What does an energy systems engineer do?
Energy systems engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real energy systems engineer resumes:
- Develop Perl scripts to automate object model and functional mapping into the application metadata and database.
- Monitor production equipment and HVAC systems.
- Initiate and/or update office records to meet customer requirements using AutoCAD.
- Support alarm management activities to improve plant safety and DCS board operator efficiency and awareness.
- Develop I/O interface connection to RTP/VME control system and designed/implement instrumentation for monitoring D2O system.
- Perform SAN architecture and design of heterogeneous storage environment including configuration, operation and management.
- Provide project engineering expertise for the specification and selection of DCS systems for combustion turbine power plant design/build objectives.
- Introduce a new change process and documentation to improve speed and efficiency of problem identification during a rapid prototyping to manufacturing.
- Monitor OS optimization; test, evaluate product processing and accuracy performance within environment before operational implementation are performed with SCCM.
- Work closely with storage and networking teams to ensure SAN and networking infrastructure meet virtual infrastructure specifications.
Energy systems engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 29% of Energy Systems Engineers are proficient in Control Systems, Management System, and System Performance. They’re also known for soft skills such as Listening skills, Mechanical skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Energy Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Control Systems, 29%
Coordinated the design, implementation and continued support of control systems for power plants.
- Management System, 17%
Developed preliminary plan for the energy management system.
- System Performance, 10%
Supported the OIF/OEF forensics analysis team for current overseas employments, providing comparative assessments of as-tested system performance to theater events.
- HVAC, 8%
Managed 20+ Building Systems staff including Operating Engineers, Electronic Control Technicians, and HVAC Mechanics.
- Data Analysis, 8%
Performed data analysis and generated reports, identifying performance improvement opportunities.
- MATLAB, 6%
Analyzed telemetry data with tools including MatLab to write Requirements Verification Reports proving that SBIRS HEO met specification requirements.
Most energy systems engineers use their skills in "control systems," "management system," and "system performance" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential energy systems engineer responsibilities here:
Listening skills. The most essential soft skill for an energy systems engineer to carry out their responsibilities is listening skills. This skill is important for the role because "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists." Additionally, an energy systems engineer resume shows how their duties depend on listening skills: "communicated directly with client personnel, monitored project budgets, and mentored direct reports. "
Mechanical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling energy systems engineer duties is mechanical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." According to an energy systems engineer resume, here's how energy systems engineers can utilize mechanical skills in their job responsibilities: "developed custom mechanical components for improving existing tracking systems. "
Math skills. energy systems engineers are also known for math skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to energy systems engineer responsibilities, because "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." An energy systems engineer resume example shows how math skills is used in the workplace: "use of microsoft office, autocad, mathcad"
Creativity. For certain energy systems engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "creativity." The day-to-day duties of an energy systems engineer rely on this skill, as "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what energy systems engineers do: "created and edited models, assemblies, and drawings in autodesk inventor and autocad. "
Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for energy systems engineer responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of energy systems engineers all the time, as "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." An excerpt from a real energy systems engineer resume shows how this skill is central to what an energy systems engineer does: "developed organizational technical solution & product integration procedures in adherence to cmmi level 3 and iso 9001 standards. "
The three companies that hire the most energy systems engineers are:
- Midcontinent Independent System Operator6 energy systems engineers jobs
- Joby Aviation4 energy systems engineers jobs
- The AES3 energy systems engineers jobs
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Energy systems engineer vs. Principal engineer
A principal engineer is responsible for monitoring the overall design phase of the construction process, including coordinating with the client for progress and updates, as well as performing adjustments as needed based on clients' specifications and requirements. Principal engineers also inspect the materials and resources used to ensure that the project stays within the budget goals and set timeframe. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in preparing reports and training new staff.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between energy systems engineers and principal engineer. For instance, energy systems engineer responsibilities require skills such as "renewable energy," "management system," "system performance," and "bms." Whereas a principal engineer is skilled in "java," "architecture," "python," and "c #." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Principal engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the telecommunication industry, with an average yearly salary of $125,415. On the other hand, energy systems engineers are paid more in the automotive industry with an average salary of $93,595.On average, principal engineers reach higher levels of education than energy systems engineers. Principal engineers are 7.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 6.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Energy systems engineer vs. Facility engineer
A facilities engineer specializes in managing and maintaining equipment and machinery in manufacturing plants or similar settings. Duties will revolve around conducting research and analysis through extensive data and blueprints, evaluating systems using various reports, handling issues, providing corrective measures, and performing regular inspections and maintenance. Furthermore, it is essential to implement all safety standards and regulations to ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, energy systems engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "renewable energy," "management system," "system performance," and "data analysis." Meanwhile, a facility engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "plumbing," "project management," "ladders," and "boilers." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Facility engineers earn a lower average salary than energy systems engineers. But facility engineers earn the highest pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $109,339. Additionally, energy systems engineers earn the highest salaries in the automotive with average pay of $93,595 annually.In general, facility engineers achieve lower levels of education than energy systems engineers. They're 5.4% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 6.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Energy systems engineer vs. Tool engineer
A tooling engineer is responsible for creating and adjusting tools or parts for cars, heavy equipment, and other products that need customized or personalized components. Your duties and responsibilities will include creating design blueprints, using computer-aided (CAD) software to develop two- and three-dimensional prints, and validating and evaluating products. As a tooling engineer, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with operational standards such as the ISO 9000. You also have to provide technical assistance to manufacturing personnel and quality assurance.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an energy systems engineer is likely to be skilled in "renewable energy," "control systems," "management system," and "system performance," while a typical tool engineer is skilled in "python," "java," "linux," and "jenkins."
Tool engineers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $94,406. Energy systems engineers earn the highest pay from the automotive industry, with an average salary of $93,595.tool engineers typically earn lower educational levels compared to energy systems engineers. Specifically, they're 6.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Energy systems engineer vs. Engineer
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Types of energy systems engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











