Energy engineers are employed in a variety of fields that include coal mining, nuclear power and drilling for oil.
Energy comes in different forms, and harnessing the power of energy to carry out various functions is the job of an energy engineer. This field involves a variety of engineering professionals who are responsible for producing and distributing energy. Some energy engineers are responsible for designing infrastructure that is capable of generating and transmitting energy for industrial purposes. Energy engineering includes a broad category of disciplines and there are careers in petroleum operations, nuclear production, alternative wind energy generation, and mining and geological sciences. Many jobs require engineers to be licensed to carry out their job duties.
Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum is an important source of energy since it plays a critical role in the transportation and heating industries. Oil and natural gas are important to the American economy and petroleum engineers are responsible for exploring and recovering crude oil and natural gas wells. Petroleum engineers have to use a variety of drilling applications and methods to extract petroleum resources. Possessing a bachelor's degree in at least one area of engineering or earth science, such as geology, geophysics or mining, is typically required for an entry-level position in this field. Engineers also must receive training in the area of petroleum engineering. Once they are hired, they will usually work as an apprentice with a more experienced engineer.
Nuclear Engineers
Nuclear engineers are responsible for the safe operation for nuclear power plants and facilities. They also design and construct equipment that processes nuclear fuel and they are responsible for the safe removal of nuclear waste. Nuclear engineers also are employed to design nuclear power systems for aeronautics and submarines.
Individuals choosing to work within this field must possess at a least a bachelor's degree in the field of mechanical or chemical engineering, and master's degree are preferred for many jobs Entrance into nuclear engineering programs is very competitive.
Mining and Geological Engineers
Coal is an important energy source for the production of electricity, and mining and geological engineers are responsible for locating coal and extracting it from mines. They also remove other precious metals and minerals from the earth, as well. Understanding drilling techniques and processes and constructing large underground shafts are two very important aspects of this career. Mining and geological engineers must also have knowledge of government standards for the safe construction and operation of mines. Entry-level positions require a bachelor's degree and students must complete a four-year course before specializing in an area of this particular field of engineering. Employment opportunities are available in mining and construction, oil companies and government agencies.
Chemical Engineers
Some chemical engineers also work in the field of energy and they work in areas of petroleum exploration and nuclear power. They also help to design plants for processing fuel and they play a part with locating new sources for energy. Chemical engineers use basic engineering knowledge, such as math and physics, and they expand on this by using principles in chemistry. Chemical engineers are required to have a four-year degree that is similar to a chemist, or a degree in an area of physical engineering.
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