Engineering degrees offer the chance to specialize in many of today’s most exciting and dynamic
fields – with career prospects to match. Perhaps you'll study
electronics engineering, and play a role in developing the
microtechnologies of the future. Or maybe you'll choose a civil
engineering specialty, contributing to maintaining and improving the
infrastructure that keeps modern society running.
Engineer Careers List
Engineering contains a large number of job opportunities and specialties. We’ve selected a list of specialties below. With each specialty, we look at the definition and nature of the work, the specialties employment trends, possibly career advancement opportunities, and hope that it is helpful for you in determining whether or not the career is right for you.Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineering is the study of the design, development, and production of air and spacecraft. This engineering discipline is often divided between those who pursue careers on the aeronautical side and those working on space craft. Both air and space vehicles contain complex subsystems that require specialists from many engineering groups such as electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering.A Day In The Life Of An Aerospace Engineer
Junior level aerospace engineers use their knowledge of aerospace theory gained through a relevant educational background to work as consultants for aerospace companies. Since the aerospace industry is a mature one, there are not a lot of drastically innovative designs to learn at a rapid pace as with other information technology projects.
Junior consultants who have the foundational elements of aerospace vehicle development and have learned the unique elements of specific vehicles pertaining to their client's project make valuable contributions to the team relatively quickly.
As they gain more real world experience, these aerospace engineers receive greater job responsibilities and opportunities for career advancement. Mid-level aerospace engineers usually serve as systems engineers while senior-level aerospace engineers find themselves working as engineering managers or project managers.
Aerospace vehicles contain many subsystems, and it is the job of aerospace engineers working as managers to be expertly familiar with the functions of all subsystems. Some common vehicle components include the engine, system propulsion, avionics, computer control system, and air and space craft structure. These aerospace engineers oversee the upgrades to these subsystems and assess the risks or benefits to the overall system.
Typical Aerospace Engineer Salary
Aerospace engineering salaries depend upon many factors including experience, industry segment, job location, and educational credentials. Senior-level aerospace engineers obviously command higher salaries than their junior-level counterparts. Additionally, aerospace engineers that work on defense systems that require security clearances often have higher salaries than those simply working on commercial aircraft upgrades.These engineers working in the defense industry also experience a greater amount of job security while their colleagues who work on commercial aircraft worry about manufacturing jobs being sent overseas. According to the BLS, the average annual salary earned by an aerospace engineer in 2010 was $97,480.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Even though the experts expect slow growth in this career field, career advancement opportunities still exist for those with the right skills. According to BLS, aerospace engineers that set themselves apart from the rest are the ones who have modeling and simulation skills in addition to a standard aerospace engineering background. The aerospace industry mainly conducts upgrades of its original air and space craft, and these upgrades require extensive testing to make sure that improvements work as expected and when implemented no original functionality is lost.Most engineering and information technology organizations now rely heavily on modeling and simulation and computer based testing as a cost-effective way to test their systems. Aerospace engineers who know how to use these collaborative test tools save their organizations time and budget on projects.
Career tips for all aerospace engineers are to keep skills fresh and relevant through continued education and training and to network with other professionals by joining the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics an aerospace professional association.
Automotive Engineer
Automotive engineering is one of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding careers. Whenever a customer drives a new vehicle off a dealership lot, he or she is taking with them the technical expertise of many engineers, but in particular, the automotive engineer. Automotive engineers research, design and develop vehicles and their subsystems. They work with sophisticated technologies to create products that thrill the senses and bring the freedom of mobility to the world.Automotive Engineer Careers
What is an Automotive Engineer?
Automotive engineering is one of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding careers. Whenever a customer drives a new vehicle off a dealership lot, he or she is taking with them the technical expertise of many engineers, but in particular, the automotive engineer.Automotive engineers research, design and develop vehicles and their subsystems. They work with sophisticated technologies to create products that thrill the senses and bring the freedom of mobility to the world.
What Do Automotive Engineers Do?
