High School

Take classes in earth science, environmental science, mathematics, and physics. Strong communication skills are needed for managing others and sharing research findings and designs, so be sure to also take English and speech classes. Computer science and shop classes are also important. Many wind energy engineers travel overseas to turbine manufacturers, which is why knowledge of a foreign language is useful. 

Postsecondary Education

Most wind energy engineers have a bachelor of science in an engineering specialty, such as electrical, civil, environmental, industrial, materials, or mechanical engineering. Most wind energy engineer jobs require that engineers have a degree from an ABET (Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) accredited program. Many companies prefer to hire wind energy engineers with a master's degree, so those who pursue advanced degrees may have better odds of securing work. Engineers also receive extensive on-the-job training.

Online databases of wind energy educational programs can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy's Web site at https://windexchange.energy.gov/maps-data/323.

Certification

Certificate programs in renewable energy are provided by colleges and universities, professional associations such as the Midwest Renewable Energy Association as well as private organizations.

Other Education or Training

The American Wind Energy Association offers educational sessions at its annual conference that cover technical, scientific, and business issues. The Association of Energy Engineers, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Midwest Renewable Energy Association, and the National Society of Professional Engineers also provide continuing education opportunities.

Certification or Licensing

Wind energy engineers who work on projects that affect the property, health, or life of the public typically pursue licensure. Licensing for engineers is in two levels. Professional Engineers (PEs) have graduated from an accredited engineering curriculum, have four years of engineering experience, and have passed a written exam. Engineering graduates need not wait until they have four years of experience, however, to start the licensure process. Those who pass the Fundamentals of Engineering examination after graduating are called Engineers in Training (EITs) or Engineer Interns (EIs). The EIT certification usually is valid for 10 years. After acquiring suitable work experience, EITs can take the second examination, the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, to gain full PE licensure. Find information on licensing and examination requirements at https://ncees.org.

Wind energy industry workers who are employed in positions that may affect the power grid must be certified by the North American Energy Reliability Corporation.

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association certifies renewable energy site assessors in wind technology (home-sized systems). The North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals offers certification to small wind power installers. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies and the Electronics Technicians Association International also offer certification programs.

SME offers certification to manufacturing engineers. The Association of Energy Engineers also offers certification in a variety of specialties. To be considered for certification, a candidate must meet eligibility standards such as a minimum of three years of relevant work experience and membership in a professional organization. Most programs consist of classroom work and an examination.

Wind energy engineers have three to five years of relevant work experience, along with internship or cooperative work experience while in school. They must be creative, good problem solvers, and strong communicators, enjoy conducting research, and have excellent technical and scientific ability. Strong communication skills, good organizational and time-management skills, the ability to work as a member of a team, and a willingness to continue to learn throughout one’s career are also essential in this field. People who do best in this type of work are analytical thinkers, detail oriented, have an adaptable and flexible attitude, are responsible and reliable, and are willing to take on challenges and handle responsibilities.