How to Write a Renewable Energy Engineer CV: Step-by-Step Guide

In an eco-conscious era where sustainability and renewable engineering dominate global priorities, the energy sector remains one of the biggest industries in the UK, shaping a cleaner, greener future. 

Crafting a modern CV for a renewable energy engineer CV is your first step toward getting noticed in this dynamic and evolving field. Whether you specialise in solar energy, wind power, or hydroelectric systems, presenting your expertise is required for getting shortlisted.

Get started using an applicant tracking system ATS-friendly renewable energy engineer CV template designed to help you write a good CV so your application catches the attention of recruiters and automated systems. 

In this article, we cover:

• A Renewable energy engineer CV example to use

• Key sections and information to include on your CV

• How to write a CV tailored to your job targets and career goals

• The do’s and don’ts to write on your CV to make the best impression on recruiters.

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Creating a CV is made easy with CVMaker's user-friendly tools and a professional CV template.

Renewable energy engineer CV example 

In this sample renewable energy engineering CV for the UK, James McCarthy showcases 7+ years of experience in the renewable energy sector, specialising in solar energy systems and sustainable energy projects. Using the Harvard template, this CV highlights his technical skills, certifications, and project management expertise. 

Refer to the matching engineering cover letter and tailor it to accompany your CV!

What to include in a renewable energy engineer CV?

Writing a CV for a renewable energy engineer is similar to preparing applications for sustainability or civil engineering roles. It demands a clear strategy highlighting your technical expertise and passion for creating sustainable solutions. 

Much like crafting plans for environmental projects, creating a strong CV involves breaking it down into key sections:

• Personal details and contact information such as your address.

• A professional personal profile summarising your expertise and aspirations.

• Relevant hard and soft skills.

• Work experience with an emphasis on achievements and measurable outcomes.

• Educational background with relevant qualifications.

• Additional sections include languages, certificates or volunteer work in sustainability initiatives.

Refer to the renewable energy engineer CV example on which essential sections apply to most engineering CVs, regardless of specialisation.

One practical CV writing approach is to create a master CV, a comprehensive document outlining all your skills, experiences, and achievements. It serves as a resource for tailoring CVs to specific job descriptions, saving you time on each application.

Before drafting your CV, take time to reflect on the following key points:

• What specific area of renewable energy are you specialising in?

• How do your skills align with current industry demands and innovations?

• What measurable achievements or unique experiences set you apart?

• Which sectors—solar, wind, hydroelectric, or energy consultancy—do you want to target?

Interested in similar technical professions to engineering? Check out our professional CV examples for:

• Electrical Engineer 

• Construction 

• Electrician

• Mechanic.

How to write a renewable energy engineer CV: 5 steps with examples 

1. How to add renewable energy engineer skills on a CV 

When creating a CV for a renewable energy engineer, you must showcase both your hard and soft skills. To ensure your CV stands out, provide examples of how you have applied these skills in previous roles and keep them relevant to the job description. See here for an in-depth look at how to list skills on a CV.

5 essential skills for a renewable energy engineer CV

1. Renewable energy system design: designing and optimising solar, wind, and bioenergy systems for efficiency and sustainability.

2. Project management: managing renewable energy projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and collaboration.

3. Energy storage solutions: designing and integrating energy storage systems to support renewable energy generation.

4. Grid integration: ensuring the compatibility of renewable energy with power grids, contributing to smart grid solutions.

5. Sustainability & environmental impact: assessing and minimising the environmental impact of renewable energy systems to support sustainable practices.

2. How to write a personal profile for a renewable energy engineer CV 

A personal profile is essential for your renewable energy CV and can significantly increase your chances of passing the first round of application reviews.

• Use a short summary: provide a snapshot of your qualifications gained.

• Promote soft skills: Such as communication and team collaboration, crucial when working in multidisciplinary teams and driving sustainable energy solutions.

• Include your career goals: Share what you want to achieve within this demanding sector.

• Allow employers to assess your expertise: Include your years of experience.

• Highlight key technical skills: Such as renewable energy design and system implementation. 

