A guide to what different careers in the energy industry are like, including in-demand renewable energy jobs. SJC is an expert in energy career training.
Wondering what types of jobs you can find in today’s evolving energy sector? This industry offers diverse opportunities across both established and emerging technologies. Whether you’re starting your career or transitioning from another field, working in renewable energy provides stable employment with competitive salaries and room for advancement. Here’s your guide to current energy jobs and how these essential roles power our world.
Solar Energy Jobs
What Are Careers in Renewable Energy?
Careers in the energy sector include positions in power generation, distribution, industrial processes, and technology. These jobs include technical roles, engineering positions, and management, plus much more. Salaries vary depending on the exact role, experience level, and region.
Renewable Energy Job Opportunities
1. Solar Energy Jobs
Solar energy represents one of the most familiar segments of the energy industry, with career opportunities ranging from hands-on installation work to system design, project management, or sales. These positions often offer career advancement paths as you gain experience.
What you could do:
- Install and maintain solar panels
- Design photovoltaic systems
- Monitor system performance
- Sell solar solutions to customers
Common roles include:
- PV System Designer
- Solar Installation Technician
- Solar Project Manager
- Solar Sales Consultant
2. Nuclear Energy Jobs
Nuclear power continues to play a vital role in providing reliable, carbon-free power around the world. Jobs in nuclear energy, like those with other energy sources, range from hands-on technical work to selling contracts or products related to nuclear energy production.
What you could do:
- Monitor nuclear systems and controls
- Maintain reactor equipment
- Ensure radiation safety
- Manage necessary materials
- Follow strict safety procedures
Common roles include:
- Nuclear Licensing Specialist
- Nuclear Maintenance Technician
- Nuclear Quality Control Inspector
- Plant Operator
3. Energy Storage and Battery Jobs
As communities and businesses invest in sustainable energy and energy independence, careers involved with storing energy for later use play a crucial role in ensuring adequate and reliable power sources and systems. This field combines electrical expertise with cutting-edge sustainability technology.
What you could do:
- Install battery systems
- Monitor energy storage
- Maintain backup power systems
- Optimize storage efficiency
Common roles include:
- Battery Technician
- Energy Management Specialist
- Grid Storage Engineer
- Storage System Designer
4. Hydrogen Energy Jobs
The emerging hydrogen power sector creates new opportunities for renewable energy-centered jobs as technology advances, particularly in industrial processes and transportation applications. This career field combines knowledge about chemical processes with an understanding of how the energy sector can become more sustainable.
What you could do:
- Operate hydrogen production systems
- Maintain safety systems
- Manage hydrogen storage
- Develop fueling infrastructure
Common roles include:
- Hydrogen Production Technician
- Hydrogen Safety Specialist
- Infrastructure Planner
- Systems Engineer
5. Industrial Process Jobs
Industrial processes are the backbone of energy production, requiring skilled professionals to design, build, and maintain industrial machinery and complex energy systems safely and efficiently. Advancement opportunities in these roles may look like management of operations or continued education and training in engineering fields.
Industrial process careers garner rewarding salaries. For example, graduates of San Juan College’s Industrial Process Operator associate’s degree program have an average salary of $100,384, much higher than the national average across all occupations.
What you could do:
- Operate energy production equipment
- Monitor systems controls
- Maintain industrial machinery
- Ensure safety compliance
Common roles include:
- Compression Mechanic
- Control Room Technician
- Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
- Process Operator
6. Electrical Technology Jobs
Those proficient in electrical systems and instruments can find successful careers related to energy production, storage, and delivery, working for power plants, manufacturing facilities, and utility providers, or building technology like phones or cars to be more sustainable.
What you could do:
- Work with power distribution
- Install electrical systems
- Troubleshoot equipment
- Upgrade infrastructure
Common roles include:
- Electronics Technician
- Electrical Systems Specialist
- Grid Technician
- Industrial Electrician
7. Project Management Jobs
If you're interested in understanding large-scale renewable energy projects and helping teams work together, from field technicians to marketing, project managers are crucial in coordinating various components to ensure timely and budget-conscious success. These roles benefit from both technical understanding and strong leadership skills.
What you could do:
- Lead installation teams
- Manage project budgets
- Coordinate contractors
- Ensure quality control
Common roles include:
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- Quality Control Manager
- Site Supervisor
8. Energy Engineering Jobs
Engineering roles in the energy sector focus on designing and implementing efficient, sustainable power solutions. These positions typically require entry-level education and training and encompass skills that transfer to various renewable energy career pathways.
What you could do:
- Design sustainable energy systems
- Solve technical problems
- Improve efficiency
- Manage technical projects
Common roles include:
- Energy Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Technical Manager
9. Energy Business Development Jobs
Business development professionals spend time growing the energy sector by identifying project opportunities and building relationships with clients, contractors, and partners. This could look like submitting proposals for funding for a sustainable energy development project in a small town.
