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What are the Different Engineering Jobs?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Engineering is a very broad field that employs professionals with very different skills and backgrounds. There are many different types of engineering jobs available, where experts aid in the invention, research, development, planning, and construction of different products and systems. Engineering jobs are held by specialists in mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical, and chemical engineering, among many other fields.

Individuals with detailed knowledge of the principles of physics mechanical engineering firms. Mechanical engineers create various types of machines and engines that are used in thousands of different capacities. Professionals may specialize in designing automobiles, industrial equipment, and robotic devices. Some experts, known as marine engineers, develop complex systems for various types of watercraft.

Electrical engineers design the electrical power delivery systems for structures.
Electrical engineers design the electrical power delivery systems for structures.

Electrical engineers develop electrical systems that are used in a number of different industries. They may implement residential and commercial power stations, create efficient electrical motors and systems for automobiles and large equipment, or build consumer electronic devices. Many electrical engineers oversee the installation process of power lines and electrical wires in different types of buildings.

Civil engineers design and help build public structures like dams.
Civil engineers design and help build public structures like dams.

Civil engineers design and implement public structures such as highways and streets, bridges, dams, large buildings, water storage and drainage systems, and sewers. They create blueprints for structures based on geological surveys, safety measures, health and safety codes, and available city budgets. Many engineers work closely with construction crews to ensure that structures and systems are built exactly according to specifications.

Robotic engineers design and build robots to be used in manufacturing, research, and a number of other fields.
Robotic engineers design and build robots to be used in manufacturing, research, and a number of other fields.

Many engineering jobs can be found with biochemical and medical research laboratories. Chemical engineers use their knowledge of biology and chemistry to create chemical manufacturing and testing equipment. Biomedical engineers might construct complex equipment, as well as artificial organs, prostheses, and other medical devices.

To obtain most engineering jobs, individuals must hold at least bachelor's degrees from accredited universities. Many practicing engineers, especially those involve with research, hold master's or doctoral degrees in their specialties. Professionals are usually required to pass licensing exams administered by their specific state or country before practicing their trade unsupervised. Some employers require new workers to obtain additional certification to further prove their expertise with specific engineering principals.

Civil engineers create blueprints for structures based on factors including safety codes and geological surveys.
Civil engineers create blueprints for structures based on factors including safety codes and geological surveys.

There is generally a very strong demand for skilled engineers in all specialties. As technology continues to advance in industry and manufacturing, the nature of engineering jobs is changing considerably. Professionals who have expertise in computer programming and drafting usually enjoy the most job opportunities, as more and more design systems come to rely on digital blueprints and models.

Discussion Comments

Mor

I seem to run into a lot of computer engineers.

Sometimes they introduce themselves as simply an "engineer" which sounds like it is something quite different to what they actually do.

It seems to be a really sought after job though, as all my friends who specialized in that found entry level computer engineering jobs without really trying and started moving up the ladder quite quickly.

Personally, I'd rather have a civil engineering job as I think it would be more interesting (to me) but it has so much responsibility attached to it I don't think I'd have the self confidence to go for it.

KoiwiGal

One option if you have just got your engineering degree and want to get some work experience and have an adventure at the same time is to join the Peace Corps.

While I was a Peace Corps volunteer there were a lot of engineers in my training group. They ended up working in agriculture and water sanitation in particular although a few ended up doing other things like small business development (with an emphasis on technology).

I knew a few people who had the satisfaction of helping communities dig wells and so on. It's difficult, and it is a two year commitment, but you come out of it with a really good mark on your resume and quite a few stories to tell people over a few beers.

One of my friends even managed to get a nuclear engineering job out of it.

Also, you get to help people at a grassroots level, which is wonderful.

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    • Electrical engineers design the electrical power delivery systems for structures.
      By: sevaljevic
      Electrical engineers design the electrical power delivery systems for structures.
    • Civil engineers design and help build public structures like dams.
      By: Harvey Barrison
      Civil engineers design and help build public structures like dams.
    • Robotic engineers design and build robots to be used in manufacturing, research, and a number of other fields.
      By: corepics
      Robotic engineers design and build robots to be used in manufacturing, research, and a number of other fields.
    • Civil engineers create blueprints for structures based on factors including safety codes and geological surveys.
      By: Chad McDermott
      Civil engineers create blueprints for structures based on factors including safety codes and geological surveys.
    • A health and safety engineer may give expert advice on how to identify dangerous working conditions.
      By: Minerva Studio
      A health and safety engineer may give expert advice on how to identify dangerous working conditions.
    • A facilities engineer may oversee the operation of various systems in a manufacturing plant.
      By: uwimages
      A facilities engineer may oversee the operation of various systems in a manufacturing plant.
    • Structural engineers often work with civil and traffic engineers to design and build tunnels and bridges.
      By: viappy
      Structural engineers often work with civil and traffic engineers to design and build tunnels and bridges.