Automotive engineers are concerned with the development of passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles or off-road vehicles. They do one or more of the following:- Design new products or modify existing ones
- Troubleshoot and solve engineering problems
- Plan and design manufacturing processes
Qualifications
Any pre-engineering student should have a strong background in advanced calculus, physics and chemistry to succeed at the collegiate level. Good grades and a high level of hands-on experience at the undergraduate level are important to landing a job after graduation. Because vehicles today are designed and developed in a virtual world and are basically “computers on wheels,” it is a real advantage to have a strong appreciation of computer science.In addition to academic qualifications, the automotive engineer should have:
- An avid interest in motor vehicle engineering
- Solid analytical skills and an creative approach to problem solving
- A thorough understanding of technical concepts and federal safety standards and laws
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- The ability to prioritize and plan effectively
- The ability to stay within a budget and meet deadlines
- Soft skills, such as the ability to work in teams to solve problems
- The ability to work independently
Jobs and Compensation
Currently, the cities with the highest paying automotive engineering jobs are Auburn Hills, Michigan and Detroit, Michigan. The states with the heaviest concentration of automotive engineers are Michigan, California and Texas.According to the Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE), the average total cash compensation for automotive engineers in 2012 was $117,600. This was about a ten percent jump from 2010. The SAE also reported that the 25th to 75th percentile range of total cash compensation for automotive engineers 2011 was $83,500 to $134,200. The salary range for automotive engineering jobs in the most popular industries are:
- Automotive Manufacturing $54,000 – $96,000
- Original Equipment Manufacturing $50,000 – $89,000
- Systems & Components Manufacturing $51,000 – $92,000
- Engine Manufacturing $50,000 – $91,000
Career Advancement Opportunities
Over time, automotive engineers can enter senior-level management positions within their companies. Some gain the experience and expertise to open their own consulting engineering firms. Others take sales positions in automobile companies because they already possess the technical knowledge. Those with master's degrees or PhDs teach and share their experiences with college engineering students.Is Automotive Engineering Right For You?
Ask yourself the following questions in evaluating your potential to become an automotive engineer:- Are you interested in motor vehicles and how they work?
- Are you a natural problem solver?
- Do you communicate well with others and work productively in a team environment?
- Are you comfortable leading and motivating others?
- Are you able to multi-task and meet deadlines?
- Are you willing to constantly learn new things?
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers work with a combination of biology, medicine and engineering. They are trained to analyze and design solutions that will improve patient care. They are the professionals behind sophisticated medical equipment like MRIs and microscopic surgical machines. Biomedical engineers are also responsible for research and development of medical innovations like artificial organs and prosthesis.Biomedical Engineer Careers
Definition and Nature of Work
Biomedical engineers work with a combination of biology, medicine and engineering. They are trained to analyze and design solutions that will improve patient care. They are the professionals behind sophisticated medical equipment like MRIs and microscopic surgical machines.Biomedical engineers are also responsible for research and development of medical innovations like artificial organs and prosthesis.
Biomedical engineers install, maintain and repair or provide technical support for medical machines and equipment. They make sure that they are always running at peak efficiency and won’t compromise patients’ lives.
They generally work with medical scientists, life scientists and chemists. They take part in research to develop and implement biomedical equipment. Biomedical engineers also ensure that personnel in charge of the machine know how to use and care for it.
Becoming a Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. Another route is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in another engineering field and get a graduate degree in biomedical engineering. They can also get a job through training in the field. However, they have to make sure they only enroll in ABET accredited programs.Aspiring biomedical engineering students can start preparing as early as high school. They should take as many math and science courses as they can such as calculus, physics, chemistry and biology. Mechanical drawing, drafting and computer programming courses are also valuable. ABET programs also include internships and co-ops.
Career Advancement
Biomedical engineers who obtain a graduate degree may land a job that will let them supervise and handle a research team. They may get additional training and education from dental and medical schools where they can earn more credentials. Doing so will allow them to find an area where they can specialize in. Alternatively, they may get a law degree and become patent attorneys.Is this career right for you?
Biomedical engineers should have excellent analytical skills. This is because they need to analyze their clients’ and patient’s needs before they can create the right medical equipment and machines. In addition, they should have good communication skills as they have to work with other professionals. With this, it is essential that aspiring biomedical engineers are able to assess themselves before deciding on getting into this field.Experts recommend starting preparations during high school and getting as much training in a related field as possible. In addition, they should get into internship programs. Doing so will allow them to discover the real challenges of being a biomedical engineer.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers utilize their knowledge of the physical world to manipulate the interactions of individual atoms and molecules. Their talents are generally employed in the research and development of new materials and are critical to numerous fields including nanotechnology, energy storage, and computing. Often working alongside other engineers in interdisciplinary teams to solve humanity's greatest problems, chemical engineers are guaranteed to remain key leaders in securing our future prosperity whether on this planet or any other.Chemical Engineer Careers
What is a Chemical Engineer?
Chemical engineers utilize their knowledge of the physical world to manipulate the interactions of individual atoms and molecules.Their talents are generally employed in the research and development of new materials and are critical to numerous fields including nanotechnology, energy storage, and computing.
