Power generation
Converting wind, sunlight, heat and other energy sources into useful electricity.
Example work
- Plant performance
- Renewable design
- Asset engineering
INDUSTRY LANDSCAPE
Energy
Engineering, operating and improving the systems that generate, move and store energy.
OVERVIEW
How the sector works
The sector spans power generation, networks, storage, industrial energy, project delivery and the transition to lower-carbon systems.
Why it mattersReliable, affordable and lower-impact energy is foundational to homes, healthcare, transport and industry.
INSIDE THE INDUSTRY
The major subsectors
Each part of the sector solves a different set of technical and practical problems.
Networks and grids
Moving electricity safely while balancing supply, demand and system stability.
Example work
- Grid planning
- Protection systems
- Control rooms
Energy storage
Storing electrical or thermal energy so it can be used when and where it is needed.
Example work
- Battery systems
- Thermal storage
- System integration
Industrial energy and projects
Improving energy use in industry and delivering new infrastructure from design through operation.
Example work
- Process heat
- Project engineering
- Efficiency programmes
WHERE YOUR BACKGROUND CAN FIT
Different degrees, different entry points
The same industry needs people who can investigate, design, analyse and deliver from different starting disciplines.
Engineering
Generation · Networks · Storage · Project delivery
Physics
System modelling · Power electronics · Performance analysis · Instrumentation
Chemistry
Batteries · Hydrogen · Process energy · Materials
Environmental / Earth Science
Site assessment · Impacts · Resource data · Permitting evidence
Mathematics
Forecasting · Optimisation · Grid scenarios · Reliability analysis
WHAT THE WORK CAN LOOK LIKE
Representative problems
Projects vary by organisation, but these examples show the questions teams in Energy may tackle.
- Model how new demand affects a regional electricity network.
- Improve the operating efficiency of a generation asset.
- Compare storage technologies for a defined duty cycle.
- Plan the technical studies needed for a renewable project.
TECHNOLOGIES & TRENDS
What is changing the sector
These developments are reshaping technical work, evidence and decision-making.
Long-duration storage
Storage systems designed to supply energy for many hours or longer.
They can help balance periods of low renewable generation.Grid modelling
Simulation of power flows, constraints and future demand across electricity networks.
Networks must be planned before new generation and demand can connect reliably.Hydrogen systems
Producing, storing and using hydrogen as a chemical feedstock or energy carrier.
Hydrogen may help decarbonise selected industrial processes where direct electrification is difficult.Advanced power electronics
Electronic systems that convert and control electrical power efficiently.
They are central to renewables, storage, electric transport and modern grids.CAREER FUNCTIONS
Where STEM graduates contribute
Functions describe the work a team performs, not just the title on a job description.
Energy engineering
Design and integrate equipment that generates, converts, stores or uses energy.
- Specify systems
- Model performance
- Review designs
Operations
Keep assets safe, reliable and efficient under changing conditions.
- Monitor performance
- Plan maintenance
- Investigate faults
Energy-systems analysis
Compare scenarios across technology, demand, infrastructure and policy.
- Build models
- Test assumptions
- Explain trade-offs
Project development
Move an energy project from early concept through engineering, approvals and delivery.
- Evaluate sites
- Coordinate studies
- Manage technical risk
HOW TO START EXPLORING
Build evidence while you study
You do not need to decide on one destination immediately. Use projects, modules and experience to learn which parts of the sector hold your attention.
- Take modules in thermodynamics, power systems, electrochemistry or environmental assessment.
- Use open energy data to test a clear systems question.
- Join energy or engineering societies and design projects.
- Seek placements across engineering, analysis, operations or project development.
CAREER MAP
Example careers
Discover & Research
Materials Scientist
Design, test and improve the materials behind cleaner energy, electronics and resilient products.
ChemistryPhysicsMaterials Science
Explore: Johnson Matthey · Saint-Gobain
Explore this careerDiscover & Research
Battery Scientist
Develop safer, longer-lasting materials and cells for electrified systems.
ChemistryMaterials ScienceEngineering
Explore: Johnson Matthey · BASF
Explore this careerAdvise & Strategise
Sustainability Consultant
Help organisations turn climate and environmental evidence into credible action.
Environmental / Earth ScienceEngineeringChemistry
Explore: Deloitte · BCG
Explore this careerAnalyse & Model
Energy Systems Analyst
Model technologies, infrastructure and policy across a changing energy system.
EngineeringPhysicsMathematics
Explore: Shell · BP
Explore this careerEMPLOYER LANDSCAPE
Organisations to investigate
OPPORTUNITIES
See related programmes
Internship Deadline not stated
Siemens Energy
Electrical Engineering Internship
Part-time engineering internship supporting substation calculations, CAD drawings and technical analysis across UAE grid projects.
Dubai, UAEWork format not statedUndergraduate · Graduate / Early CareerPay — Not stated
Verified opportunityReview details
Internship Deadline not stated
Siemens Energy
Pflichtpraktikant (w/m/d) im Ingenieurbereich
Mandatory engineering internship spanning turbine/generator development, manufacturing and project work in Mülheim.
Muelheim an der Ruhr, GermanyHybridUndergraduate · Master’s / PostgraduatePay — Not stated
Verified opportunityReview details
Graduate role Deadline not stated
Siemens Energy
Graduate Engineer
Engineering graduate programme with placements across Siemens Energy Gas Services in Newcastle.
Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomWork format not statedGraduate / Early CareerPay — Paid
Verified opportunityReview details
Graduate role Deadline not stated
Siemens Energy
Mechanical Engineering Graduate
Mechanical-engineering graduate role working on gas-turbine and sustainable-energy projects in Lincoln.
Lincoln, United KingdomHybridGraduate / Early CareerPay — Paid · £36,000 starting salary
Verified opportunityReview details
Graduate role Deadline not stated
Siemens Energy
Siemens Energy Graduate Program - Hot Gas Path Repair Engineer
Two-year graduate programme developing repair-engineering expertise for gas-turbine hot-gas-path components in Dammam.
Dammam, Saudi ArabiaWork format not statedMaster’s / Postgraduate · Graduate / Early CareerPay — Paid
Verified opportunityReview details
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