Germany’s energy sector is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. Grid expansion, renewable integration and the modernisation of critical infrastructure continue to accelerate hiring demand across the DACH region - particularly within technical, engineering and project delivery disciplines.
For energy professionals, this means one thing: opportunity.
Below is a data-driven look at the roles most in demand for 2025, the skills employers prioritise, and where candidates can expect strong long-term career prospects.
The Market Context: Why Demand Is Rising
Germany’s energy transition targets have intensified recruitment needs across TSOs, DSOs and consultancy-led programmes. According to recent market studies:
- More than 60% of German energy companies report difficulty filling technical roles, with grid-related functions facing the highest shortages.
- 35–40% of ongoing grid expansion projects are experiencing delays due to talent gaps, particularly in planning, civil works and commissioning.
- Demand for specialised engineers in renewables, HV substations and transmission networks is increasing at 8–10% year-on-year.
This combination of market pressure and infrastructure investment is creating sustained demand for skilled professionals - both freelance and permanent.
The Most In-Demand Energy Jobs
Below is a breakdown of the roles showing the strongest and most consistent hiring activity across the clients we support, including TSOs, DSOs, EPCs and specialist consultancies.
1. Grid Planners (Transmission & Distribution)
Grid planners remain the most sought-after professionals across Germany due to the scale of network expansion programmes.
Why they’re in demand:
- Massive investment in overhead line, cable and substation upgrades
- Increased integration of renewable generation
- Tight project deadlines requiring expert planning
Key skills: CAD/CAE tools, VDE/EN standards, routing, permitting, underground cable planning, stakeholder management.
2. Substation & High-Voltage Engineers
Specialists with HV experience (110kV–380kV) are in short supply.
Demand trends:
- New-build substations to support renewable integration
- Modernisation of aging assets
- Increased focus on grid stability
Typical backgrounds: Protection & control, primary engineering, commissioning, switching authorisations.
3. Commissioning Managers & Commissioning Engineers
As more infrastructure moves into delivery stages, commissioning talent has become essential.
Why demand is growing:
- New substation builds entering energisation phases
- Renewables and storage projects coming online
- Safety and compliance requirements increasing
Skills prioritised: Testing, HV safety, system validation, documentation, energisation procedures.
4. Civil & Structural Engineers (Energy Infrastructure)
Civil engineering remains a bottleneck in Germany’s energy transition.
What’s driving demand:
- Foundations and towers for overhead lines
- Civil works for substations and converter stations
- Expansion of underground cable routes
Key capabilities: Structural calculations, earthworks, foundation design, utility coordination.
5. Project Managers & Project Controllers
Major programmes require skilled governance, reporting and delivery leadership.
Hiring insight:
- Large TSO and DSO programmes seeking experienced PMs for multi-year work
- Increased budgets require robust cost, risk and schedule control
- Strong interface between engineering, civil, environmental and regulatory teams
Preferred backgrounds: Energy infrastructure, engineering management, stakeholder coordination, SAP/PM tools.
6. Renewable Integration Specialists
Wind, solar, hybrid solutions and battery storage projects all rely on specialists who can bridge generation and grid integration.
Demand drivers:
- Rapid growth of decentralised energy
- Need for connection studies and technical feasibility assessments
- Increased focus on optimisation and load flow
Skills needed: Power system analysis, SCADA, grid code compliance, protection studies.
What This Means for Energy Professionals in Germany
The hiring landscape for 2025 is defined by sustained need, long-term project pipelines and a widening skills gap. For candidates, this creates advantages:
- Strong rate and salary progression in shortage roles
- Opportunities for international candidates with the right compliance and experience
- Longer contract durations (often 12–36 months) due to project scale
- Permanent roles with clear progression in TSOs and consultancy environments
With 99% of RIZE’s placed candidates staying beyond probation, the market clearly favours those with the right mix of technical capability, compliance readiness and documentation.
Preparing for the Most Competitive Roles
Candidates who want to stand out should focus on:
- Keeping certificates up to date (VDE, HV switching, safety authorisations)
- Maintaining clear documentation for compliance checks
- Highlighting project involvement, not just job titles
- Preparing for technical assessments common in German infrastructure projects
For experienced engineers, project managers and technical specialists, the current market offers significant opportunity across Germany’s energy landscape.
