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What is a utility engineer and how to become one

Updated April 5, 2024
3 min read

A utility engineer is a professional who manages energy resources within industrial companies. They measure the amount of energy released and identify ways to minimize waste. They conduct quality checks using technological energy equipment to ensure the efficiency and stability of energy distribution systems. They also design, implement, and maintain utility infrastructure, such as water or gas mains, electrical grids, and other types of delivery systems. Their skills include problem-solving, communication, and knowledge of mechanical ability to monitor and improve energy systems. They use tools like AutoCAD to make civil designs and often work in the energy industry, including electricity, gas, and water. They also perform tasks like replacing defective equipment parts, managing utility systems, and conducting system risk assessments to improve equipment reliability.

How long does it takes to become a utility engineer?

It takes approximately 6 to 8 years to become a utility engineer.

Year 1-4: Complete a Bachelor's degree in engineering, which typically takes 4 years.

Year 5-6: Gain 1 to 2 years of on-the-job training.

Year 7-10: Accumulate an additional 4 to 6 years of work experience in the field.

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Utility Engineer career paths

A utility engineer can pursue a variety of career paths. They can work as a project engineer, project manager, or director of construction. They can also become a construction manager or senior construction manager. Some utility engineers move into systems engineering or work as an engineer, project engineering manager, or mechanical engineering manager.

Key steps to become a utility engineer

  1. Explore utility engineer education requirements

    If you're interested in becoming a utility engineer, you must consider how much education you need. Based on real utility engineer resumes, 59.5% of utility engineers have a bachelor's degree. Regarding higher education levels, 11.6% of utility engineers have master's degrees. Even though most utility engineers have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

    Most common utility engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    59.5 %

    Master's

    11.6 %

    Associate

    11.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific utility engineer skills

    Utility engineers need skills in maintenance, mechanical equipment, system, and equipment parts. This includes performing routine maintenance, repairing or replacing defective equipment parts, and monitoring subcontractor pricing according to architectural/engineering drawings and specifications. They also work with autocad to make civil designs per customer's need.

    Skills Percentages
    HVAC 10.07%
    Autocad 7.11%
    Plumbing 7.08%
    Project Management 6.37%
    SUE 6.24%
  3. Complete relevant utility engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New utility engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a utility engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real utility engineer resumes.
  4. Research utility engineer duties and responsibilities

    They use autocad to design civil projects, perform maintenance on equipment, and manage utility systems. They also locate non-conductive utilities using ground penetrating radar, supervise maintenance on equipment, and perform system risk assessments to improve equipment reliability. They update cad drawings, mobilize refrigeration and lighting projects, and monitor plant utilities equipment operating parameters. They also conduct hazop and pha reviews, provide technical support, and manage water systems for different communities.

    • Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
    • Repair and troubleshoot problems with A/C units and plumbing (shower, sink toilets in the hotel )
    • Convert 2D and 3D AutoCAD information into solid models.
    • Perform processing area layouts and storage equipment layouts design using 3D AutoCAD.
  5. Prepare your utility engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your utility engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a utility engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Utility Engineer Resume templates

    Build a professional Utility Engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Utility Engineer resume.
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    Utility Engineer Resume
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    Utility Engineer Resume
    Utility Engineer Resume
    Utility Engineer Resume
    Utility Engineer Resume
    Utility Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for utility engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a utility engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams
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Average utility engineer salary

The average Utility Engineer salary in the United States is $76,349 per year or $37 per hour. Utility engineer salaries range between $54,000 and $107,000 per year.

Average Utility Engineer Salary
$76,349 Yearly
$36.71 hourly

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Utility Engineer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

troubleshooting shouting and redesigning to solve problems troubleshooting sensors and heaters

Cons

nothing so far


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Updated April 5, 2024

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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