Renewable Energy Engineer Job Description
Design, deliver and optimise renewable energy projects — from feasibility to commissioning.
What does a Renewable Energy Engineer professional do?
A Renewable Energy Engineer designs and manages renewable energy systems (solar, wind, hydro, battery storage and associated electrical/mechanical works), delivering technical studies, detailed designs, site assessments and support through installation and handover.
Renewable Energy Engineer job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
Renewable Energy Engineer
About the role
[Company Name] is seeking a Renewable Energy Engineer to join our engineering team in [Location]. You will lead technical design, site surveys and performance modelling for renewable energy projects, work with contractors during installation and support commissioning and handover. This role is [Contract Type] and offers [Salary Range] plus [Benefits]. To apply, send a CV and short covering note to [Application Email/Link].
Key responsibilities
- Carry out site feasibility studies, resource assessments and technical due diligence for solar, wind, hydro and storage projects.
- Produce detailed engineering designs, drawings and specifications for electrical, structural and civil elements of renewable energy systems.
- Develop energy yield and performance models using industry-standard tools; validate results and report assumptions.
- Prepare technical inputs for planning submissions, grid-connection applications and procurement documents.
- Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams, clients, contractors and supply chain during procurement, installation and commissioning.
- Oversee testing, commissioning and operational handover; produce O&M documentation and performance monitoring plans.
- Identify technical risks and propose mitigations; ensure designs meet relevant UK standards and safety requirements.
- Support cost estimating, tender evaluations and on-site problem solving during construction and commissioning.
Essential skills and experience
- Degree or equivalent qualification in engineering (electrical, mechanical, civil or renewable energy) or demonstrable equivalent experience in renewable energy projects.
- Proven experience designing or delivering renewable energy systems (solar PV, wind turbines, hydro or battery storage).
- Competence with energy modelling or simulation tools and the ability to interpret site data and meteorological resources.
- Practical experience conducting site surveys and preparing clear technical reports and specifications.
- Good understanding of grid-connection principles, electrical protection and basic civil/structural requirements.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and stakeholder liaison.
Desirable
- Chartered or working towards chartered status with an appropriate professional body (e.g. IET, IMechE, ICE).
- Experience with UK planning and environmental consenting processes and preparation of planning/consent documents.
- Familiarity with O&M practices for distributed generation, SCADA or performance monitoring platforms.
- Experience of project management on medium-scale renewables projects and producing tender documentation.
- Competence with CAD (e.g. AutoCAD), GIS, PV design packages or bespoke wind/solar modelling software.
What we offer
- Pension scheme (employer contribution)
- Flexible or hybrid working options
- Training and CPD budget for professional development
- Paid annual leave (editable placeholder)
- Health cash plan or private healthcare (placeholder)
- Performance-related bonus (placeholder)
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a Renewable Energy Engineer role?
A Renewable Energy Engineer applies engineering principles to design, install and optimise systems that generate energy from renewable sources. They assess sites, produce technical designs, model energy yields and work with contractors through construction and commissioning. Their role spans feasibility studies, grid‑connection inputs, safety and regulatory compliance, and ongoing performance monitoring to ensure assets meet operational targets.
Typical duties
Feasibility studies, detailed design, energy modelling, site surveys, technical procurement and commissioning support.
Where they work
Engineering consultancies, project developers, utilities, EPC contractors and maintenance providers across distributed and utility-scale projects.
Project lifecycle
From concept and consenting through detailed design, procurement, construction and operational handover.
Key tools
Energy modelling packages, CAD/GIS, SCADA and standard engineering analysis tools.
Typical Renewable Energy Engineer responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Carry out site feasibility studies
Carry out site feasibility studies, resource assessments and technical due diligence for solar, wind, hydro and storage projects.
Produce detailed engineering designs
Produce detailed engineering designs, drawings and specifications for electrical, structural and civil elements of renewable energy systems.
Develop energy yield
Develop energy yield and performance models using industry-standard tools; validate results and report assumptions.
Prepare technical inputs for planning
Prepare technical inputs for planning submissions, grid-connection applications and procurement documents.
Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams
Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams, clients, contractors and supply chain during procurement, installation and commissioning.
Oversee testing
Oversee testing, commissioning and operational handover; produce O&M documentation and performance monitoring plans.
Identify technical risks
Identify technical risks and propose mitigations; ensure designs meet relevant UK standards and safety requirements.
