Engineers

			Check out another job
			Search a job category Architecture   - Building architects   - Landscape architects Art and design   - Artists   - Designers Computers   - Computer programmers   - Computer and information       systems managers   - Software engineers   - Support specialists and       system administrators   - Statisticians Educators   - Administrators and principals   - Counselors   - Post-secondary teachers   - Elementary, middle school       and high school teachers Engineers   - Engineers   - Aerospace   - Agriculture   - Biomedical   - Chemical   - Civil   - Electrical   - Environmental   - Industrial   - Mechanical   - Nuclear Entertainment and sports   - Actors, producers and directors   - Athletes, coaches and officials   - Dancers and choreographers   - Musicians Financial   - Accountants   - Economists   - Financial advisors   - Securities, commodities and       financial services sales agents Health care   - Chiropractors   - Dentists   - Dietitians   - Occupational therapists   - Optometrists   - Pharmacists   - Physical therapists   - Physicians and surgeons   - Psychologists   - Registered nurses   - Speech pathologists   - Veterinarians Legal   - Judges   - Lawyers Media and communications   - Advertising and public       relations managers   - Broadcast announcers   - News analysts, reporters       and commentators   - Photographers   - Public relations specialists   - TV, camera and film operators   - Writers and editors Office / elected officials   - Human resources, training and       labor relations managers   - Secretaries and       administrative assistants   - Top executives and       elected officials Sales   - Loan officers   - Purchasing managers   - Retail salespeople   - Real estate agents Scientists   - Biological   - Chemists   - Environmental Service   - Counselors   - Firefighters   - Police officers and detectives   - Social service workers Travel   - Flight attendants   - Pilots   - Travel agents

Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between perceived social needs and commercial applications. Engineers design products, machinery to build those products, factories in which those products are made, and the systems that ensure the quality of the products and efficiency of the workforce and manufacturing process.

Engineers develop and implement improved ways to extract, process and use raw materials. They develop new materials that improve the performance of products and take advantage of advances in technology. They analyze the impact of the products they develop or the systems they design on the environment and people using them. Engineering knowledge is applied to improving many things, including the quality of health care, the safety of food products and the efficient operation of financial systems.

In addition to design and development, many engineers work in testing, production or maintenance. Some move into engineering management or into sales.

Most engineers specialize. More than 25 major specialties are recognized by professional societies, and the major branches have numerous subdivisions.

Engineers in each branch have a base of knowledge and training that can be applied in many fields. Engineers use computers to produce and analyze designs; to simulate and test how a machine, structure or system operates; and to generate specifications for parts. With new communications technologies, engineers can collaborate on designs with other engineers around the country or even abroad, using the Internet or related communications systems. Many engineers use computers to monitor product quality and control process efficiency. They spend a great deal of time writing reports and consulting with other engineers, as complex projects often require an interdisciplinary team of engineers. Supervisory engineers are responsible for major components or entire projects.

Most engineers work in office buildings, laboratories or industrial plants. Others may spend time outdoors at construction sites, mines, and oil and gas exploration and production sites, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Many engineers work a standard 40-hour week. At times, deadlines or design standards may bring extra pressure to a job. When this happens, engineers may work longer hours and experience considerable stress.

Training and qualifications

A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for almost all entry-level engineering jobs. College graduates with a degree in a physical science or mathematics may qualify for some engineering jobs, especially in specialties in high demand. Most engineering degrees are granted in electrical, electronics, mechanical or civil engineering, but engineers trained in one branch may work in related branches.

Graduate training is essential for engineering faculty positions and many research and development programs. Many engineers obtain graduate degrees in engineering or business administration to learn new technology and broaden their education. Engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical and detail-oriented. They should be able to work as part of a team and to communicate well, both orally and in writing so they can effectively interact with specialists in a wide range of fields outside engineering.

Job outlook

Overall engineering employment is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations, but overall job opportunities in engineering are expected to be good through 2010 because the number of engineering degrees granted is not expected to increase significantly over the 2000-10 period. Projected employment growth and job opportunities vary by specialty.

Employers will rely on engineers to further increase productivity, as investment in plant and equipment increases to expand output of goods and services. New computer and communications systems have improved and speeded up the design process, but computer technology is not expected to limit employment opportunities. The job outlook may not be as favorable for engineers working in defense-related fields because weapons systems expenditures are not expected to return to previously high levels.

Engineers who have not kept current in their field may find themselves passed over for promotions or more vulnerable to layoffs. On the other hand, it often is the fast-changing, high-technology areas that offer the greatest challenges, the most interesting work and the highest salaries.

Earnings

In 2000, engineers held 1.5 million jobs. Almost half of all wage and salary engineering jobs were found in manufacturing industries. The following tabulation shows the distribution of employment by engineering specialty.

Related links

For high school students interested in guidance materials and information (product number SP-01) on engineering disciplines should contact the Junior Engineering Technical Society by sending $3.50 to:

JETS-Guidance, 1420 King St., Suite 405, Alexandria, VA 22314-2794.

High school students interested in obtaining information on ABET-accredited engineering programs should contact:

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012.

Non-licensed engineers and college students interested in obtaining information on Professional Engineer licensure should contact:

The National Society of Professional Engineers, 1420 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2794.

National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveying, P.O. Box 1686, Clemson, SC 29633-1686.

For information on general engineering education and career resources:

American Society for Engineering Education, 1818 N St. NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036-2479.

Information on obtaining an engineering position with the Federal Government is available from the Office of Personnel Management through a telephone-based system. Consult your telephone directory under U.S. Government for a local number or call (912) 757-3000; Federal Relay Service: (800) 877-8339. The first number is not toll-free.

Adapted from the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.