What Is a Power Systems Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A power systems engineer works in the energy industry. In this career, your job is to design, evaluate, and oversee the electrical power distribution system for a utility company or substations, perform electric metering, or work for a wind power company to evaluate transmission viability. You generally work on all parts of a power system to increase its efficiency and help the company for which you work to achieve their goals as assigned. You also have duties and responsibilities in project development, as you help the project manager determine the best locations for new utility projects like wind turbines or substations. As a power systems engineer, you also determine the best places within these locations for controls.

The minimum qualifications needed to become a power systems engineer are a bachelor's degree in engineering and, if required by your employer, a certification in solar or wind turbines. Most jobs prefer you to have a master's degree, so you may want to pursue the advanced degree right away. Beyond your education, you need a number of other skills to succeed as a power systems engineer. You should be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations concerning utilities in your state and the local area, and you should also be an excellent communicator with above average problem-solving skills.