Energy Engineer

Also called: Alternative Energy Engineer, Certified Green Building Engineer, Energy Conservation Engineer, Energy Efficiency Engineer, Energy Engineer

Energy Engineer

Varies

estimated salary

Energy engineers 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.

  • Identify and recommend energy savings strategies to achieve more energy-efficient operation.
  • Conduct energy audits to evaluate energy use and to identify conservation and cost reduction measures.
  • Monitor and analyze energy consumption.
  • Monitor energy related design or construction issues, such as energy engineering, energy management, or sustainable design.
  • Inspect or monitor energy systems, including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or daylighting systems to determine energy use or potential energy savings.
  • Advise clients or colleagues on topics such as climate control systems, energy modeling, data logging, sustainable design, or energy auditing.
  • Analyze, interpret, or create graphical representations of energy data, using engineering software.
  • Verify energy bills and meter readings.
  • Collect data for energy conservation analyses, using jobsite observation, field inspections, or sub-metering.
  • 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.
  • Perform energy modeling, measurement, verification, commissioning, or retro-commissioning.
  • Review architectural, mechanical, or electrical plans or specifications to evaluate energy efficiency.
  • Prepare energy-related project reports or related documentation.
  • Review or negotiate energy purchase agreements.
  • Train personnel or clients on topics such as energy management.
  • Direct the implementation of energy management projects.
  • Research renewable or alternative energy systems or technologies, such as solar thermal or photovoltaic energy.
  • Promote awareness or use of alternative or renewable energy sources.
  • Write or install energy management routines for building automation systems.
  • Recommend best fuel for specific sites or circumstances.
  • Consult with construction or renovation clients or other engineers on topics such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Green Buildings.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 96% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 73% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 62% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 55% responded "Every day".
  • Contact With Others — 55% responded "Contact with others most of the time".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 60% responded "Very important".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 64% responded "Some freedom".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Create models of engineering designs or methods.
  • Advise others regarding green practices or environmental concerns.
  • Inspect equipment or systems.
  • Direct energy production or management activities.
  • Monitor industrial energy consumption or management.
  • Perform marketing activities.
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Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Building and Construction
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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Skills

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.
Systems Analysis
  • Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Monitoring
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Information Ordering
  • The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
Project management software
  • Microsoft Project Hot Technology
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
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