Electric power generation engineer
Also known as: production and electric power engineer, gas generation engineer, power plant project engineer, power station engineer, energy generation engineer, control and electric power engineer
About this occupation
Electric power generation engineers design and develop systems which generate electrical power, and develop strategies for the improvement of existing electricity generation systems. They strive to conciliate sustainable solutions with efficient and affordable solutions. They engage in projects where supply of electrical energy is required.
A specialisation of electrical engineer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- perform scientific research
- respond to electrical power contingencies
- use technical drawing software
- engineering principles
- promote sustainable energy
- ensure compliance with electricity distribution schedule
- electric generators
- ensure safety in electrical power operations
- design electric power systems
- electricity
- technical drawings
- electric current
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Biomass Power Plant Managers (O*NET 11-3051.04). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Manage safety programs at power generation facilities.
- Review biomass operations performance specifications to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Review logs, datasheets, or reports to ensure adequate production levels and safe production environments or to identify abnormalities with power production equipment or processes.
- Supervise operations or maintenance employees in the production of power from biomass, such as wood, coal, paper sludge, or other waste or refuse.
- Supervise biomass plant or substation operations, maintenance, repair, or testing activities.
- Conduct field inspections of biomass plants, stations, or substations to ensure normal and safe operating conditions.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Enterprising
Top skills: Speaking, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring, Coordination
US median pay: US$126,060 a year (2025), 246,250 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.0)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.6)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.5)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.3)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Biomass Plant Technicians
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Biofuels Production Managers
- Hydroelectric Production Managers
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
- Biofuels Processing Technicians
- Geothermal Technicians
- Gas Plant Operators
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Industrial Production Managers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.