EPCE

Engineering

Engineers use scientific as well as mathematical knowledge to solve problems. As an engineer, you will:

  • Determine how a system should work and how a change in conditions, operations, and the environment wil leffect outcomes.
  • Arrange things in a certain order or pattern according to a certain set of rules.
  • Imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are rearranged.
  • Predict likely outcomes based on your knowledge and skills.
  • Use logic to determine errors and decide what to do about them.
  • Seek out new ideas and approaches.
There are many types of engineers
and all require a Bachelor’s degree.

You must select the type of engineering you want to go into when you enter college.

There are several types of engineers at energy companies. Read about the unique knowledge and skills for each role. For a mid- to senior-level position, one can continue to build expertise in these areas or move into a manager/supervisor role.

Entry-Level: Engineer

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Average salary*: $52,922

Testing: Pre-employment testing is typically required. Many companies require a passing score on the industry exams before being considered for employment. Topics focus on spatial ability, math concepts, mechanical reasoning and reading comprehension.

Special certificates/licenses: Registration as a professional engineer (P.E.) in a specific state.

Mid-Level: Chemical Engineer

Average salary*: $83,683

Things you’ll do: Develop safety procedures to be used by workers operating equipment or who will be near on-going chemical reactions. Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents using controlled chemical processes. Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.

Mid-Level: Civil Engineer

Average salary*: $73,390

Things you’ll do: Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities such as pipeline and power plants. Direct
or participate in surveying to lay out installations and guide construction. Inspect project sites to check on progress and make sure workers are following design specifications and safety standards.

Mid-Level: Electrical or Power Engineer

Average salary*: $81,149

Things you’ll do: Conduct research and apply electrical theory to engineering projects. Perform calculations to determine how electrical systems should be built. Use computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks.

Mid-Level: Mechanical Engineer

Average salary*: $77,884

Things you’ll do: Use knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair and maintenance. Oversee how machines and equipment are installed, operated, and maintained, making sure they follow specifications Discover why equipment fails and make recommendations
to the maintenance crew.

Mid-Level: Nuclear Engineer

Average salary*: $89,860

Things you’ll do: Design and oversee the construction and operation of nuclear reactors and power plants. Monitor activity in a nuclear facility to ensure safety rules and laws are followed.
Perform experiments that provide information about how to use and dispose of nuclear material.

Manager/Supervising Engineer Track

average salary : $105,430*

Required years of experience: Typically ten years.

Education: Companies may provide some training in supervisory and leadership skills. A Master’s
degree may be required.

Things you’ll do: Design and oversee projects using detailed plans to accomplish goals. Plan and direct the installation, testing, operation, maintenance, and repair of facilities and equipment.
Hire employees and assign, direct and evaluate their work. Create policies and procedures for the engineering work performed in the department, service, laboratory or firm. Review and write reports; enforce rules; and make decisions, including whether to buy specific materials or services.

 

Overview

Annual Salary Range*: $52k–105k

Bachelor’s to Master’s degree

If you like: discovering how things work, building things from scratch, problem solving

You’ll also need to:

  • Be a good listener.
  • Be able to communicate complicated information in a way others can understand.
  • Plan and prioritize your work.
  • Keep up-to-date with technology.
  • Strive to make things work more efficiently and effectively.

 

EPCE, CAEL, CEWD, Metro Denver WIRED.

* Based on national average from payscale.com and O*NET. Will vary depending upon geographic location.