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Renewable Energy Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Stantec

Civil Engineer - Renewable Energy

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$90K - $131K/yr

Your Opportunity The Civil Engineer - Renewable Energy supports the Renewable Energy Team in developing and delivering fit-for-purpose civil designs for permitting or construction-on schedule, within ...

Evs

Geotechnical Project Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$98K - $115K/yr

Develop geotechnical design recommendations for renewable energy projects including utility-scale ... Prepare and review Geotechnical Engineering Reports, Geotechnical Data Reports, foundation ...

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All JobsRenewable Energy Engineer JobsRenewable Energy Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Renewable Energy Engineer information

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$24

$52

$75

How much do renewable energy engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for renewable energy engineer in Minnesota is $52.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.36 and $60.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a renewable energy engineer do?

A Renewable Energy Engineer designs, develops, and implements systems and technologies that generate energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. Their work involves researching and improving energy efficiency, overseeing the installation of renewable energy projects, and ensuring systems comply with environmental and safety regulations. They may also analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with other professionals to optimize energy production and reduce environmental impact.

What does a renewable energy engineer do?

A renewable energy engineer works on environmental projects to research and develop approaches to providing clean energy sources and green solutions for the world’s energy needs. Some work as consultants, while others have duties that involve designing machines and systems to capture and distribute renewable energy from wind, solar, and geothermal resources. As a renewable energy engineer, you can specialize in chemical, industrial, mechanical, or electrical engineering, but regardless of your specialty, you focus on sustainability and reducing the use of non-renewable products like oil as an energy source. Your goal is to limit the effects of fossil fuels on climate change and reduce the risk these energy sources pose to human health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a renewable energy engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Renewable Energy Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, renewable energy systems, and a relevant degree such as electrical, mechanical, or environmental engineering. Familiarity with energy modeling software, CAD tools, and industry certifications like LEED or NABCEP is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and project management skills help professionals stand out in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing, implementing, and optimizing sustainable energy solutions that meet technical, regulatory, and client requirements.

What are some common challenges renewable energy engineers face when working on large-scale projects?

Renewable Energy Engineers often encounter challenges related to project site selection, regulatory compliance, and integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—including environmental scientists, construction managers, and local authorities—can be complex, especially when balancing project timelines with environmental impact assessments. Additionally, adapting to evolving industry standards and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of renewable systems are ongoing aspects of the role. Overcoming these challenges requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset.

What is the difference between Renewable Energy Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectRenewable Energy EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Renewable Energy, Environmental Engineering, or related fields; certifications like LEED or NABCEPBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing renewable energy systems, site assessments, project managementDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of mechanical systems across industries
Employer & Industry UsageRenewable energy companies, consulting firms, government agenciesManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy sectors

Renewable Energy Engineers focus on designing and implementing sustainable energy solutions like solar, wind, and geothermal systems, often working in specialized environments. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across industries. While both roles require engineering degrees, Renewable Energy Engineers typically have certifications related to sustainability, making their roles more specialized in renewable projects.

Are renewable energy engineers in demand?

Renewable energy engineers are in high demand due to the global shift toward sustainable energy sources like solar and wind power. The industry offers growth opportunities, especially for those with skills in system design, project management, and environmental regulations, with employment expected to increase as renewable projects expand worldwide.
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Renewable Energy Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Renewable Energy Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,256 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Renewable Energy Permitting Lead

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

Minnetonka, MN • On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Westwood Professional Services rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Renewable Energy Permitting Lead
Westwood Professional Services, Inc.
Serve as a Senior Permitting Lead for renewable energy and transmission projects. The key focus of this position will be business development for utility and renewable energy developers and requires that the applicant bring clients to Westwood. The position also requires management of permitting efforts for renewable energy generation and transmission projects.
Requirements
  • Lead site and route permitting for utility-scale renewable energy and high-voltage transmission projects, with a primary focus on Midwest regulatory processes including PSC, MPUC, MPSC, ND PSC, and OPSB approvals.
  • Manage and prepare state-level site, route, and construction permit applications for wind, solar, energy storage, and transmission projects, including collocated and data center-related developments.
  • Direct environmental reviews under NEPA and equivalent state programs, oversee environmental and cultural resource investigations, and coordinate associated federal, state, and local regulatory approvals.
  • Serve as the primary client and agency liaison, representing clients at public hearings and meetings, providing testimony, and maintaining direct communication with regulatory agencies.
  • Lead multidisciplinary project teams by coordinating design professionals, subject matter experts, and internal staff, while mentoring junior team members and ensuring quality, schedule, and budget performance.
  • Collaborate with market and service leaders to pursue new work, develop scopes, budgets, and proposals, and support marketing efforts for permitting, environmental, and related consulting services.
  • Build and maintain industry relationships to monitor renewable energy and transmission market trends, regulatory initiatives, and evolving permitting requirements.

Skills and Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of renewable energy and HVTL transmission line project permitting, federal and state environmental studies, agency guidelines for energy development.
  • Experience and knowledge of key energy-producing-state regulatory processes, energy developer and utility operating procedures, industry trends and regulatory initiatives.
  • Approximately 10-15 years of experience in federal, state and local energy facility permitting, permitting processes, and associated environmental studies.
  • Working knowledge of federal and state regulatory structures, existing renewable energy and HVTL transmission projects and key developers in these markets and industries.
  • Proficiency in technical writing including proposals, subject matter reports and permit applications.
  • Proficiency with business development and client tracking software, such as Vision.
  • Proficiency with project management, budgeting, invoicing, and cost-tracking, including multiple-service projects and cost management.
  • Effective written and verbal communication is necessary and independent judgment is essential.
  • Mentor and coach permitting and environmental staff on technical writing, agency coordination, regulatory approval processes, and client engagement.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in natural resources, policy/permitting, earth sciences, engineering or related field (Master's Degree preferred).
  • Experience with state-level route and site permits in multiple states, federal NEPA process including EA and EIS, and equivalent state-level environmental review processes.

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)
At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.
Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative "One Team" mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.
We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision.
We are partners in our clients' success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.
We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.
Join us in creating a better world.
In 2024, Zweig Group ranked Westwood nationally at #13 and #40, respectively, on its Hot Firms and Best Firms to Work for lists. Zweig also awarded Westwood one national 1st place award for Marketing Excellence. Westwood was recently recognized as #83 in the ENR Top 500 Firms in 2024. The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.
Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Salary Description
$85,000-130,000

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