Engineering

Engineers are trained professionals who use immense scientific knowledge in order to create practical solutions to daily problems.  As technical problems arise, employers in many industries depend on design and development engineers to create solutions and new products.  They analyze the current situation, design a remedy, and develop products which must be cost efficient, accurate, and reliable.  They often generate and compare reports to determine where to direct their efforts next.  Not all engineers focus on development issues however. Production, testing, and maintenance engineers perfect newly designed as well as existing products.  Production engineers oversee manufacturing facilities to ensure proper quality is maintained.  Testing engineers put products through real life scenarios in order to determine their efficiency and durability, while maintenance engineers make any and all necessary repairs to those products and equipment.  Once a thorough knowledge of the industry is obtained, many of these engineers move on to become sales engineers, focusing on selling products from a technical standpoint. 

Most engineers work within offices, labs, or factories, sometimes these positions require travel to client facilities, construction sites, or other locations.  Sales careers are generally based on commission, meaning that sales professionals commonly work overtime with a lot of travel in order to meet with clients and complete transactions.  Engineers typically work standard 40 hour weeks, with the exception of those in sales.  Due to the frequent deadlines imposed on engineers, stress is common and often a constant factor of their work.  

In order to enter the engineering field, a Bachelor’s Degree in a specific concentration is generally required.  Candidates interested in becoming an engineering technician commonly pursue a general two to four year degree.  Although engineer techs obtain similar positions as engineers, they do not have the high level of experience necessary for these titles.  Many engineers receive training in one area of expertise, but take occupations in related fields.  This flexibility allows for greater job opportunities. 

Engineers traditionally enter the manufacturing industry, but as more industries develop new systems, the need for engineers in other industries increases.  It is expected that careers in the engineering field will increase as fast as average industries, and that qualified graduates will be closely balanced to the number of openings.  Technology has made it possible for engineers from different countries to work together in finalizing major projects, but the need for engineers to travel to sites and oversee activities will remain.  As with many careers, employers prefer candidates with the latest technical knowledge; therefore continuing education may be necessary.  For more information on an engineering career, please visit the following sites:

• United Engineering Foundation
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• American Electronics Association
• Association of Consulting Chemists & Chemical Engineers, Inc.
• National Association of Communication Systems Engineers

For a list of available engineering positions, as well as a database of engineering professionals, please visit iHireEngineering.