Best Paying Engineering Jobs in Renewable Energy in the United Kingdom

The UK is at the forefront of the global transition to sustainable development, with the renewable energy sector emerging as a major centre of innovation and opportunity.

Against a backdrop of climate change and the urgent call for carbon neutrality, the UK's commitment to expanding its renewable energy capabilities addresses environmental concerns and presents an exciting landscape of career opportunities, particularly in engineering.

In looking at the best paying engineering jobs in renewable energy in the UK, we focus on a sector that is essential to the UK's environmental targets and also offers a range of opportunities for people who want to align their careers with the principles of sustainability.

The renewable energy sector is often characterised by rapid technological advances, interdisciplinary collaboration and a constant drive to improve efficiency and sustainability. This unique ecosystem offers engineering professionals a chance to engage with cutting-edge technologies, contribute to meaningful projects that have a tangible impact on the planet and, secure financially rewarding careers.

Our presented research on this topic is based on a thorough review of salary data sourced from reputable platforms such as Indeed, Glassdoor and our own extensive Rejobs database, which contains over 11,900 historical renewable energy job listings in the UK as of April 2024. This analysis provides us with a qualified estimate of the median base salary, starting salary (10th percentile) and top salary (90th percentile) across various engineering disciplines within the renewable energy sector, excluding additional compensation such as bonuses and benefits, to provide a clear and comparative basis for evaluation.

We invite aspiring engineers who are considering a move into climate tech or clean energy to discover the most lucrative engineering roles in the UK's renewable energy market:

Function	10th percentile	UK median	90th percentile
Sales Engineer	£41,000	£59,500	£88,000
Software Engineer	£37,000	£48,500	£76,000
Electronics Engineer	£29,000	£43,400	£53,000
Mechanical Engineer	£29,000	£39,700	£48,000
Civil Engineer	£29,000	£39,200	£44,000
Industrial Engineer	£29,000	£37,600	£46,000
Environmental Engineer	£25,000	£34,000	£46,000

Let's take a closer look at what these 7 engineering roles are about.

Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers serve as the linchpin in assessing, mitigating and managing the environmental impacts associated with renewable energy projects. Their work on wind farms, solar arrays, biomass or hydroelectric plants ensures that these projects help reduce carbon emissions, fit in with the surrounding ecosystems, and comply with environmental regulations.

In the renewable energy sector, environmental engineering is a multifaceted job. These specialists conduct comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), develop strategies to minimise environmental footprints, and work closely with project managers and design teams to integrate sustainable practices throughout the lifecycle of energy projects.

This role requires deep understanding of ecological dynamics and regulatory frameworks, and a proactive approach to innovation in environmental protection measures.

The median salary is £34,000 and those entering the profession can expect to start at around £25,000. However, for experienced professionals who bring a wealth of experience in environmental impact assessment, regulatory compliance and sustainable project design, earnings can exceed £46,000.

Key skills:

• In-depth knowledge of environmental legislation and policy frameworks.
• Expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) methodologies.
• Knowledge of sustainable development practices and green project design.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in assessing environmental impacts and developing mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance.

Industrial Engineer

The growth of the renewable energy sector is closely linked to advances in manufacturing processes and efficiency. Industrial engineers are at the forefront of this development, focusing on optimising production systems and processes for renewable energy components: e.g. solar panels, wind turbine blades and bioenergy processing equipment. Their aim is to improve productivity, reduce waste and ensure that manufacturing practices meet the highest standards of sustainability and efficiency.

Industrial engineers use their skills to streamline operations, implement lean manufacturing techniques and integrate innovative technologies into production lines. Their work has a direct impact on the affordability and accessibility of renewable technologies, making them fundamental to the success of the sector.

The median salary for renewable energy industrial engineers in the UK is currently £37,600. Entry-level positions offer a competitive starting salary of around £29,000, while individuals with extensive experience of improving production efficiencies and implementing cost-saving innovations can command salaries of over £46,000.

