ADD ADVICE TO FAVPower systems engineer
Power systems engineers typically work for power generating companies or for the suppliers, contractors and consultants who service power stations. They may also be employed by manufacturing companies with high voltage requirements who have their own substations (such as large chemical plants).
What power systems engineers do
- design, construct and maintain the power-supply infrastructure
- take responsibility for and are continually aware of the health and safety needs of colleagues and the general public.
Key skills
- good interpersonal skills – power systems engineers have to work with everyone from jointers who put cables together to farmers who own the land around substations
- ability to learn quickly
- an understanding of three-phase theory and how motors, transformers and generators work
- project-management skills.
Training to be a power systems engineer
A few power companies have structured training programmes. In other companies, mentored training takes place on the job, with real responsibility coming after about two or three years.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology offers professional development courses and accreditation of training.
Salaries
Starting salaries are in the range £21,000 to £24,000, rising to £30,000 or more within about eight years.
