The energy sector attracts thousands of job seekers every year. Many graduate with degrees in energy, engineering, or consulting and go on to work for local and international companies of different sizes, utility companies, and government agencies.
More universities are now offering specialized degrees, like the renewable energy degree, to meet the need for graduates with specific knowledge of renewable energy.
However, the breadth of jobs available spans oil, gas, nuclear, wind, solar, and hydroelectric energy, and they don’t all require a university degree.
Renewable engineer jobs may be great for university graduates, but jobs such as energy technician, prioritizing vocational or on-the-job training, can be ideal for people who cannot attend university.
Regardless of the skillset, companies all over the U.S. are hiring for those working in or wanting to work in the energy sector.
1. Energy Engineer
Energy engineers find ways to improve energy efficiency and design systems to encourage clean, safe, and sustainable energy consumption.
While some energy engineers may specialize in fossil fuels or renewable energy, most will learn about all forms and incorporate oil, gas, solar, wind, and nuclear energy together.
Degrees That Lead to This Role
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Engineering
This job is a relatively recent addition to the workforce. While some universities are already beginning to offer degrees in energy engineering, many job positions are still filled by people with majors that are engineer-based and strong in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
Companies Hiring Energy Engineers
- General Electric
- Westinghouse Electric Company
- Lockheed Martin
2. Renewable Energy Consultant
A Renewable Energy Consultant, also called a Renewable Energy Specialist, works with clients to reduce or eliminate their environmental impact.
The Renewable Energy Consultant job requires knowledge of current state and federal environmental regulations, an up-to-date understanding of scientific energy studies, and translating knowledge into creating practical processes businesses can use.
Consultants may work locally with small businesses or globally for multi-billion dollar companies. Regardless of the business size, the aim is to increase efficiency while reducing cost and environmental impact.
Degrees That Lead to This Role
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Renewable Energy Management
As renewable energy becomes more important, more universities have begun offering specialist programs for this job.
However, people pursuing this job may also choose a related degrees in energy, such as environmental science or engineering, and then demonstrate their knowledge with specialist certifications.
Certification examples include the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED Green Association certification, and the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Renewable Energy Professional (REP) certification.
Companies Hiring Renewable Energy Consultants
- Deloitte
- PriceWaterhouseCoopers
- Sunrun
3. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers work with geoscientists and environmental engineers for petroleum companies or the government to help find oil and gas deposits. They may also contribute to developing more efficient ways of extracting and producing oil and gas for the market.
They may also oversee drilling, assess world energy resources, and quantify hazards.
Degrees That Lead to This Role
- Petroleum Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
Petroleum engineers’ education is based in mathematics, geology, and physics, with a focus on an engineering degree that is relevant to oil and gas.
The education necessary may change depending on the location of employment. Petroleum engineers can work in offices, drilling rigs, or research laboratories, all of which require different skill sets.
Companies Hiring Petroleum Engineers
- Chevron
- Occidental Oil and Gas
- U.S. Government
4. Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers who are employed in the energy sector by the Department of Energy or private corporations work to create and improve renewable energy sources such as solar, hydroelectric, and wind power.
They design and improve systems and address industries’ environmental impacts, such as pollution, water quality, and how renewable resources impact local communities and wildlife. This information is then passed on to other sections for the necessary changes to be made.
Degrees That Lead to This Role
- Environmental Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
The education requirements for Environment Engineer jobs are similar to those of other engineering positions. A degree in environmental engineering is preferred, but other fields, such as civil, chemical, general engineering, or other degrees in energy and practical experience can also be beneficial.
Companies Hiring Environmental Engineers
- Federal Government – Department of Energy
- State government
- Oil and Gas companies
5. Solar Energy Technician
Solar energy technicians work with and install solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) panels for public buildings and private homes. After installation, Solar Energy technicians may also connect the solar panel to the grid, but that is dependent on state laws and local regulations.
This position may also be called an energy or renewable energy technician, and the type of energy they work with may change depending on the business.