What you could do:
- Develop new energy solutions
- Build client relationships
- Analyze market opportunities
- Manage energy contracts
Common roles include:
- Account Manager
- Business Development Specialist
- Energy Consultant
- Sales Consultant
10. Energy Policy and Compliance Jobs
As energy projects become more complex, professionals who understand regulations and how companies and energy providers can comply with them play a vital role in individual projects and high-level policy creation. These roles require attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
What you could do:
- Ensure regulatory compliance
- Manage environmental permits
- Coordinate with government and regulatory agencies
- Develop safety protocols
Common roles include:
- Compliance Specialist
- Environmental Coordinator
- Policy Analyst
- Safety Manager
11. Geothermal Energy Jobs
Another sustainable source of energy is geothermal energy, which harnesses Earth’s natural heat for power. Combine knowledge of Earth’s surface with sustainable energy production expertise to find work ranging from hands-on technical maintenance or installation to sales, marketing, and business operations.
What you could do:
- Operate geothermal plants
- Install and maintain well systems
- Monitor efficiency and performance
- Analyze geological data
Common roles include:
- Drilling Operations Specialist
- Geothermal Technician
- Geothermal Systems Analyst
- Safety Coordinator
12. Water Management Jobs
Water management has become increasingly important in energy operations, which uses water for many different purposes from generating electricity to extracting resources. Careers in sustainable water management range from analyzing environmental impacts to designing innovative solutions.
What you could do:
- Design water treatment systems
- Monitor water quality and usage
- Implement conservation strategies
- Manage industrial water recycling
- Ensure regulatory compliance
Common roles include:
- Conservation Specialist
- Environmental Compliance Officer
- Industrial Water Manager
- Water Treatment System Technician
13. Carbon Capture Jobs
As the energy sector evolves to value sustainability, carbon capture and sequestration careers are a popular choice, especially if you enjoy learning about chemical processes and managing environmental impact.
What you could do:
- Operate carbon capture systems
- Monitor sequestration processes
- Maintain processing equipment
- Track emissions data
- Ensure safe storage of materials
Common roles include:
- Carbon Capture Technician
- Environmental Monitoring Technician
- Process Control Engineer
- Project or Operations Manager
14. Energy System Automation Jobs
As energy systems become more complex, professionals who can integrate various technologies and manage automated systems are increasingly valuable. These roles innovate new technologies and transform traditional energy processes for a sustainable future.
What you could do:
- Implement automated solutions
- Optimize energy efficiency systems
- Coordinate multiple energy sources
- Design integrated energy systems
Common roles include:
- Automation Technician
- AI Implementation Manager
- Integrated Project Manager
- Smart Grid Technician
15: Occupational Safety Jobs
Graduates from various training and degree programs in renewable energy sectors can find employment in occupational safety. Understanding the science and mechanics of sustainable energy systems provides valuable expertise that enhances careers focused on maintaining safe working conditions for those who operate and maintain our energy systems.
What you could do:
- Review processes and procedures for safety issues
- Inspect machinery and equipment to ensure safety compliance
- Lead teams of safety professionals
- Work in the field as a safety manager or supervisor
Common roles include:
- Compliance Manager
- Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator
- Safety Coordinator
- Safety Officer
Beyond Technical Roles: Advanced Opportunities in Energy
The energy sector offers career paths far beyond technical positions. If you pursue a degree or training program for energy careers, your knowledge of the industry will open doors to opportunities across technology, business, education, and government. Understanding how energy systems work creates valuable expertise that can be applied to many professional roles in this in-demand, often high-paying industry.
Business and corporate roles:
- Accounting and finance: Manage budgets and investments for energy projects.
- Human resources: Recruit and develop talent for energy companies.
- Marketing and communications: Develop strategies for energy companies or help government agencies communicate policy to the public.
- Supply chain management: Coordinate equipment and materials for renewable energy projects.
Policy and research careers:
- Energy policy: Shape regulations and incentives.
- Environmental program management: Oversee conservation initiatives.
- Research: Direct or carry out research studies on renewable energy technologies.
- Sustainability consulting: Help organizations reduce energy use.
Industry leadership positions:
- Corporate sustainability management: Guide company-wide environmental strategies.
- Energy program direction: Manage large-scale projects, like creating a new drilling location or rolling out new technology.
- Investment management: Oversee funding for new renewable energy projects.
- Technology and innovation: Design new methods or instrumentation and drive companies to continue to source sustainable power.
Start a Renewable Energy Career at San Juan College
Learning about today’s expansive energy industry job options is the first step to starting a career in this growing sector. Now that you know more about different jobs in the energy industry, research programs in your area that offer specialized training.
Many colleges and universities can help you enter this growing field, whether you’re starting fresh or transitioning from another industry. Learn more about how to start a career in the energy sector.
