The Rise of the Owner's Engineer: Your Essential Partner in Renewable Energy Projects

        As the renewable energy market continues its exponential growth, the demand for skilled professionals to guide complex projects to successful completion has never been higher. At The PowerPath Group, we've seen a significant increase in the need for a critical role: the Owner's Engineer. This blog post explores what an Owner's Engineer is, why this role is so vital in today's renewable energy landscape, and what it takes to become one.
The Evolving Renewable Energy Landscape.

    The renewable energy sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. Global investment in the energy transition reached a record $2.3 trillion in 2025, with renewable energy and electrified transport leading the way . In the United States alone, renewables accounted for 93% of new electricity-generating capacity additions in the first nine months of 2025 . This rapid expansion, however, brings new challenges, including supply chain pressures, evolving government policies, and the need for greater capital and operational efficiency .

   In this dynamic environment, project owners need more than just technical expertise; they need a trusted advisor who can navigate the complexities of the market and ensure their projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards. This is where the Owner's Engineer comes in.

What is an Owner's Engineer?
   An Owner's Engineer (OE) is an independent advocate for the project owner, providing technical oversight and management support throughout the entire project lifecycle, from conception to completion. Unlike an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor, who is responsible for the hands-on execution of the project, the OE acts as the owner's representative, ensuring that all parties are aligned with the project's goals and that the owner's best interests are always at the forefront.

As Nick Knezevich, Market Leader in Ulteig’s Renewables sector, states, the role of the OE has evolved beyond simply reviewing designs and calculations. Today's OE provides a much broader and more valuable level of support, acting as a strategic partner to the project owner .

Key Responsibilities of an Owner's Engineer

   The responsibilities of an Owner's Engineer are comprehensive and vary depending on the project's specific needs. However, some key responsibilities include:

• Early-Stage Development: Assisting with feasibility studies, site selection, and technology evaluation.
• Procurement: Supporting the owner in selecting and contracting with EPCs and other vendors.
• Design and Engineering: Reviewing and validating design documentation to ensure it meets project requirements and industry standards.
• Construction Oversight: Monitoring construction activities to ensure they are being carried out safely, on schedule, and in accordance with the approved designs.
• Commissioning and Testing: Overseeing the commissioning and testing of the project to ensure it meets performance guarantees.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stakeholder Management: Facilitating communication and coordination among all project stakeholders.
• Technical Expertise: A strong background in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., electrical, mechanical, civil) and a deep understanding of renewable energy technologies.
• Project Management Skills: Proven experience in managing large-scale, complex projects, with a strong understanding of project management methodologies.
• Financial Acumen: The ability to understand and analyze project financials, including budgets, cost estimates, and financial models.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify and solve complex technical and logistical challenges.

Why the Owner's Engineer Role is in High Demand
   The increasing complexity of renewable energy projects, coupled with the growing need for risk management and value optimization, has made the Owner's Engineer role more critical than ever. Project owners are increasingly recognizing the value of having an independent expert on their team who can help them navigate the challenges of the market and ensure the success of their projects.
For engineering professionals, the Owner's Engineer role offers a unique and rewarding career opportunity. It provides the chance to be involved in all aspects of a project, from start to finish, and to make a real impact on the future of the renewable energy industry.

Your Path to a Career as an Owner's Engineer
   At The PowerPath Group, we specialize in connecting talented professionals with leading companies in the renewable energy sector. If you have the skills and experience to excel as an Owner's Engineer, we want to hear from you. Contact us today to learn more about our current opportunities and how we can help you take the next step in your career.

References
[1] BloombergNEF. (2026, January 25). BloombergNEF Finds Global Energy Transition Investment Reached Record $2.3 Trillion in 2025, up 8% from 2024. Retrieved from
[2] Deloitte. (2025, October 29 ). 2026 Renewable Energy Industry Outlook. Retrieved from
[3] Ulteig. (2023, November 20 ). The Path to Renewables Success: The Value of Owner’s Engineering. Retrieved from