Wind Engineer Career Profile

What the role involves

Wind engineers work on the technical side of wind energy projects. Depending on the role, they may be involved in assessing whether a location is suitable for a wind farm, designing project components, modelling energy output, supporting grid connection, reviewing turbine performance or helping manage installation and commissioning.

Some wind engineers focus on electrical systems, power systems, grid modelling or renewable energy integration. Others work on civil design, mechanical systems, turbine performance, site layout, project delivery or operations and maintenance.

Typical employers

Wind engineer roles in Australia may be found with:

• renewable energy companies
• wind farm developers and operators
• engineering consultancies
• power systems and grid connection specialists
• wind turbine manufacturers and suppliers
• energy utilities and network businesses
• government energy departments and agencies
• infrastructure, construction and project management firms
• renewable energy advisory or sustainability consultancies

Key tasks

• assessing wind resources and site suitability
• supporting the design and layout of wind energy systems
• modelling energy generation, losses and project performance
• reviewing turbine technology and technical specifications
• supporting electrical, mechanical, civil or power systems design
• helping with grid connection studies and renewable energy integration
• working with environmental, planning, construction and project teams
• monitoring wind farm performance and identifying improvements
• preparing technical reports, feasibility studies and project documentation

Skills and qualities

Wind engineering suits people who enjoy technical problem-solving and want to work in renewable energy. Useful qualities include:

• strong engineering and mathematical ability
• interest in renewable energy and electricity systems
• problem-solving and analytical thinking
• ability to understand technical drawings, models and reports
• project management and coordination skills
• clear written communication for technical reporting
• understanding of safety, environmental and planning constraints
• ability to work with multidisciplinary project teams
• willingness to travel to regional or remote wind farm sites where required

Qualifications and pathways

Wind engineer roles usually require an engineering qualification. Depending on the role, relevant study areas may include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, renewable energy engineering, power systems or energy systems engineering.

• Bachelor of Engineering, such as Electrical, Mechanical, Civil or Renewable Energy Engineering
• Master of Engineering or Engineering Science in Renewable Energy or Electrical Power Systems
• power systems, grid connection, modelling or renewable energy project experience
• professional engineering accreditation or eligibility with Engineers Australia
• specialist training in wind resource assessment, energy modelling, grid studies or project management

With experience, wind engineers may progress into senior wind engineer, renewable energy engineer, grid connection engineer, power systems engineer, project engineer, technical manager, wind farm project manager or renewable energy development roles.

Salary and job outlook

Wind engineer salaries can vary depending on engineering discipline, seniority, employer, project location, grid or modelling expertise, construction exposure and whether the role is based in consulting, development, manufacturing, operations or project delivery. Salary information changes over time, so it is best to check current Australian salary and job-market sources before applying or negotiating pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Wind engineering jobs are often linked to wind farm projects, renewable energy consultancies, grid connection work and project development. Opportunities may be based in capital cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, with travel to regional wind farm sites. Wind projects are commonly located in regional areas with strong wind resources and suitable grid access.

Tips for getting started

• choose engineering subjects linked to renewable energy, electrical systems, power systems, civil design or mechanical systems
• look for graduate roles with renewable energy developers, consultancies, turbine suppliers or utilities
• build experience with modelling, data analysis, design software or grid connection studies
• develop strong project documentation and technical report writing skills
• learn about Australian renewable energy markets, planning approvals and grid connection processes
• consider postgraduate study in renewable energy or electrical power systems
• be open to site visits, regional projects and multidisciplinary project work

Related environmental careers

• Renewable Energy Engineer
• Energy Auditor
• Electrical Engineer
• Power Systems Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Sustainability Consultant
• Climate Change Adaptation Officer
• Environmental Scientist