A power engineer works in the field of electrical power to provide customers with reliable, stable sources of power, ranging from single-family homes to large manufacturing plants with high energy demands. Power engineers provide assistance with power engineering tasks for regulatory agencies, utilities, private firms, and consulting firms. They usually have a master’s degree in engineering and work experience in the power industry.
Power engineers study topics such as electrical power generation, distribution, transmission, and storage. This work can include both the design of new systems and the evaluation of existing grids and equipment to determine when and what types of upgrades are required. Engineers who work in the power industry can serve as safety inspectors at operating power plants. They may issue fines and citations as government agents if noncompliance endangers the health and safety of workers or the general public.
Many power engineers work in the conventional power sector, where they deal with coal, nuclear, and hydropower issues. Others may be interested in alternative fuels, wind turbines, wave energy, solar power, and other topics related to green energy. Power engineers must balance current power needs with the desire to clean up power sources; for example, power companies that want to increase the percentage of energy from sustainable sources must meet current needs while working on bringing new plants online.
A power engineer’s working environment can be diverse. Some people work in power plants, which can be extremely hot, noisy, and filthy. Engineers may work around a variety of heavy equipment, some of which may be malfunctioning, making this work hazardous. Other power engineers spend most of their time in the office developing new technology, with some time in the lab for testing.
A power engineer, like others in the engineering field, may pursue continuing education for professional reasons. Conferences, trade publications, research magazines, and other resources can help you stay up to date on industry developments and trends. This is crucial for engineers who want to stay on top of the latest technology and provide more services to their employers. A power engineer’s understanding of emerging technology can also aid in adapting to changes in the industry and regulatory climate surrounding electrical power generation and related services.