Support cost estimating
Support cost estimating, tender evaluations and on-site problem solving during construction and commissioning.
Renewable Energy Engineer skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Degree or equivalent qualification in engineering (electrical, mechanical, civil or renewable energy) or demonstrable equivalent experience in renewable energy projects.
- Proven experience designing or delivering renewable energy systems (solar PV, wind turbines, hydro or battery storage).
- Competence with energy modelling or simulation tools and the ability to interpret site data and meteorological resources.
- Practical experience conducting site surveys and preparing clear technical reports and specifications.
- Good understanding of grid-connection principles, electrical protection and basic civil/structural requirements.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and stakeholder liaison.
Useful where relevant
- Chartered or working towards chartered status with an appropriate professional body (e.g. IET, IMechE, ICE).
- Experience with UK planning and environmental consenting processes and preparation of planning/consent documents.
- Familiarity with O&M practices for distributed generation, SCADA or performance monitoring platforms.
- Experience of project management on medium-scale renewables projects and producing tender documentation.
- Competence with CAD (e.g. AutoCAD), GIS, PV design packages or bespoke wind/solar modelling software.
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a Renewable Energy Engineer job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Lead with technical scope
State which technologies the role focuses on (e.g., rooftop solar, utility-scale PV, wind, hydro, storage) so applicants know if their experience matches.
Be specific about responsibilities
Specify whether the role covers feasibility only, detailed design, site supervision or O&M to avoid unsuitable applications.
List core technical skills
Include the modelling packages, CAD/GIS tools and the level of electrical/structural experience required — this helps filter applications effectively.
Clarify travel and site work
Tell candidates how often they must attend sites and whether a driving licence or willingness to travel is expected.
Mention development and benefits
Highlight CPD support, chartership sponsorship and training opportunities to attract ambitious engineers.
Renewable Energy Engineer salary considerations
Salaries for Renewable Energy Engineers vary widely depending on project scale, employer type and candidate experience. Rather than quoting a single market figure, consider the factors below when setting a salary band.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What Renewable Energy Engineer candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What level of autonomy and team structure is available?
Experienced candidates will want to know whether they’ll lead projects, report into a technical lead or be part of a larger design team.
How much site work and travel is required?
Specify typical site visit frequency, overnight stays and whether a driving licence or vehicle is expected or provided.
Which technologies and tools should applicants be proficient with?
Candidates will expect clarity on the primary technologies (e.g. PV, wind, storage) and any modelling, CAD or monitoring software used.
What are the main responsibilities in the first six months?
Outline immediate priorities such as completing feasibility studies, supporting tenders, or leading a commissioning package to set expectations.
What career progression is available?
Candidates want to know pathways to senior engineer, technical lead or project manager roles and the support offered for chartership and CPD.
Are there specific compliance or safety requirements?
Mention whether the role requires knowledge of UK electrical standards, CDM responsibilities or onsite safety certifications (e.g. CSCS) if applicable.
Where to post a Renewable Energy Engineer job
This engineering role suits a mix of general and specialist recruitment channels. Use broad UK job boards for reach, targeted renewable-energy or engineering job boards to reach specialists, and professional networks (e.g. engineering bodies and LinkedIn) to attract experienced candidates. Also consider local channels and sector events for site-based roles where regional experience matters.
Renewable Energy Engineer job description FAQs
Do I need a specific qualification to hire a Renewable Energy Engineer?
A degree in an engineering discipline is commonly expected, but equivalent demonstrable experience is also acceptable. Specify the level of qualification you require based on role seniority and complexity.
Should I require chartered status?
Chartered status is valuable for senior technical roles and complex projects, but for mid-level positions you can offer support toward chartership rather than make it mandatory.
How can I make the role attractive to experienced engineers?
Be clear about technical scope, project types, progression opportunities and CPD/chartership support. Competitive pay, flexible working and training budgets are also strong incentives.
What interview process works well for this role?
Combine a technical CV sift with a practical technical interview covering design work and problem solving, followed by a behavioural interview and a final meeting with project stakeholders.
Are specific site qualifications required?
Site qualifications such as CSCS cards or confined-space training depend on the workstreams. State any mandatory on-site certifications early in the advert to avoid unsuitable applicants.
Ready to publish this vacancy?
Use the advert paragraph and role details above to create your job posting or export the template to your applicant tracking system. If you want wider exposure, consider multi-board distribution to reach both general and specialist renewable energy candidates.
