Energy Engineer
Energy & Utilities
Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.
What you'd do all day
The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.
- 1Identify and recommend energy savings strategies to achieve more energy-efficient operation.
- 2Conduct energy audits to evaluate energy use and to identify conservation and cost reduction measures.
- 3Monitor and analyze energy consumption.
- 4Monitor energy related design or construction issues, such as energy engineering, energy management, or sustainable design.
- 5Inspect or monitor energy systems, including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or daylighting systems to determine energy use or potential energy savings.
- 6Analyze, interpret, or create graphical representations of energy data, using engineering software.
- 7Advise clients or colleagues on topics such as climate control systems, energy modeling, data logging, sustainable design, or energy auditing.
- 8Verify energy bills and meter readings.
- 9Collect data for energy conservation analyses, using jobsite observation, field inspections, or sub-metering.
- 10Manage the development, design, or construction of energy conservation projects to ensure acceptability of budgets and time lines, conformance to federal and state laws, or adherence to approved specifications.
- 11Perform energy modeling, measurement, verification, commissioning, or retro-commissioning.
- 12Review architectural, mechanical, or electrical plans or specifications to evaluate energy efficiency.
- 13Prepare energy-related project reports or related documentation.
- 14Review or negotiate energy purchase agreements.
- 15Train personnel or clients on topics such as energy management.
- 16Direct the implementation of energy management projects.
- 17Research renewable or alternative energy systems or technologies, such as solar thermal or photovoltaic energy.
- 18Promote awareness or use of alternative or renewable energy sources.
- 19Write or install energy management routines for building automation systems.
- 20Recommend best fuel for specific sites or circumstances.
- 21Consult with construction or renovation clients or other engineers on topics such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Green Buildings.
Also known as
What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.
- Engineer
- GNC Engineer
- HVAC Engineer
- Carbon Analyst
- Energy Modeler
- Field Engineer
- Energy Engineer
- Heating Engineer
- Carbon Specialist
- Smart Grid Engineer
How far is this from you?
Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.
1
Entry straight after SPM
2
SPM + sijil / short TVET course
3
Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)
Typical entry
Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)
5
Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route
Subjects that matter here
The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.
What you'd need to know
The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.
- Engineering and Technology90%
PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)
- Mathematics79%
Additional MathematicsMathematics
- Building and Construction77%
Civil Engineering StudiesEngineering DrawingDesign & Technology (RBT)
- Customer and Personal Service76%
- Mechanical75%
Mechanical Engineering StudiesPhysicsDesign & Technology (RBT)
- English Language73%
English
Tools you'd use
Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.
What the work feels like
Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.
- Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
- Contact with other peopleContact most of the time
- Dealing with customers or the publicHigh
- Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
- Outdoors, in all weatherRarely
- Time spent standingA little
- Time walking or movingA little
- Hands-on work with tools or objectsA little
Where this job is heading
Newer tasks O*NET has flagged for this occupation, a hint at how the role is changing.
- Analyze meteorological data.
- Design electrical interconnections.
- Design wind turbine components.
- Estimate energy production by analyzing wind data.
AI and demand for this job
A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.
Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)
This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.
Pay in Malaysia
We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.
Where to check:
- JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
- DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
- SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
Check what you may qualify for
Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.
How to get here
Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.
Related careers
If this interests you, these are worth a look too.
About this information
This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.
O*NET occupation: Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org