Often working alongside other engineers in interdisciplinary teams to solve humanity's greatest problems, chemical engineers are guaranteed to remain key leaders in securing our future prosperity whether on this planet or any other.
What does a Chemical Engineer do?
The job of a chemical engineer centers on the design and implementation of systems and processes that control and direct how an individual atom interacts with another. They apply the discoveries made by chemists to build groundbreaking materials with atomic precision. So precise are they that they have recently developed the capability to construct a nano-scale car the width of a single DNA molecule.As a chemical engineer, you will likely spend the majority of your time in an office or laboratory designing and refining the mathematical models behind the materials and methods you develop while occasionally spending time on-site overseeing production or solving problems.
How do I know if I want to be a Chemical Engineer?
As with all science-related occupations, there are substantial intellectual challenges you will be required to overcome. A substantial aspect of chemical engineering involves analysis and planning. You will be expected to scrutinize every detail of your work, correcting any errors you discover.
It is also possible that you will be expected to scrutinize details of your peers' work as well considering both the collaborative and competitive natures of science. Those who choose to embrace these challenges often do so because of a unique creativity: the desire to improve upon that which already exists. The financial benefits they enjoy come second to their passion to create.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers specialize in road, bridge, buildings and water supply system design and construction. They supervise and direct construction teams and work with other engineers. These professionals ensure that every structure built is environmentally compliant and can withstand earthquakes and hurricanes. This is especially true in places where these natural calamities often strike.Civil Engineer Careers
Definition and Nature of Work
Civil engineers specialize in road, bridge, buildings and water supply system design and construction. They supervise and direct construction teams and work with other engineers.These professionals ensure that every structure built is environmentally compliant and can withstand earthquakes and hurricanes. This is especially true in places where these natural calamities often strike.
Civil engineers work wherever there is a need for expanding new structures or transportation systems and geotechnical engineering. They also hold administrative and supervisory positions.
Typical Civil Engineer Salary
According to the BLS, civil engineers earn as much as $77,560 in median annual pay. The bottom ten percent make about $50,560 yearly while the top ten percent earns as much as $119,320.The federal government employs the largest number of civil engineers in the country and is the highest paying employer. These jobs pay an annual median wage of $89,450. This is followed by local governments at $80,250. Architectural and engineering firms, non-residential building construction companies and state governments pay civil engineers as much as $76,620, $76,120 and $74,300 respectively.
Career Advancement
Civil engineers who obtained further training and education have the option to teach and participate in developing engineering courses. They may also work as consultants at bigger firms. Highly qualified civil engineers can manage big plants and oversee facility design and construction to make sure they obtain environmental, construction and operating permits.There are many programs both online and on campus that offer continuing education for civil engineers. These allow people to study and work at the same time. According to the America Society of Engineers (ASCE). Completing these programs will lead engineers to higher paying positions and more challenging tasks.
Is this career the right one for you?
According to the ASCE, it is best that aspiring civil engineers take different courses to find out what captures their interest. They may also complete internship programs in order to get some practical experience. Professionals in the field suggests that future civil engineers develop solid written and oral communication skills.Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers develop and improve the software programs and hardware that make computers run. Computer Engineers may specialize in either software or hardware. From operating system software, such as Windows and Linux, to individual computer programs, such as Photoshop and Microsoft Office, Software Engineers turn piles of hardware into fully functional computers. Hardware Engineers develop the hardware of computers, including the motherboards, graphics and audio cards and drives that are later programmed by Software Engineers.Computer Engineer Careers
Computer Engineers develop and improve the software programs and hardware that make computers run. Computer Engineers may specialize in either software or hardware.From operating system software, such as Windows and Linux, to individual computer programs, such as Photoshop and Microsoft Office, Software Engineers turn piles of hardware into fully functional computers. Hardware Engineers develop the hardware of computers, including the motherboards, graphics and audio cards and drives that are later programmed by Software Engineers.
A Day in the Life of a Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers program and maintain games, email programs, software tools for businesses and schools, operating systems and hardware. When something isn't working with the email client at work or a bug turns up in the latest release of a computer operating system, Computer Engineers use their knowledge of coding and computer frameworks to solve the problem. Computer Engineers work in a variety of settings from corporate offices to schools and government laboratories.Becoming a Computer Engineer
To become a Computer Engineer, you should consider pursuing a degree in Computer Science or another closely related field. While some Computer Engineers manage to learn the skills they need to succeed without a formal education, the vast majority of competition in the work force have college degrees.In addition to a formal education, aspiring Computer Engineers should use their free time to keep up on the latest trends and changes in software and hardware development. Familiarity with recently developed software programs, patches, and computer chips is essential because the knowledge base of the Computer Engineering field is constantly evolving to keep up with new technologies.
