Power Engineer

What Is a Power Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Power Engineer

What Do Power Engineers Do?

Power engineers monitor power and utility systems in an industrial or commercial facility. As a power engineer, your duties include following all processes, performing equipment repairs and maintenance, and adhering to safe operating procedures. You are in charge of the facility’s entire electrical grid, including the lighting, air conditioning, water treatment, and all other power generation systems. To ensure the smooth operation of your facility’s boiler systems, electrical systems, and other systems of power transmission, you communicate and work closely with the other engineers in your company.

How to Become a Power Engineer

Power Engineers must have a bachelor’s degree, typically in electrical engineering, but some academic programs even include a concentration in power engineering. Seeking degree programs that include practical experience, whether through co-op opportunities or internships, can go a long way in your future job search, as many positions require one to four years of hands-on experience. Graduates should then consider pursuing their Engineer in Training (EIT) certification, which is the first step toward professional licensure. While gaining relevant experience, it may also be beneficial to become familiar with your region's power regulations and codes. Basic computer proficiency with engineering software tools is also a plus. Consider a master’s degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure to buffer your job search further.

Where Do Power Engineers Work?

Power engineers maintain the electrical, power, and other utility systems for an industrial or commercial facility. They work in a wide variety of industries, including schools, hospitals, high-rise residential complexes, shopping malls, airports, hotels, and manufacturing plants. The size and scope of their responsibilities vary depending on their company, but power engineers are stationed wherever the utility systems are run and stored.

Is Power Engineering a Good Career?

Power engineers work in a variety of industries, such as processing plants, food production facilities, hospitals, schools, and malls. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career is expected to grow in the next decade, albeit slower than other engineering careers. Some believe that power engineering is a less strenuous and less stressful career than other engineering fields; it is also a stable and relatively well-paying job, which makes it a desirable career for those who are not looking for a high-profile engineering position.

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