Career: Choosing to Be an Energy Efficiency Engineer to Save the World

The world cannot function without energy. Be it fossil fuels, solar energy, hydroelectricity or any other source, it is extremely important that we study and conserve energy, so that even at greater levels of utilization, we do not run out of energy in the near or distant future. This is where the job of an Energy Efficiency Engineer comes in.

What Does an EEE do?

An energy efficiency engineer has a host of knowledge on energy generation and saving methods. He knows how to optimize the small scale or large scale systems to use optimum energy and minimize wastage. Governments and municipalities hire energy efficiency engineers to examine and brainstorm new systems to conserve energy for a brighter future. By employing energy engineers for planning in several areas, governments can save as much as $500 billion every year.

Major firms also hire these engineers to innovate and come up with new systems and policies which save more energy and optimize their output. The recent shift to LEDs from fluorescent is one example among many. It has huge scope for R&D, innovation and a conceptual approach. More and more jobs are being offered in this field with every passing day as governments and large corporations understand the need for energy conservation. These engineers also conduct studies, analyses and audits for power management.

Prerequisites of an Energy Efficiency Engineer

• An EEE should possess some essential qualifications and skills to take care of his duties and responsibilities well.
• He should ideally possess a Bachelor’s degree in streams such as Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science or any related field.
• He should have adequate experience and sound working knowledge of water and energy conservation measures including heat exchangers, building envelope, lighting, cooling or heating, motors, pumps, strategic energy management, compressed air, variable speed drives, irrigation system hydraulics, irrigation system hardware, irrigation best practices, pumping pump performance, potential efficiency enhancements and software usage for evaluation of irrigation system performance.
• He must possess adequate experience in field consultation and auditing related to energy efficiency for assisting in the identification of latent energy efficiency projects and the industry best practices.
• He should have knowledge and understanding regarding the operation of data loggers and survey equipment use.
• He should be experienced in using various data monitoring equipment and that may include loggers used for measuring temperature, energy, pressure and flow.
• Proficiency and sound knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems within buildings.
• Excellent client facing and consultancy aptitude.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite 2010 Software including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Adequate experience in energy auditing, energy load analysis, renewable feasibility studies, ECP on non-domestic and domestic buildings.
• Adequate experience and understanding of energy and carbon management plans.
• Adequate knowledge and expertise in Energy performance measurement, verification and contracting.
• Excellent computer skills particularly in CAD and also, in mechanical design software.
• Should be mentally strong to handle and manage work pressure. He should be adept at prioritizing and managing workloads. He should be stable and not buckle under job pressure.

Job Perks

Like any other job, the energy efficiency engineer’s job also has several perks. Engineers receive bulky pay packages, depending on their qualifications and experience. Any good firm will also offer paid vacations, paid leave and medical benefits as well. The job is secure, and you will enjoy a good deal of freedom in your post as well.

Basic Qualifications and Skills in a Nutshell

A degree and commensurate knowledge in mechanical, electrical, civil or energy-related fields is a must. Internships for fresh graduates and previous jobs in analysis or auditing of energy grids and systems certainly boost your CV. Experience in Computer-Aided Design and other software is also appreciated. Good people skills and an aptitude for consulting are a must.

Author: Stephen Marrone is a career counselor who has worked as a college professor and counselor in a top university in the past. He enjoys browsing through various interesting sites such as http://www.texaselectricrates.com/ to enhance his knowledge.