Typical Computer Engineer Salary
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that Computer Hardware Engineers made an annual median salary of $98,810 in 2010. Software Engineers made a considerably lower salary of $71,380 in 2010 (BLS).Career Advancement Opportunities
Computer Engineers generally have plenty of opportunities for career advancement within their workplaces. Pursuit of a graduate degree in Computer Engineering or a related field can lead to the opportunity to train and teach other Computer Engineers at a college or university. Many Computer Engineers choose to start their own engineering firms or work on a freelance basis as their own bosses.Is this career the right one for you?
Before deciding if a career in Computer Engineering is right for you, consider taking some courses in Computer Science or Computer Engineering in high school or college.Additionally, read as many articles on recent developments and topics of interest in the field as you can. By studying the major publications for the Computer Engineering field, you'll gain a better understanding of the specifics that the job entails. An internship in Computer Engineering is by far the best way to find out if the career is right for you. Most internships offer a variety of experiences in both the software and hardware sides of Computer Engineering.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers specialize in power supply and generation. They design, develop, test and supervise electrical equipment manufacturing. They have also been trained to handle responsibilities like wiring and lighting installations in buildings, automobiles and aircraft. What is great about being an electrical engineer is that the training is so extensive that graduates may land a job in many different industries such as construction, manufacturing and design.Definition and Nature of Work
Electrical engineers specialize in power supply and generation. They design, develop, test and supervise electrical equipment manufacturing. They have also been trained to handle responsibilities like wiring and lighting installations in buildings, automobiles and aircraft.What is great about being an electrical engineer is that the training is so extensive that graduates may land a job in many different industries such as construction, manufacturing and design.
Moreover, electrical engineers may take part in development and research as assistants to scientists and other engineers. Many kinds of electronic equipment from portable music players to GPS devices pass through an electronic engineer’s hands.
They come up with means to use electrical power to operate a certain product or improve its functions. Among the most challenging and in-demand tasks for electronic engineers today include developing construction plans for electrical lighting systems for skyscrapers, designing remote-controlled race cars and building technology for factories like robots that can perform welding.
A Day in the Life of an Electrical Engineer
Electronic engineers perform their duties in offices and laboratories
but may also be sent to work sites for supervising and troubleshooting.
This is especially true for those who work in companies that
manufacture complex equipment. They spend about 40 hours per week at
work, but they may work longer than this.
A typical day for an electrical engineer varies depending on their employer. Those who work for the federal government may handle responsibilities in areas of research, development and electronic device evaluation that may cover systems for manufacturing, transportation, aviation and communication. Electrical engineers use design software and equipment in their projects.
Electrical engineers typically work together with other engineers and other professionals. With this, they should work comfortably and efficiently with a team. Experts highly recommend that graduates get into internship programs. Doing so will allow them to see the real employment world for electronic engineers.
It is important that electronic engineers enjoy what they are doing. This career field can be physically and intellectually challenging. This is why aspiring engineers should be sure about their decision.
A typical day for an electrical engineer varies depending on their employer. Those who work for the federal government may handle responsibilities in areas of research, development and electronic device evaluation that may cover systems for manufacturing, transportation, aviation and communication. Electrical engineers use design software and equipment in their projects.
Career Advancement
Electrical engineers may undergo further training or education in order to qualify for a position that will enable them to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. It may also qualify them for management positions. They can either be program managers or engineering managers. Alternatively, they can become instructors at universities or colleges.Is this career the right one for you?
Individuals who wish to become an electrical engineer should start their preparations as early as high school. They should have exceptional communication and math skills and be willing to work both indoors and outdoors.Electrical engineers typically work together with other engineers and other professionals. With this, they should work comfortably and efficiently with a team. Experts highly recommend that graduates get into internship programs. Doing so will allow them to see the real employment world for electronic engineers.
It is important that electronic engineers enjoy what they are doing. This career field can be physically and intellectually challenging. This is why aspiring engineers should be sure about their decision.
Marine Engineer
Marine Engineers are responsible for the design and construction of seagoing vessels and structures, focusing primarily on their internal systems. Simply put, they design the onboard electrical, environmental and propulsion systems aboard everything from oil platforms to cruise ships.What is a Marine Engineer?
Marine Engineers are responsible for the design and connstruction of seagoing vessels and structures, focusing primarily on their internal systems. Simply put, they design the onboard electrical, environmental and propulsion systems aboard everything from oil platforms to cruise ships.No environment on Earth is as demanding as the sea. Designing and building vessels and structures that can withstand the wind, waves and salt exposure requires special education and experience. The modern world’s global commerce is largely enabled by the ocean-going technological marvels created by Marine Engineers.
