What path has your career taken since graduation? 

Following my graduation, I worked for a medium sized engineering consultancy called Rolton Group down in Birmingham.

I was part of the 'energy team' within this. The work involved conducting high-level feasibility studies for solar panel installations, analysing energy consumption from electric vehicle charging, and securing grid connections for building developments. This was okay for a first job but I always wanted to move back up to Scotland, and had a desire to work closer to the development/construction stages of renewable energy projects (as opposed to at the feasibility stage). 

Offshore wind really interested me and so the job with Ocean Winds seemed like a good move. I've been working with OW on their Moray West project for the past 8 months.

What is your current role?

My current role is 'Interface Specialist' (code for junior), within the construction services team.

My focus is on the Moray West project which is an offshore wind farm currently under construction in the Moray Firth. Within the engineering team, there are various 'packages', e.g. wind turbines, foundations, array cables etc. The role of the interface engineer is to focus on the areas where these packages interact with each other e.g will the turbine fit on top of the foundation (as a crude example). I host weekly meetings with attendees from each of the packages to discuss topics where there are these interfaces, and try to solve any issues as they arise.

I've also had the chance to manage a small contract around the wind turbine installation campaign. I've had opportunities to travel up to the pre-assembly site, near Inverness. It's been a highlight to see in real life some of the things that we have been discussing in meetings, as well as some very large WTG components.

What experiences do you feel helped you get to your current position?

After the third year of my degree, I did a summer placement with EDF Renewables for three months. I went back to EDF Renewables for the 6 months placement which is part of the MEng programme in 4th year. These gave me a good idea of what it's like to work for a renewable energy developer.

How have you used the skills and/or knowledge developed during your degree in your career?

The renewable energy specific courses I studied gave me a good background knowledge to this sector. This has helped me understand different aspects of the project I'm currently working on. I'm also frequently looking at technical drawings and mechanical systems which the degree set me up well to understand.

What advice would you give to students who are interested in your area of work?

Study renewables! It's a really interesting and fulfilling sector to be part of. It's also one that's growing and which Scotland is a real leader in. There is a pipeline of offshore wind projects in Scotland into the coming decades, meaning it's a sector you can be sure there will be work in.

This profile was published in May 2024