Degrees That Lead to This Role
- Solar Energy Technology
- Associate’s degree
- Experience with electrical wiring and circuits
The education requirements for a solar energy technician job are more flexible than those for previous jobs, which place less emphasis on education and more on-the-job training.
Technicians with electrical knowledge, building codes, and construction skills related to the energy sector tend to be more successful.
Companies Hiring Solar Energy Technicians
- SunPower
- Tesla Energy
- First Solar
6. Wind Turbine Technician
Like solar energy technicians specialize in solar energy, wind turbine technicians specialize in the mechanical and electrical systems that power wind energy.
Wind Turbine technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines according to environmental regulations on the state and federal levels.
Degrees That Lead to This Role
- Electrical Engineering
- Wind Energy Technology
- Associate’s degree
Wind turbine technicians should seek vocational training, especially electrical instruction, or look for positions that include training as part of the job.
The position is hands-on, so wind turbine technicians must understand construction and how to read blueprints.
Companies Hiring Wind Turbine Technicians
- Siemens Gamesa
- General Electric
- Invenergy
7. Energy Analyst
Energy Analysts or energy project analysts are responsible for analyzing a business’ energy consumption.
With this information, energy analysts can offer efficiency insights, including reducing energy costs and improving energy use. When businesses wish to reduce their carbon footprint, energy analysts may work with environmental engineers to make that happen.
Degrees That Lead to This Role
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Energy Management
Generally, an energy analyst will obtain a bachelor’s degree with a relevant major and then receive relevant experience in the energy sector.
Unlike other jobs on this list, the energy analyst position blends technical, analytical, and business skills to offer businesses advice and demonstrate how their strategies will benefit them.
Companies Hiring Energy Analysts
- Duke Energy
- Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)
- Schneider Electric
8. Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear engineers are responsible for designing and managing nuclear power systems and ensuring the safety and efficiency of nuclear energy production processes.
Part of their job usually involves safety and environmental concerns, such as ensuring the company meets or exceeds local and federal regulations.
Degrees That Lead to This Role
- Physics or Engineering major
- Nuclear Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Nuclear engineers may obtain a bachelor’s degree in nuclear or mechanical engineering or a master’s degree focusing on nuclear safety, reactor design, or nuclear waste management. A doctorate may be required if the engineer works in a government lab.
Engineers may continue to obtain their professional engineer (PE) license, especially if they wish to pursue public safety or regulatory oversight.
Companies Hiring Nuclear Engineers
- Department of Energy
- Utility companies
- Other government departments
9. Energy Auditor
As the job title says, energy auditors analyze or audit businesses to find inefficiencies in energy use. The focus can include both renewable and non-renewable energy or just one. Energy auditors then offer strategies for reducing energy consumption.
The energy auditor role may be in-house for just one company or a contractor position, working with the federal or state government to help several companies address their energy use.
Degrees That Lead to This Role
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Associate’s degree and vocational training
Companies Hiring Renewable Energy Auditors
- Siemens
- Honeywell
- Johnson Controls
10. Energy Manager
Energy managers, also called energy modelers or engineers, are responsible for developing and evaluating energy projects within an organization.
While many positions in this list apply to companies of many different sizes, energy managers tend to oversee large organizations’ energy input. They may be involved in the design, build, remodeling, and operation of the building and its energy efficiency.
If a business employs multiple energy managers, each may specialize in one type of energy source or be responsible for promoting renewable resources within the company.
Degrees That Lead to This Role
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- Energy Management
Blending technical knowledge, business, and management skills, Energy managers have an educational background in engineering and business administration.
A bachelor’s degree may be enough to get hired for this job, but a master’s degree in business or energy management can be beneficial.
Many energy managers pursue additional certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) to show they possess the specialized knowledge necessary for the role.
Companies Hiring Energy Managers
- Amazon
- Johnson & Johnson
Conclusion
For students graduating with degrees in energy and those looking to change jobs, the energy sector is a growing industry with plenty of opportunities. Whether you are looking for engineering, management, or consulting positions, many different companies are hiring.
By choosing the right education for your desired job, you can seek success with some of the top companies looking to hire energy professionals.