Today’s oceans are plied by oil and cargo ships that are amazingly huge and complex. The largest ship ever built, once named Seawise Giant, was over 1500 feet long. Royal Caribbean International recently launched 2 Oasis class cruise ships, floating paradises that routinely carry over 5000 happy cruisers on vacation. The Marine Engineering involved in assuring the safety of the crews and passengers of these behemoths is challenging and exacting. Marine engineers routinely break records and create new technology as a normal course of doing business.
A Day in the Life of a Marine Engineer
Based on the performance specifications of the vessel, marine engineers design the propulsion system to deliver the power required. They also design the steering system, heating, cooling and ventilation systems and hydraulics for the ship. If the job is a retrofit, the marine engineer studies the current plans before designing the new systems.Once marine engineers know what equipment is to be installed and where each duct, machine and power source is to be located, they prepare detailed plans. They create layouts and schematics, determine the work schedule and prepare a cost estimate for approval by management.
As the work progresses, marine engineers may conduct periodic inspections or tests to catch any issues as soon as possible. They ensure that design specifications are being followed, monitor the project budget and prepare status reports for clients or managers.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Marine engineers can advance into supervisory or management positions with experience. Typically, the USCG licenses can help marine engineers move up; as the level of license increases, responsibilities normally increase. Some marine engineers move into sales, using their technical knowledge to help clients plan and execute projects.Is Marine Engineering the right career for you?
Like any engineering field, Marine Engineering requires a strong background in math and science. Pursuing and engineering degree is a serious commitment and is not to be taken lightly.Along with math and science skills, you’ll probably do well if you’re fascinated by the ocean and the engineering involved with in harnessing the power of the sea. Not all Marine Engineers work safely behind a desk designing systems. If you don’t think you ever want to spend time on a ship or other off-shore structure, you might think about a different career choice. However, if ships and the sea call to you, this is a rewarding profession worthy of consideration.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineering is the study of motion, energy and force. The mechanical engineer seeks to control these elements by using a combination of material, human and economic resources to develop mechanical solutions that help satisfy the needs and wants of society.Mechanical Engineer Careers
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering is the study of motion, energy and force. The mechanical engineer seeks to control these elements by using a combination of material, human and economic resources to develop mechanical solutions that help satisfy the needs and wants of society.What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?
Some of the most common job functions of a mechanical engineer are:-
Product Design:
Designing products ranging from biomedical devices to internal combustion engines to fuel-efficient motor vehicles, motors and appliances. -
Research and Development:
Researching new ideas and solutions that satisfy society’s demands or improving or expanding older ideas and solutions. -
Manufacturing:
Designing and building the machines that mass produce consumer products. Of prime importance is designing and building machines that improve operating efficiency. -
Systems Management:
Managing the operations of a large system, such as a manufacturing facility or a power plant. -
Energy:
Planning how energy is created, stored and moved in industries that produce and deliver electrical power, such as natural gas, oil and alternative energy.
Is Mechanical Engineering Right For You?
Ask yourself these questions to help you evaluate your potential future as a mechanical engineering major:
- Do you struggle in math and science? If the answer is “yes,” then choose another college major.
- Are you naturally curious about how things work? Do you take things apart and put them back them back together? This is a natural trait of a mechanical engineer.
- Do you enjoy discovering new or better ways to do things? If so, mechanical engineering may be the right path for you.
- Can you process visual information and create mental images of objects that are yet to be developed? These abilities are critical to engineering, especially in the area of product design.
- Do people trust your decisions? If so, then you have demonstrated the ability to make rational decisions, a necessary requirement for the mechanical engineer.
Computer
Computer engineering is the design, construction, implementation, and maintenance of computers and computer-controlled equipment for the benefit of humankind. Most universities offer computer engineering as either a degree program of its own or as a sub-discipline of electrical engineering. With the widespread use and integration of computers into our everyday lives, it’s hard to separate what an electrical engineer needs to know and what a computer engineer needs to know. Because of this, several universities offer a dual degree in both electrical and computer engineering.Agricultural and Biological
Agricultural engineers apply knowledge of engineering technology and science to agriculture and the efficient use of biological resources. In addition to creating advances in farming and agriculture, agricultural engineers apply engineering design and analysis to protecting natural resources, develop power systems to support agriculture, and provide environmental controls.Top Btech Courses:
ECE/EEE/CSE/MECH/CIVIL/AEROSPACE/AERONAUTICAL/AUTOMOBILE/IT...











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