Key competencies:

• Mastery of lean manufacturing principles and practices.
• Knowledge of process simulation and analysis software.
• Knowledge of sustainable manufacturing and material efficiency.
• Ability to design and optimise manufacturing operations for maximum efficiency.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and correct inefficiencies in manufacturing systems.

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers in the renewable energy sector are the architects of the future, laying the groundwork for infrastructure that is in harmony with our environmental aspirations. Their expertise is essential in the planning, design and construction of renewable energy projects such as wind farms, industrial solar and hydroelectric facilities. These professionals ensure that such projects are environmentally sustainable, structurally sound, efficiently integrated into existing landscapes and designed to serve communities for decades to come.

In the UK, a leader in renewable energy adoption, civil engineers are playing a key role in transforming the country's energy infrastructure. They tackle complex challenges, from geological assessments to integrating renewable technologies into urban and rural environments, building resilience to climate change.

Civil engineers in this dynamic sector can expect to earn a median salary of £39,200, with entry-level positions starting at around £29,000. For those with extensive experience and a portfolio of successful renewable energy projects, salaries can rise to £44,000 and above.

Key competencies:

• Advanced understanding of environmental impact assessment and sustainability practices.
• Proficiency in CAD software and other design tools for accurate project planning and execution.
• Solid foundation in geotechnical engineering to ensure stability and durability of structures.
• Project management skills to oversee projects from inception to completion, ensuring that all technical, regulatory and budgetary requirements are met.
• Strong analytical skills to solve complex engineering challenges and optimise project designs for environmental and structural integrity.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers in the renewable energy sector are at the heart of the design, development and maintenance of the mechanical components that make renewable energy systems work. Their expertise is critical to the efficiency, durability and scalability of systems such as wind turbines, solar panels and bioenergy plants. These engineers play a central role in advancing the technologies that are driving our transition to sustainable energy sources.

In the UK, mechanical engineers are contributing to a wide range of renewable energy projects, applying their knowledge to improve system design, increase material efficiency and innovate for greater energy yield. Their work not only supports the UK's environmental goals, but also drives technological advances that make renewable energy solutions more accessible and effective.

The median salary for mechanical engineers in this sector is £39,700. Entry-level mechanical engineers can expect to earn around £29,000, while those with advanced expertise in critical areas such as fluid dynamics or materials science can earn upwards of £48,000.

Key skills:

• In-depth knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and mechanical systems as they apply to renewable energy technologies.
• Expertise in the use of CAD and simulation software for the design and analysis of mechanical components.
• Understanding of materials science with a focus on the selection and application of materials that maximise efficiency and durability in renewable energy systems.
• Problem solving skills to address the unique mechanical design challenges presented by renewable energy applications.
• Innovation in mechanical design to improve the performance and reliability of renewable energy systems.

Electronics Engineer

Electronics engineers in the renewable energy sector have a profound impact on the efficiency and functionality of green technologies. By innovating at the intersection of electronics and renewable energy, these engineers are improving the capabilities and performance of technologies that are vital to a sustainable future.

The demand for electronics engineers in the UK's renewable energy sector is driven by the relentless pursuit of more efficient, reliable and cost-effective energy solutions. Their work involves the meticulous design of converters and inverters, the development of control systems and the integration of smart technologies that enable renewable energy systems to achieve their full potential. This role is all about technical excellence and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with clean energy sources.

With a median salary of £43,400, electronics engineers are among the most highly valued professionals in the renewable energy sector. Entry level positions typically offer around £29,000, reflecting the basic skills required. However, experienced electronics engineers, particularly those with specialist skills in power electronics, microcontrollers and renewable systems integration, can expect their earnings to rise to over £53,000, reflecting the high demand and significant impact of their work.

