Climate tech career guide
Breaking into climate tech: roles, companies, and how to get hired
Climate tech is one of the fastest-growing sectors in venture investment and one of the most mission-driven career paths in technology. Here is how to break in as a PM, data analyst, UX designer, or operations professional.
What climate tech actually is
Climate tech (also called cleantech or green tech) covers technology companies and startups working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions or adapting to climate change. Investment in the sector reached over $200B globally in 2023 — growing faster than most other tech verticals.
The roles climate tech companies hire for
Most climate companies need the same roles as any tech company — with domain expertise as a differentiator.
Product Manager
Climate tech companies need PMs with both product skills and domain expertise.
Differentiators: Energy market knowledge, regulatory understanding (IRA, permitting), or hardware experience
Data Analyst / Data Scientist
All require data professionals who can work with time-series and geospatial data.
Differentiators: Grid optimization, energy forecasting, carbon accounting, fleet analytics
Software Engineer
Backend and embedded systems engineers are especially in demand.
Differentiators: Grid software, EV charging firmware, energy management systems
Project Developer
Unique to energy — this role does not require coding and is a common entry point for non-technical career changers.
Differentiators: Site acquisition, permitting, project finance
Policy & Government Relations
Climate tech is heavily regulated and incentivized — policy expertise is highly valued.
Differentiators: Regulatory expertise, government relationships, IRA and clean energy incentives
Operations
Hardware-intensive climate companies need experienced operations leaders.
Differentiators: Manufacturing scale-up, supply chain, field operations
The companies worth knowing
Climate tech spans several distinct verticals. Building familiarity with the key players in each helps you target your search and signal genuine interest.
How career changers break in
There is no single path. The right route depends on how much domain knowledge you already have and how urgently you want to move.
Route 1 — Mission-first
Target companies in a subsector you care about. Apply with existing skills (PM, data, design) and learn the domain on the job. Climate companies often prioritize mission alignment alongside technical skills.
Route 2 — Domain-first
Build climate knowledge through courses (MIT OpenCourseWare Energy courses, Climate Draft fellowship), then position yourself at the intersection of your existing skills and the climate domain.
Route 3 — Fellowship / accelerator
Climate Draft, MCJ Collective, Third Derivative, Greentown Labs, and CTVC's Climate People connect climate-interested professionals with climate companies. These programs provide both education and warm introductions.
Next step
Explore the data analyst career path
Data skills are in demand across every climate tech subsector — from grid forecasting to carbon accounting. See what it takes to get hired.
Explore data analyst career