How To Become A Generation Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a generation engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Harvey Hoffman

Generation engineers are also known as power generation engineers or power systems engineers. They ensure that a power plant continues to function optimally by producing power. Generation engineers are responsible for the constant power supply we enjoy in our homes and offices.

As a generation engineer, you can work for a turbine manufacturer, electric utility company, or even a wind-owner. The job is often full time, and the specific responsibilities vary based on the power systems you're working with.

A day in the life of a generation engineer may involve analyzing the results of power system studies and offering recommendations. The day-to-day duties may be hands-on and include inspecting power systems, providing technical support, and planning power resource allocation. In some instances, the person in this role may also provide training and support to junior engineers in the workplace.

To become a generation engineer, you need a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. You'll also need years of experience as an engineer before specializing in power systems.

What general advice would you give to a generation engineer?

Dr. Harvey Hoffman

Associate Dean of Engineering, Fairfield University

Graduates need to be flexible and open to taking on new projects, exploring new industries, perhaps non-traditional areas where they see growth, while building and maintaining their networking relationships. Go where the demand is for the role you seek. I hate to use a cliche, but remember that your engineering career is a journey that may take you in many directions. Be open to change.

A professional in any field must continue to learn. Your engineering degree gave you the necessary tools. You must engage in lifelong learning to increase your knowledge and improve your skills and competencies to set yourself apart.

ScoreGeneration EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.0

Avg. Salary $89,736

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.11%

Asian 10.31%

Black or African American 3.41%

Hispanic or Latino 9.37%

Unknown 4.60%

White 72.21%

Gender

female 12.99%

male 87.01%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a generation engineer

Explore generation engineer education requirements

Most common generation engineer degrees

Bachelor's

70.4 %

Master's

16.1 %

Associate

6.1 %

Start to develop specific generation engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Engineering Principles	13.23%
General Engineering	10.39%
Project Management	8.94%
Cost Estimates	5.90%
DOD	5.00%

Complete relevant generation engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New generation engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a generation engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real generation engineer resumes.

Research generation engineer duties and responsibilities

Lead a diverse team of engineers in development, logistics, and capital improvement.
Manage relationships between DOE-PPPO and Ohio EPA regulatory agency officials to develop a solution for the X-701B groundwater environmental project.
Manage Terraform and refactore from monolithic to application specific components.
Represent TEMA and apply a variety of engineering disciplines and coordinate with other HQDA and DOD agencies.

Prepare your generation engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your generation engineer resume.

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