Renewable Energy Jobs in United Kingdom tagged "Civil Engineering"

Civil Engineering Jobs in Renewable Energy

Civil engineering in renewable energy isn't about roads and bridges. It's about designing foundations that withstand 25 years of offshore wave loading, managing earthworks for solar farms across hundreds of hectares, and coordinating the logistics of pouring concrete in remote wind farm locations. The role sits at the intersection of Construction execution and Project Management, with civil engineers often serving as the critical link between design intent and what actually gets built.

What These Roles Actually Involve

Civil engineers in renewables spend significant time on Geotechnical Engineering challenges specific to energy infrastructure. Offshore wind foundations require soil analysis at depths and scales rarely encountered in conventional construction. Onshore projects demand creative solutions for access roads that minimize environmental impact while supporting 100-tonne turbine components. Many roles involve Permitting coordination, where understanding local regulations around drainage, erosion control, and land disturbance directly determines project timelines.

The job titles reveal the full project lifecycle. Early-stage roles like "Projektleiter Windparkplanung" focus on site layout and feasibility, while Field Engineers and Construction Supervisors manage daily execution. Quantity Surveyors handle the commercial side, tracking costs against estimates as ground conditions inevitably differ from surveys. This breadth means civil engineers often transition between design, supervision, and project coordination within a single career.

Employers and Market Reality

The employer mix tells you where opportunities concentrate. Marine contractors like Seaway7 and DEME dominate Offshore Wind Energy, hiring civil engineers who understand foundation installation vessels and subsea operations. Utilities like Hydro Québec and SSE Renewables need civil engineers for asset management across generating portfolios. Engineering consultancies like Royal HaskoningDHV offer broader exposure across multiple project types and technologies.

The geographic concentration in Germany, UK, and Ireland reflects Europe's offshore wind buildout, while Canadian roles often involve Hydropower projects. Civil engineers transitioning from oil and gas, mining, or heavy construction find their project management and remote site experience directly transferable, particularly for roles requiring multilingual capabilities in European markets.