Careers in Engineering

Engineers can be distinguished from other professions by their ability to solve complex problems and implement solutions in cost-effective and practical ways. This ability to face a problem, work through various thoughts and abstract ideas, and then translate them into reality is what is so exciting about engineering. Engineers can hold job roles in research & development, testing, design, analysis, systems, manufacturing/construction, operations & maintenance, technical support, customer support, sales, consulting, teaching, project management, and leadership.

Uncertain about the engineering career path you want to pursue? We would love to talk to you about your interests, goals and dreams. Come talk to an Engineering advisor! E-mail engineering@highline.edu to get connected with a faculty member who can help you navigate degree requirements and career choices.

Branches of Engineering

Engineering is often sorted into different “branches” of engineering. The five main branches are:

However, there are a seemingly infinite number of interdisciplinary and sub-branches of engineering including computer engineering, materials engineering, bio-engineering, aerospace engineering, environmental engineering, agricultural engineering, petroleum engineering, nuclear engineering…the list goes on. Scroll down and look at more information about some of these branches, as well as additional resources for doing more research and hearing from other engineers.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource to learn more about different careers in engineering – everything from median annual pay, job outlook, how to become this type of engineer, and what a day-in-the-life looks like. Watch this brief video on how to use the site.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers research, develop, design, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. Mechanical engineers also design tools that other engineers need for their work. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Some Mechanical Engineering programs may also include concentrations/electives in:

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles and supervise the manufacture of these products. Those who work with aircraft are called aeronautical engineers, and those working specifically with spacecraft are astronautical engineers. Aerospace engineers develop new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration.
Manufacturing
Biomechanical
Materials Science; Mining & Geological
Marine & Naval Architect

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and water supply and sewage systems. Civil engineering, considered one of the oldest engineering disciplines, encompasses many specialties. The major specialties are structural, hydrology & hydrodynamics, construction, energy, environmental, transportation, air resources, water quality and geotechnical engineering. Some Civil Engineering programs may also include Environmental Engineering as an emphasis/concentration.

Earth & Environmental Sciences can supplement these degrees.
Urban Planning/Urban Design Planning degrees are a good compliment to Civil/Environmental Engineering degrees.
Architecture degrees are also a good complement if you are interested in structural engineering.

Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineers determine the most effective ways to use the basic factors of production – people, machines, materials, information, and energy – to make a product or to provide a service. They are mostly concerned with increasing productivity through the management of people, methods of business organization, and technology. Industrial engineers conduct operations research, use applied statistics, and examine human factors and ergonomics as they apply to production. Often, these engineers support manufacturing, transportation, and health care – large scale systems that move people or things.

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment. Electrical engineers have traditionally focused on the generation and supply of power, however there are opportunities to specialize in areas such as power systems engineering, robotics, communications & signal processing, and electrical equipment manufacturing.

Computer engineering is a blend of Computer Hardware and Software Engineering (Computer Science), where engineers consider both the hardware and software of a given computer system. Computer engineers research, design, develop, test, and oversee the installation of computer hardware and supervise its manufacture and installation.

What’s it like to work as a computer engineer? Is majoring in electrical engineering more difficult than other fields? Check out these profiles of individuals studying and working in various fields and discover what it’s like to be an engineer. TryEngineering is an initiative from IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization for the advancement of technology with a focus on Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals and biochemicals. They design equipment and processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production. Chemical engineers work in the fields of biochemistry, bioenergy, biomedical, environmental, food science, polymer science and petroleum engineering.

Other Websites for Engineering Career Research

The EngineerGirl website is designed to bring national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women. Why girls and women? Because despite an increase in female participation in many traditionally male-dominated professions such as medicine and law, women remain grossly under-represented in engineering. Engineering and engineers are central to the process of innovation, and innovation drives economic growth. Diversity of thought is crucial to creativity, and by leaving women out of the process of innovation we lose a key component of diversity and stifle innovation. We want the creative problem-solvers of tomorrow to fully represent the world’s population, because they will be the ones to ensure our health, happiness, and safety in years to come.

DiscoverE is a highly collaborative organization that represents the breadth of engineering, where smart, inspiring people invent, design, and create things that matter. Engineers, technologists, and technicians are changing the world all of the time. They dream up creative, practical solutions and work with other smart, inspiring people to invent, design, and create things that matter. Check out different types of engineering here.

Engineering is one of those career paths where you’ll use the math you learn in school in your career on a regular basis! Check out these engineering profiles from WeUseMath.org

Videos and Testimonials from real engineers, including “Day in the Life” profiles.

Engineers often work at the cutting edge of new technologies and industries. Some branches of engineering are at the the fastest growing careers in the United States. Check out what STEM Careers are in the highest demand.

Engineering Careers