Wind Turbines have been the primary system of choice among the
utility industry due to the higher likelihood of 24 hour a day power
available from them. Wind Turbine systems also have been proven
the most cost effective solution for large scale renewable power
generation and as such the majority of Wind Turbine careers are in the
industrial sector. If you prefer corporate life over small
business Wind Turbines may be your best career choice.
Wind Turbine career growth has been phenomenal over the last few
years and has already created a very competitive talent raiding
environment for some key skilled areas. For example in 2008 a
typical Gearbox Engineer was hiring in at $65-$75,000 a year, while in
2009 the same positions are paying $90-$120,000 a year. Talent
raiding trends are expected to continue for the next 4-5 years.
The following is only a partial list of careers.
Carbon Credit Supply Chain - Almost identical to that of
the Solar industry, many of these jobs are more likely to be posted
on internet job boards as the industry has reached a mature business
model. Excellent ground floor opportunity as no one has
experience in this arena!
Wind Turbine Technicians/Installers - Wind Turbines
require routine maintenance with mechanical systems (focused on
gearbox, brakes and system hydraulics) electrical systems (AC/DC,
cabling, and PLC systems), structural integrity and good physical
condition. These positions are generally at the Wind Turbine
sites and are often outside of urban centers. Salaries range
from $35000 - $50000 depending on technical skills and experience.
Wind Turbine Operation Engineers - Wind Turbines have
gearboxes rated for 2000 HP and more that require engineering
attention to detail in order to maintain a long and reliable life.
Skills include large scale gears and bearings, experience with AGMA
calculations, data acquisition and analysis, oil analysis,
hydraulics, and electromechanical systems. Demand for these
skills are rapidly rising as the installed base of systems begins to
age and require service. Service centers will also require
dynamometer knowledge. Salaries range from $65000 - $120000
depending on technical skills and experience.
Wind Turbine Structural Engineers - Wind Turbine towers
are highly stressed structures that require licensed Professional
Engineers for the design, installation, commissioning, and
inspection. Most of these positions will work out of a central
office with significant travel. Salaries range from $80000 -
$100000 depending on technical skills and experience.
Wind Turbine Electrical Engineers - Wind Turbine
electricity is generally converted to DC then inverted to a 3 phase
AC sine wave. Most are low voltage however some larger systems
are now in the medium voltage range. Inverters, IGBTs, phase
modules, controllers and ground faults and earth grounding
strategies with some medium voltage experience. Professional
Engineering License is beneficial. Salaries range from $85000
- $140000 depending on technical skills and experience.
Wind Turbine Site Planning Engineers - Wind Turbine site
planners work with GPS and wind flow mapping software to identify
optimal placement of towers. Variations in wind velocity,
direction, and terrain all vary by location so placement of towers
is ultra critical. Salaries range from $50000 - $80000
depending on technical skills and experience.
Wind Turbine Project Managers - Installation and
commissioning of Wind Turbines requires a general high level
technical knowledge of the systems and subsystems with heavy
reliance on the subject matter experts. Local codes, utility
requirements, contractor management, risk analysis, site safety
practices, and tower (tall crane) construction are additional
special experiences to have. Project Managers often have
assistants who can evolve their roles into Project Managers.
Salaries range from $100000 - $180000 depending on technical skills
and experience.