• Tailor your profile to highlight: Your unique strengths, passion for sustainability, and commitment to innovation to stand out from other candidates.

Personal profile examples for a renewable energy engineer CV

Refer to the graduate CV example for more tips on how to get started with your CV.

Take a look at our consultant CV example for more tips!

3. How to include practical work experience 

Work experience is critical for a renewable energy engineer CV. This section is tangible evidence of your practical expertise:

• Highlight specific contributions toward sustainability and energy innovation.

• Prioritise impact over duties and mention if you helped to reduce carbon footprints, improve efficiency, or integrate new renewable technologies.

• Showcase if you drove change, contributed to sustainability goals, or impacted future renewable projects.

When listing work experience on your renewable energy engineer CV, quantify your achievements where possible. For example:

• Project management: "Led the design and implementation of a solar power system for a 50-acre commercial site, reducing energy costs by 30% and exceeding project completion deadlines by 15%."

• Software proficiency: "Utilised HOMER and AutoCAD to simulate energy models and design systems, resulting in more efficient layouts and cost reductions of up to 18%."

How to format work experience on a CV:

1. Job title and company: include your role, company name, and employment dates.

2. Core duties: describe your primary responsibilities using action verbs.

3. Achievements: focus on measurable results or impact with quantifiable metrics.

4. Tailor to job: adjust duties and achievements based on the specific job you're applying for.

5. Keep it concise: limit bullet points to 1-2 lines for clarity. Refer to our blog for CV length tips. 

Work experience examples for a renewable energy engineer CV

Renewable Energy Engineer, Green Energy Solutions, London, UK | 2019 – Present

Lead renewable energy projects, specialising in solar and wind technologies. Design, implement, and optimise sustainable energy systems for residential and commercial clients. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery.

• Increased energy efficiency of solar installations by 20%, exceeding client expectations.

• Managed 10+ successful projects, meeting deadlines and staying within budget constraints.

Graduate Renewable Energy Engineer, EcoTech, Bristol, UK | 2020 – 2021

Assisted in the design and installation of wind and solar power systems. Supported senior engineers in project planning and coordination, ensuring smooth project execution. Gained valuable hands-on experience in system optimisation and energy analysis.

• Contributed to the successful installation of solar systems, reducing energy costs for five clients by 15%.

• Coordinated data collection for energy performance analysis, aiding in improving system designs.

Summer Placement - Offshore Wind, WindWorks, Glasgow, UK | 2018

Assisted in developing and implementing offshore wind projects, conducting site assessments and supporting the planning team. Gained exposure to environmental regulations and renewable energy logistics.

• Supported environmental impact assessments for offshore wind farms, contributing to a 10% increase in approval rates.

• Helped streamline project timelines, improving efficiency by 15%.

If you're a recent graduate with limited work experience, consider using a skills-based CV format to highlight your skills over experience.

Senior Renewable Energy Engineer, Sustainable Power Co., Manchester, UK | 2017 – 2020

Led a team of engineers in large-scale renewable energy projects, focusing on wind, solar, and energy storage systems. Ensured project compliance with industry standards and regulations. Directed project execution and monitored progress to achieve key deliverables.

• Managed projects worth over £10M, delivering on time and within 5% of budget.

• Reduced operational costs by 25% through innovative energy solutions and process improvements.

4. How to include education on a renewable energy engineer CV

Writing an education section on your CV is essential for presenting your qualifications.

• Engineering positions typically require A-Levels in subjects like Mathematics and Statistics or Physics, followed by an undergraduate degree. 

• Include any qualifications that are relevant to the job requirements.

• Some employers may require a postgraduate degree in Earth Sciences, Mining, Petroleum, or Renewable and Sustainable Energy.

• Format your academic qualifications by detailing the institution, program name and year of completion.

• Consider adding relevant modules or coursework to emphasise specialised expertise, industry contributions, and technical knowledge.

How to structure your education section on a CV for a renewable energy job

PHD

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sustainable Energy, University of Cambridge, UK,  2021 – 2023

• Thesis: "Optimising Solar Panel Efficiency Through Advanced Photovoltaic Materials"

• Key contributions:

• • Published three peer-reviewed articles in leading renewable energy journals.

