EngineeringOverview
Engineers solve problems: how to build the strongest possible bridge using the materials available; how to set up layout and work processes of the factory floor to maximize output and efficiency; how to create the most efficient, bug-free software possible to instruct a computer to process certain tasks; how to create an airplane that flies farther using less fuel; and so on. Engineers helped create the car you drive, as well as the processes and machinery that extracted the petroleum that fuels it from far beneath the Earth's surface. They helped create the highways and bridges on and over which you drive that car on the way to work. They helped create the building in which you work, the HVAC system that keeps that building warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and the power grid that delivers energy to that building. They helped create the innards of the computer on your desk, and the network to which your computer is attached. And engineers may well have helped create the processes your employer uses to go about its business. As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts it, "Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop economical solutions to technical problems." Typically, engineers specialize in one particular area of engineering; engineering specialties include aerospace, agricultural, architectural, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer hardware, computer software, electrical, environmental, geological, industrial, marine, materials, mechanical, nuclear, and petroleum engineering. There are about a million and a half engineers in the United States. Among the largest engineering specialties, in terms of the number of engineers practicing them, are computer software engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering, including health and safety engineering.
What You'll Do
A fundamental part of engineering is the practical application of specialized scientific knowledge. For example, an engineer might apply his or her understanding of how fluids react in high-pressure, low-gravity environments to design a hydraulic system for an earth-orbiting satellite. Whether the end result is a product or a process, engineers need to consider safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. If something they've created isn't safe, reliable, or cost-effective, their product isn't going to fly in the marketplace. Engineering is a career based on logical, systematic problem solving, generally in high-tech, industrial, or scientific fields. Because there are an infinite variety of problems to be solved in each of those fields, engineers have developed a number of specialties. They may specialize in electrical networks, machines or mechanical systems, chemical compounds, airplanes or spacecraft, or software or computer systems. The rapid expansion of computer and networking technologies has created vast new opportunities for engineers in computer-related fields, who include software engineers (also known as programmers), Web developers, and specialists in information networks. Engineers are often the crucial link between goals and reality. Once a company or government agency decides that it needs a certain product or process, the next step is for an engineer or team of engineers to create it as efficiently as possible within a budget. Engineers can have a hand in all phases of development, from idea conception, design and development, implementation, testing, production, and maintenance to sales and customer support. Manufacturers employ engineers to design and develop products such as consumer and industrial electronics, fabricated metals, machine tools, chemical compounds, transportation equipment, aircraft, communication equipment, and space vehicles. Engineers also develop the production processes necessary to create those products, from designing the machinery to designing the factories where the machinery is operated. Besides manufacturing, some engineers test and inspect products and structures to increase cost-effectiveness or safety. Such engineers typically engage in more service-oriented careers, often working for firms that contract their services to other businesses or government agencies. For instance, engineers may be hired to test the stress limits of metal used in automobiles, evaluate the structural integrity of buildings, or develop a cheaper process for producing corrective lenses.
Who Does Well
The most successful engineers have a balance of creative and scientific skills and can master both established techniques and innovate new ones. Discipline, patience, and perseverance are also important qualities in an engineer—some problems may take years or even a whole career to solve. The ability to communicate with others is also a key skill, as engineers need to communicate effectively within their teams and with others who will apply their work. Communication is also important in order to help engineers understand the needs of those who will use the finished products of their work—folks who usually aren't engineers. RequirementsBack to top
Most companies require job applicants to have a bachelor's in an engineering field from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), though sometimes graduates with related degrees may qualify. A degree in math or physics—or better yet, applied math, applied physics, or computer science—is sometimes sufficient to get an entry-level position. Engineering programs vary from school to school, but generally offer one year of core engineering courses, followed by three years of classes in a specific major. Some students need five or more years to complete all the requirements, which is not unusual. If the engineer's work affects life, health, or property, or if he or she contracts to serve the public, state laws require the engineer to obtain a state license. The laws vary from state to state, but the process typically requires an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited school, and a certain number of years of experience (usually four). The engineer also needs to pass two exams prepared by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES): the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination. Quality assurance and quality testing engineers may be required to pass specialized training and certification programs and become Certified Quality Engineers or Certified Software Quality Engineers. Beyond these requirements, aspiring engineers should be interested in math and science, enjoy complex problem solving, and have good organizational and communication skills, both oral and written. Engineering problems often require a team effort, so a good engineer needs to be able to work within a team—whether as a member or a leader. Job OutlookBack to top
Engineering jobs in general are projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to increase at about the same rate as the growth in jobs overall between 2004 and 2014. However, the projected growth rates for certain engineering specialties during that time vary widely: Computer software, biomedical, and environmental engineering job opportunities are all projected to grow at a rate far in excess of the growth of jobs overall. Job opportunities in agricultural, chemical, civil, computer hardware, electrical, electronics, health and safety, industrial, materials, and mechanical engineering are all expected to grow at a rate faster than the overall jobs growth rate. Job opportunities in aerospace, marine, and nuclear engineering are expected to grow at a slower rate than overall jobs growth. Job opportunities in nuclear and petroleum engineering are expected to decline. Note that even in engineering specialties with low projected employment growth rates, there should be ample opportunities for fledgling engineers in coming years. Among other factors, retirements among baby boomers will lead to opportunities in the larger engineering specialties. One key for engineers is ongoing education. Materials and technologies are changing so rapidly these days that only those who are up to speed on the latest trends in their fields will be assured of strong job prospects. Career TracksBack to top
Professional societies recognize more than 25 engineering specialties, and new ones continue to develop with advances in science and technology. Engineers tend to refer to themselves by qualifying the type of engineering work they do, such as "mechanical engineer" or "civil engineer." You might think of these specialties as families, since many of them break down into narrower subspecialties. Choosing one specialty doesn't preclude you from working in another field; crossing over is fairly common. Following are descriptions of some of the most common engineering specialties to give you an idea of specific career opportunities.
Electrical Engineering
Software, Web, and IT Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Materials Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electronics Design Engineers
Computer Hardware Process Engineers
Quality Assurance and Test Engineers
Test engineers, like QA engineers, help set up test equipment that is used to determine whether products are being manufactured correctly. When a product is deemed faulty, either on the production floor or after it's been returned by a customer, a test engineer may be called in to figure out exactly why the equipment failed—a time-consuming process that can uncover fundamental flaws in a company's production techniques. Test engineers also help create prototype products to make sure a finished product will meet design engineers' specifications. CompensationBack to top
Some average salary ranges for engineering positions are:
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