Education programmes of job
Electrical Engineering Renewable Mechanical Energy Engineering
Renewable Electrical Power Engineering
Nature of work
An Energy engineer can have extremely varied tasks to do, depending on the sector he works in or type of project he is involved with. Typical activities included ensuring resource extraction meets environmental standards, developing technical expertise in all matters to do with energy and environmental control, being involved in the design, development and building of renewable energy technologies, managing the integration of renewable energy generation into existing power systems, keeping abreast of legislation and ensuring compliance, negotiating service agreements and managing associated costs and revenues, liaising and negotiating with fuel providers, specialist contractors, geologists and other relevant organisations, working with fuel providers, arranging new supplies and negotiating tariffs, developing and implementing strategies relating to renewable energy and corporate sustainable development, carrying out site inspections and energy surveys, designing and selecting equipment, using mathematical and computer models to carry out design and specification calculations, carrying out lab experiments and adapting them to large-scale industrial processes and contributing to sustainable energy initiatives. Environment of work
Working hours are determined according to where an Energy engineer will work at. For example; if he is a design, research or development employee generally he has to work 8 hours per day and 5 working days a week. if he works at power generating stations, hours may be based on a seven-day shift pattern; moreover, he is expected to work in an office, laboratory or maybe outside where his project is being carried out, with taking into consideration paying a periodical visits to project location in all weathers.Also, In some cases, he may work individually in a remote place as the only person doing the work; yet, in other cases, he may be supported by a strong team, and here comes the most important feature he can benefit from in this work which is flexibility because when he works as an energy engineer or as environmental consultancy he will be allowed to work independently.
The dress code tends to be conservative for meetings, and it is expected that energy engineers will be smartly dressed even when visiting sites.
An Energy engineer should be prepared for traveling and being out of home overnight especially if the company he works at has many branches.
Starting salaries ranges between 35000 to 45000 SYP.
Professional life
It’s well known the huge importance of energy in all fields of life, the climate change and the increased price of oil and gas as an energy source motivated the government to take into consideration seeking for sustainable and renewable energy sources such as: solar, wind, and hydropower which can help enhancing the expansion of renewable energy industry at speed; furthermore, reducing the massive risks of traditional energy sources on nature.The main objects in the profession will be working on releasing energy and environmental legislation, cost savings and create public environmental credentials. Growth areas include corporate social responsibility, as well as research and development into new and better ways to improve production and finding new renewable energy sources.
Also, an Energy engineer may get benefit from professional qualifications and continuous training which are an integral part of career development, and the diverse nature of the profession offers opportunities to move into different areas of work in order to gain new skills and experience. There are also opportunities to join the growing number of environmental consultancies, where he become self-employed or move into the education field if he liked so.
Getting the job
This area of work is open to all engineering graduates, or to those with a scientific-related degree. Relevant degree courses include the following subjects would be sufficient also: environmental engineering;
mining or petroleum engineering;
electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering;
renewable or sustainable energy;
Environmental science and management.
Renewable and sustainable energy solutions are increasing in both their profile and application, which has led to a number of specialist degrees being available that focus on energy and the environment, such as energy engineering, sustainable energy and climate science.
The graduate with non-accredited or non-cognate degrees can enter the profession; however, he will be required to undertake a conversion course to upgrade his academic qualifications; therefore, we recommend him attending postgraduate courses available in the engineering field, for example, postgraduate courses that are available in renewable energy engineering, sustainable energy systems and energy futures. Such courses can also help him develop particular interests and may help him to secure a more senior position.
Skills
an interest in science, technology and the environment; general understanding of the energy market;
knowledge of relevant legislation surrounding energy efficiency and carbon emissions;
good communication skills, both written and oral;
scientific and mathematical ability;
organizational and negotiation skills;
IT skills, including knowledge of 3D software such as AutoCAD;
the ability to stimulate and manage change;
commercial awareness and an understanding of business;
project management skills;
Initiative and the ability to recognize emerging problems and pro-actively develop solutions.
Developing foreign language skills can increase chances in working in multinational companies.
Sources and references
www.aeecenter.org, Association of Energy Engineers www.energyengineering.co.uk
www.arab-eng.org, Arab Engineers Forum.
www.syriaengineer.com, Syrian Engineers directory.
The Order of syrian engineers
Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organisation
Summary
An energy engineer is involved with the production of energy through natural resources, such as the extraction of oil and gas, as well as from renewable or sustainable sources of energy, including biofuels, hydro, wind and solar power.He will research and develop ways to: generate new energy; improve the efficient use of energy through reducing emissions from fossil fuels; and minimize environmental damage.