Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

17-2199.03

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Identify and recommend energy savings strategies to achieve more energy-efficient operation.
• Conduct energy audits to evaluate energy use and to identify conservation and cost reduction measures.
• Monitor and analyze energy consumption.
• Monitor energy related design or construction issues, such as energy engineering, energy management, or sustainable design.
• Inspect or monitor energy systems, including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or daylighting systems to determine energy use or potential energy savings.
• Advise clients or colleagues on topics such as climate control systems, energy modeling, data logging, sustainable design, or energy auditing.
• Analyze, interpret, or create graphical representations of energy data, using engineering software.
• Verify energy bills and meter readings.
• Collect data for energy conservation analyses, using jobsite observation, field inspections, or sub-metering.
• Manage the development, design, or construction of energy conservation projects to ensure acceptability of budgets and time lines, conformance to federal and state laws, or adherence to approved specifications.
• Perform energy modeling, measurement, verification, commissioning, or retro-commissioning.
• Review architectural, mechanical, or electrical plans or specifications to evaluate energy efficiency.
• Prepare energy-related project reports or related documentation.
• Review or negotiate energy purchase agreements.
• Train personnel or clients on topics such as energy management.
• Direct the implementation of energy management projects.
• Research renewable or alternative energy systems or technologies, such as solar thermal or photovoltaic energy.
• Promote awareness or use of alternative or renewable energy sources.
• Write or install energy management routines for building automation systems.
• Recommend best fuel for specific sites or circumstances.
• Consult with construction or renovation clients or other engineers on topics such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Green Buildings.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - 360 Analytics eQUEST; AIRMaster+; Architectural Energy Corporation ENFORMA Building Diagnostics; Architectural Energy Corporation VisualDOE; Autodesk Ecotect; Carrier Hourly Analysis Program HAP; Chilled Water System Analysis Tool CWSAT; Combined Heat and Power Application Tool CHP; Cool Roof Calculator; DesignBuilder Software DesignBuilder; DOE-2; EffTec EffTrack; Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor; EnergyPlus; EnergySoft EnergyPro; Facility Energy Decision Systems FEDS; Fan System Assessment Tool FSAT; Federal Renewable Energy Screening Assistant FRESA; Fielding Data Labs OptoMizer; InterEnergy Software Building Energy Analyzer PRO; Itron Enterprise Energy Management EEM Suite; MotorMaster+; Performance Systems Development TREAT; Process Heating Assessment and Survey Tool PHAST; Program for Energy Analysis of Residences PEAR; Quick Plant Energy Profiler; Retrofit Energy Savings Estimation Model RESEM; Steam System Tool Suite; Stellar Processes EZ Sim; The MathWorks MATLAB ; Trane System Analyzer; Trane TRACE
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD ; Home Energy Efficient Design HEED
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook
• Object or component oriented development software - Python ; R
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Analyze energy usage data.
• Advise others regarding green practices or environmental concerns.
• Monitor industrial energy consumption or management.
• Direct energy production or management activities.
• Inspect equipment or systems.
• Create models of engineering designs or methods.
• Research energy production, use, or conservation.
• Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications.
• Prepare technical or operational reports.
• Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
• Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
• Research design or application of green technologies.
• Perform marketing activities.
• Operate computer systems.
• Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.