Renewable Energy Engineer

Design, install and optimise renewable energy systems - solar, wind, hydro, storage and grid integration.

This UK renewable energy engineer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£32,000 - £40,000
Mid-career salary
£45,000 - £60,000
Senior salary
£70,000 - £100,000+
Work environment
Mixed - office, site, occasionally offshore
Time to entry
3 - 5 Years (degree + grad scheme)
Degree required
Yes - engineering degree usually required
Category
Green Energy and Sustainability

What a Renewable Energy Engineer does

Design, install and optimise renewable energy systems - solar, wind, hydro, storage and grid integration.

  • Solar PV Engineer - Design utility-scale and commercial solar installations.
  • Wind Engineer - Plan and operate onshore or offshore wind farms.
  • Battery Storage Engineer - Specify grid-scale BESS projects and EV charging infrastructure.

How to become a Renewable Energy Engineer

  1. Look up Renewable Energy Engineer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Renewable Energy Engineer - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Electrical / mechanical engineering
  • System design
  • Grid integration
  • Sustainability literacy