Jobs for America’s Veterans

By 2030, the clean power industry is set to double in size and employ nearly 1 million Americans.  Our nation’s veterans possess the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to transition smoothly into roles in solar, wind, and energy storage across the United States. These accessible jobs in clean energy offer rewarding career paths in fields such as project development, construction, manufacturing, operations, and maintenance, providing meaningful opportunities that support both our workforce and the nation’s sustainable energy future. Learn more about the veterans already working in clean energy in the stories they share below.

<a class="button text-color-white" href="#featured">Jump to veteran stories</a>


Veterans in clean energy

42,000 veterans
Nearly 42,000 veterans work in wind and solar power in the United States
2x
Veterans are employed in clean power at rates nearly double the national average
1M
By 2030, the clean power industry is set to double in size and employ nearly 1 million Americans.
$65,000+
Wind turbine technicians enjoy an average salary of $65,000+. Many other roles are also well paying such as construction managers, project developers, and project managers.

Serving in the military helped prepare these veterans for a job in the clean energy industry. This is their message to fellow veterans looking to make the transition to the industry.

“The Navy taught me to lead with purpose, adapt quickly, and make effective decisions in high-pressure operational environments.  These skills align with the mission-driven goals of the clean energy industry.”

Alyson De Soto
Invenergy
Read X's Story

“For veterans interested in clean power, go for it—your military skills fit well here.  I found my safety focus, teamwork, and discipline were highly valued.”

Dagoberto Rivera
10th Light, LLC
Read X's Story

"Veterans bring a unique leadership skill set to any company. We learn not only how to work alongside others and help each other out, but we also understand and value the chain of command that we are under."

Elizabeth Fordham
EDF Renewables North America
Read X's Story

“Potential employers should look beyond the resume and see a person with functional leadership skills, a highly developed sense of teamwork, and incredible adaptability. Although their resume may not cite the exact technical experience on the same equipment, veterans are quick learners and soon become a cornerstone team member."

Karl DeLooff
Acciona Energia
Read X's Story

"Being in the clean power industry can seem a little intimidating, but don’t let that deter you from taking a chance on a new career journey."

Machelle Ramos
Pattern Energy Group
Read X's Story

"Serving in the military prepared me for the clean energy industry by instilling core values such as teamwork, dependability, and commitment to service. When comparing those core values to the definition of clean energy, you see the syndication."

Matthew Martin
Southern Power Company
Read X's Story

“Renewable energy is a booming industry and skills that veterans acquire through military service and training are invaluable to providing and maintaining clean energy.”

Patrick Krah
REV Renewables
Read X's Story

"Veterans are usually organized and willing to put in the extra effort to make things happen.  They bring ideas from other parts of the world that can help with our future."

Bobbie Jones
Acciona Nevada Solar One
Read X's Story

“The work ethic learned in the military is hard to leave behind.  Most of us are sticklers for process, as well as well versed in making process improvements, constantly looking at ways to make procedures safer and more efficient."

Sara Wert
Vestas
Read X's Story

"A strong team brings different skillsets and specialties together to complete a collective task, which is the cornerstone of successful offshore wind construction and maintenance operations.  That concept is inherent in the military and easily transferred to offshore wind."

Bryan Dougherty
Ørsted
Read X's Story

"The Navy instilled in me a sense of ownership and pride in my work. I learned about grit and mission accomplishment. Ensuring that we succeeded while taking safety and resources into account are core functions that all military members learn."

Eric Shangle
Pine Gate Renewables
Read X's Story

"Serving in the United States Navy provided me the life-long transferrable skills of best engineering practices to apply in the field and project management competencies to successfully lead teams efficiently."

Matthew Utz
Southern Power Company
Read X's Story

“Working in renewable development is a “jack of all trades” specialty jumping from working with landowners, to reviewing permitting standards, to building the business and financial models for a project to find viable offtake. The military experience is very similar.”

Megan Glancey
Invenergy
Read X's Story

"Take the time to learn the culture and make adjustments to how things are done in the civilian sector…Be curious, coachable, and open to trying new things."

Matt Cole
Alliant Energy
Read X's Story

"The clean power industry is much more than just another job in the energy. Having the passion to build something better is the kind of mission military members love to be part of."

Todd Chwialkowski
EDF Renewables North America
Read X's Story

"Being in the military teaches us to be versatile, so we can dive into new roles, quickly get up to speed on complex issues, and then start solving problems and getting results."

Alexander Yachanin
EDF Renewables
Read X's Story

"My military service taught me leadership, teamwork, time management, and adaptability—skills that are essential for meeting deadlines and handling unexpected challenges in this industry."

Lourdes Spurlock
Apex Clean Energy
Read X's Story

"Veterans transitioning into the clean energy industry have a unique blend of skills and experiences that are highly valued in this field. By leveraging their leadership, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and technical knowledge, veterans can excel in various roles within the industry."

Michelle Nicholson
Solas Energy
Read X's Story

“Veterans bring a strong sense of accountability, motivation, and a unique ability to see both the big picture and the value of completing smaller tasks. They’re reliable, driven, and highly adaptable—qualities that make them valuable assets to any team.”

Tom Gallagher
TruGrid
Read X's Story

"The character traits or core values that are instilled in every service member, regardless of service length, are of most value to our work in clean energy. Characteristics, such as integrity, accountability & dependability, these are pillars of a successful employee."

Jack Day
High Plains Technology Center
Read X's Story

“My experience in high-stress situations built situational awareness, and the emphasis on safety and following procedures directly applies to ensuring a safe and efficient work environment in renewable energy projects.”

Michael Tinnell
Equinor
Read X's Story

Your Next Tour of Duty

Step into a new high-powered career after the military. As a veteran, you chose to serve your country. Now it needs you as a wind tech to build the future of American energy. Join an industry dominated by veterans. The community of veterans in the clean energy industry are some of the best leaders in the world. Secure America's energy independence and energy security while advancing your career in clean energy.

Get involved.

Learn more about CPI and/or make a donation.