  • Presented findings at the International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC) 2021.

Master’s Degree

MSc Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Manchester,  2020 – 2021

• Dissertation: "Innovative Solutions for Offshore Wind Turbine Efficiency"

• Modules: Advanced Energy Systems, Solar Energy Conversion, Project Management for Engineers

Bachelor’s Degree

BEng Mechanical Engineering,  Imperial College London, 2017 – 2020

• First-Class Honours

• Modules: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Renewable Energy Systems

If you are a student who has yet to complete a college diploma or university degree, list your A-Levels with the subject, grade and issuing institution.

A-Levels

Mathematics (A), Physics (A), Chemistry (B), Hilltop Academy, London,  2015 – 2017.

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5. How to add additional relevant information 

Renewable engineering positions are in-demand and lucrative. Including additional information on your CV is a great way to stay ahead of the competition.

How to include courses and certificates

For a renewable engineering CV include credentials like solar PV design or wind energy systems training. For inspiration, explore formatting examples from CVs for roles like software developer and data scientist. If you have just entered the workforce after graduation, leverage this section to showcase skills and practical knowledge.

Some relevant certificates include:

• Renewable Energy Professional (REP)

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Design and Installation Certification

• Wind Energy Technician Certificate

• Energy Institute’s Level 1: Renewable Energy Essentials

• LEED Green Associate

More information can be found at the Renewable Energy Institute (REI) and UCAS.

The benefits of adding languages to your CV

Given the global nature of the renewable energy industry, language skills can give you a competitive edge, mainly when working on international projects. Include any languages you speak, even if you're still learning, as this highlights your adaptability and willingness to grow.

For more tips on the finishing touches – learn how to start a cover letter and send it with your CV via email to recruiters.

Key takeaways 

Crafting a renewable energy engineer CV requires a clear, tailored approach to showcase your technical expertise and passion for sustainable energy effectively. Highlight your work experience, qualifications, and key achievements to make an impression on hiring managers. Incorporate measurable results, certifications, and transferable skills to stand out in this competitive industry.

Dos and don’ts for a renewable energy engineer CV 

Do’s:

• Tailor your CV for the specific role, aligning skills with the job description.

• Use a professional format with colours and fonts.

• Use action verbs to describe achievements.

• Include measurable results (e.g., “Reduced project costs by 15%”).

• Keep the CV concise to one page and structured for easy readability.

Don’ts:

• Avoid generic statements; be specific about your contributions.

• Skip irrelevant skills and experience and keep it relevant.

• Skip overly complex CV designs and templates that might confuse ATS.

• Avoid spelling and grammar errors; proofread thoroughly.

• Including a photo on a CV is unnecessary.

Next steps?

Interested in improving your CV more? Check out our guides on writing a CV for a first job, practising interview techniques and organising your job search by tracking applications with recruiters. For the best results, use our CVBuilder to choose from 20+ professional CV that are ATS-friendly and leverage our CV Writing Service for personalised support tailored to your career goals.

FAQs

What do you do as a renewable energy engineer?

A renewable engineer designs, develops, and manages systems to harness clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. They focus on sustainable solutions, improving efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. For more details, visit the National Careers Service.

Are renewable energy engineers in demand in the UK?

Renewable engineers are in demand, particularly in wind, solar, and bioenergy sectors. Engineering remains one of the highest-paid jobs in the UK. 

How much does a renewable energy engineer make in the UK?

The average salary for this role in the UK ranges from £20,000 to £60,000.

How do I write a CV for an environmental job?

Focus on your technical skills, such as energy modelling or project management, alongside soft skills like problem-solving and collaboration. Include relevant certifications and emphasise your passion for sustainability. Use this Renewable Energy Engineer CV template for guidance.

How to start a career in renewable energy in the UK?

Begin by gaining relevant qualifications, such as a degree or certifications like the Level 3 Renewable Energy Certificate. If you have no experience or are changing careers, apply for an internship or apprenticeship to gain practical skills, build expertise, and network to find opportunities.