What Are the Different Engineering Jobs?

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 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 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.

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.

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.