Key skills:

• Expertise in the design and development of power electronics, including converters, inverters and control systems for renewable energy applications.
• Expertise in programming microcontrollers and embedded systems to enable the intelligent functionality of renewable technologies.
• Deep understanding of the operating principles of various renewable energy technologies and the electronic requirements for optimal performance.
• Experience in developing Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for remote monitoring and control of energy systems to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Strong problem solving skills and innovation in addressing the unique challenges of integrating electronic systems with renewable energy technologies.

Software Engineer

Software engineers play a fundamental role in the renewable energy sector, driving the digital transformation that enables operational efficiency and innovation in green technologies. Their work involves developing, testing and maintaining software solutions that support the functionality, monitoring and optimisation of renewable energy systems. From data analytics and machine learning algorithms to user interface design and system security, software engineers enable the seamless operation and integration of renewable technologies into the energy grid.

The renewable energy sector's shift towards digitalisation and smart technologies has significantly increased the demand for software engineers in the UK. These professionals are improving energy forecasting, managing distributed energy resources and enhancing the user experience for both operators and consumers. Their contributions are vital to achieving the levels of efficiency, reliability and scalability required for the widespread adoption of renewable energy.

Software engineers in the renewable energy sector can expect to earn a median salary of £43,400. Starting salaries for entry-level positions are around £29,000, while experienced professionals, particularly those with skills in data analytics, cloud computing and cyber security, can command salaries in excess of £53,000.

Key skills:

• Proficiency in programming languages relevant to renewable energy applications, such as Python, Java and C++, with Python being highly valued for data analysis and automation.
• Experience in developing and managing large-scale data processing and analytics platforms to support energy forecasting and grid management.
• Knowledge of cloud computing and distributed system architecture to support scalable and efficient operation of renewable energy systems.
• Understanding of cyber security principles to ensure the integrity and security of data and control systems within the renewable energy sector.
• Innovation and problem-solving skills to develop software solutions that address the unique challenges of renewable energy generation, distribution and use.

Sales Engineer

Where innovation meets market need, the Sales Engineer emerges as a pivotal figure and, indeed, takes the cake when it comes to remuneration.

Sales engineers in the renewable energy sector possess a unique blend of technical knowledge and business acumen, positioning them as key facilitators in the adoption of green technologies. They act as consultants beyond traditional sales, using their deep understanding of technology to match complex technical solutions with specific customer needs.

The effectiveness of a sales engineer in the renewable energy sector is measured by their ability to close sales, foster long-term relationships with customers, understand their evolving needs and anticipate industry trends.

Their work requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, coupled with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively to a non-technical audience. In the fast-moving renewable energy market, sales engineers are the bridge between innovative engineering solutions and the businesses, communities and governments looking to invest in sustainable energy.

Salaries for sales engineers in this sector reflect the high value the market places on their combined expertise. With a median salary of £59,500, entry-level professionals can expect to start at around £41,000. However, for those who demonstrate exceptional ability in securing high value contracts and developing key accounts, salaries can rise to over £88,000.

Key competencies:

• A solid foundation in engineering principles and a broad understanding of renewable energy technologies to provide expert advice and solutions to clients.
• Strong sales acumen and the ability to develop and implement effective sales strategies in line with both company objectives and customer needs.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to articulate technical benefits clearly and persuasively to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate the competitive landscape of the renewable energy market, identify opportunities and challenges and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strong customer relationships, with a focus on understanding customer needs and delivering tailored solutions that drive satisfaction and loyalty.

Conclusion

We've explored the most lucrative engineering roles within the UK's thriving renewable energy sector, highlighting the key skills and the significant impact the professionals in these roles have on building a sustainable future.

But the most compelling reason to join this dynamic field might not be a high salary. Imagine a career where your daily work directly contributes to solving the root cause of climate change. Imagine collaborating with passionate people on cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to revolutionize how the world gets its energy.

Are you ready to be part of the solution?

Article by Jaroslav Holub

Published on March 28, 2024

Share this article with your folks, and help them find a career to be proud of.