James Hamilton

Making the move from the armed forces to renewables.

Branch of the armed forces: Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) 

Military role & training: 
As an electronics and bomb disposal engineer, I supported operations worldwide. This included deployments in Northern Ireland and Iraq, including working briefly with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones. My technical qualifications in electrical engineering, project management (PRINCE2 & APM) and leadership training paved the way for my transition into renewables. 

How I found renewables: 
After leaving the military, I joined SSE as an operations & planning team leader, working on onshore wind farms across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. This role was where I truly learned about onshore wind, gaining hands-on experience in the sector.  

I later moved to Natural Power as a service delivery manager within the service operations team, where I was drawn to its mission-driven culture and the opportunity to make a real impact. Unlike large utilities, Natural Power felt more personal—where I could be part of something bigger while working for a company rooted in Scotland. I’ve been here ever since, enjoying both the work and the ability to contribute to a greener future. 

What attracted me to renewables: 
Engineering in the great outdoors! I wanted to continue working with cutting-edge technology while staying active, and outside. Wind turbines fascinated me, a combination of innovation and sustainability. Being part of a team driving real change in the world was a huge motivator, especially in Scotland, where wind energy is a natural asset. 

Favourite aspect of renewables: 
Still getting outdoors! I love visiting our sites, seeing the work firsthand, and staying connected to nature. It’s rewarding knowing that the work we do has a lasting impact—not just for today, but for future generations, including my own children. 

Challenges during the transition: 
Like many ex-military personnel, I initially underestimated how valuable my skills were. I didn't realise how transferable my experience was to renewables. There's a misconception that veterans struggle with adaptability, but we thrive on problem-solving, resilience, and leadership. 

Advice for veterans considering renewables: 

• Don’t undervalue your skill set, your experience is highly relevant. 

• Embrace the transition, it’s not as big a leap as you think. 

• Work-life balance is a real perk, something many in the forces don’t realise they need. 

A career in renewables is an opportunity to apply your military experience in a meaningful way, work with great teams, and contribute to a greener future. If you’re considering it, go for it!