engineers need strong teamwork skills, which foster collaboration and cooperation among all employees toward a common objective. This also promotes the easy exchange of ideas and communication to solve problems. - Problem-solving skills
As you gain more experience, you will build your ability to tackle new problems as they present themselves, with a focus on solutions. Certainly, as new technologies are developed and renewable energy projects grow in size, there will be a demand for skilled engineers who can find solutions to any problems that arise. Whether it’s adapting to a new regulation or troubleshooting electrical equipment.
How to become a renewable energy engineer
Becoming a renewable energy engineer can be a rewarding process, full of continuous learning and development. This path typically involves the following steps:
Acquire relevant education and training
The majority of renewable engineers will have a formal education in engineering. Particularly for technical roles, a degree or certificate is often a requirement. Ideally, you’ll want your education to focus on renewable energy; however, it could also come in the form of electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering.
At TAFE Gippsland, we offer a range of courses and qualifications for students looking to be part of the renewable energy industry. For instance, our Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Apprenticeship) provides essential underpinning knowledge in electrical engineering, preparing you for a future career as a technician or solar installer.
Seek certificates and accreditation
Once you have completed your education, it’s important to consider pursuing professional accreditation or additional certificates. These are valuable because many industries may require certain certificates to legally give you work.
For example, if you're interested in solar panel installation, you will need to earn provisional accreditation with the Clean Energy Council (CEC) to engineer this technology. If you're unsure about what accreditation you’ll need for your journey as a renewable energy engineer, reach out to your educational institution or the team at TAFE Gippsland, who will be happy to help.
Gain practical experience
Experience will be crucial to advancing your career. During your education, actively pursue work placements with relevant energy companies to gain practical experience. Many engineers may start out as apprentices within an engineering team, allowing them to build a professional network to aid their development.
If you're struggling to find any internships or graduate opportunities, consider volunteering with an environmental or renewable energy organisation. This can be a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the industry while still earning experience.
Network and build professional relationships
Staying connected with fellow engineers and attending industry events is a great way to make yourself stand out. The renewable energy space is constantly changing with new technologies and regulations, and by staying in touch with fellow professionals, you can deepen your understanding of how these changes affect you.
Reading new reports and publications can also deepen your understanding of the industry. Within an industry that values adaptability and a willingness to learn new approaches, continually developing your own understanding will be vital to your long-term success.
How much does a renewable energy engineer make?
Within Australia, the average salary for a renewable energy engineer is approximately $140,000 per year, or $70.85 per hour, according to reported salaries.
This cost can range depending upon your level of experience, as those just starting out in the industry should expect to earn between $60,000 to $80,000. Different renewable energy sectors also offer varying salary packages, with engineers in wind and solar energy demonstrating particularly strong earning potential.
Renewable energy engineers work at the forefront of sustainability, helping to ensure that new energy systems work safely and efficiently. By understanding how to land your first role and gaining the necessary skills and experience, you can ensure you get the most out of your new career. For more information, please reach out to the helpful team at TAFE Gippsland.