Power Engineer Job Description
Throughout the world, humanity continues to rely more and more heavily on electricity. However, many of the power generating plants produce carbon emissions that harm the environment. Fortunately, power engineers are in the process of developing power grids that are more renewable and energy efficient, removing the toll that power consumption places on the Earth.
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Function
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Utility systems used by facilities are developed by power engineers. Power engineers conceive, direct and implement power systems projects. These engineers will evaluate integrated power technology to assess the efficiency of this technology. These engineers also develop methods of integrating renewable power technology. These engineers also are often hired for the implementation of power grids for large public works projects and for governmental institutions. Power engineers also ensure that power grids are safely operated and that the pumps, generators, motors, boilers, turbines, heat exchangers and air conditioning systems are functioning properly. Many are responsible for the integration of green technologies that increase energy efficiency and reduce the impact of energy demands on the environment.
Employment
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Power engineers work for power plants, large industrial plants and commercial and residential areas. They are also hired by businesses and federal projects in which large power grids are going to be integrated.
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Conditions
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Boiler operators for industrial plants work in very clean and well-lit facilities. However, some of the equipment generates a large amount of heat and also produces dust, dirt, noise, oil and smoke. Workers must spend a lot of time standing and must also often crouch and kneel. Electrical engineering in general can be dangerous, with electrical equipment producing burns and electrical shocks. Some machinery also has large moving parts that can injure the power engineer.
Skills
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Boiler operators however sometimes are hired without any post-secondary education and are trained on-the-job. There are also vocational schools that will provide boiler operation training. As boilers become more complex, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that boiler operators will be expected to receive more training. Power engineers need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in order to find work. Creative and curious power engineers are needed to create innovative power grid technology.
Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2008, 301,500 power engineers held jobs and 41,600 boiler operators held jobs. Between 2008 and 2018, the need for electrical engineers is expected to grow by 2 percent, with growth being limited by international competition. The need for boiler operators will grow by 5 percent as businesses implement more boilers. However, these machines will become more advanced and less prone to damage, causing them to require less maintenance. Electrical engineers earned a median annual salary of $82,160. Boiler operators earned a median annual salary of $49,790.
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References
- Photo Credit power plant image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
