Jobs for engineering majors

It’s probably safe to say that engineering makes the world go ‘round, especially today. The field of engineering is diverse to say the least. Engineers work in computing and technology, manufacturing, chemical production, materials science, mechanical processing, and systems development. Let’s look at some popular engineering majors and potential jobs.

Aerospace engineering

When it comes to the design of air and space crafts, missiles, and satellites — that’s all aerospace engineering. They not only design these systems, but create and test prototypes as well. Like many other fields of engineering, AE is pretty demanding in the areas of math and science. 

Jobs

aerospace engineer, aircraft design engineer, astronaut, astrophysicist, college professor, commercial pilot, entrepreneur, flight engineer, meteorologist, technical writer, test pilot

Biomedical engineering

Where medicine meets biology. Biomedical engineering seeks to improve health care through the development of instruments, devices and software to positively impact human life. Think artificial limbs and organs, advanced prosthetics, and genomic testing.

Jobs

bioengineer, biomedical engineer, college professor, lawyer, materials engineer, mechanical engineer, medical consultant, physician, physiologist, reliability engineer, research scientist

Chemical engineering

Materials, chemicals and compounds, oh my! Chemical engineers are involved in the science of discovery. They design processes for the use of raw materials, and the mixing and compounding of chemicals, to make products used in daily life.

Jobs

chemical engineer, college professor, chemist, environmental engineer, management consultant, metallurgist, petroleum engineer, plant manager, plastics engineer, product designer, production engineer, research scientist, technical writer

Civil engineering

What do bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, buildings and railways have in common? They all involve civil engineering. The oldest of the engineering professions, civil engineering is the design, construction and maintenance of the world civilians live in. Get it? ‘Civil’-ian engineering (in ‘lieu’ of military engineering). Ahem. It’s also important to note that depending on the state, civil engineers may need a professional engineer license to practice. 

Jobs

civil engineer, college professor, consultant, contractor, design engineer, materials engineer, structural engineer, systems engineer, waterworks engineer 

Electrical engineering

The big brother of electronics engineering, electrical engineering is the application of electricity, electromagnetism and electronics to process information and transmit energy. This is seen in the fields of telecommunication, transportation networks, lighting, heating, ventilation, lift systems, power generation and distribution, renewable energy, manufacturing, and construction.

Jobs

aerospace engineer, automotive engineer, design engineer, electrical engineer, environmental engineer, military officer, patent lawyer, power company manager, project manager

Industrial engineering

Probably the least technical of the engineering fields, industrial engineers are all about efficiency. Simply put, they are responsible for doing things better. That is, improving existing practices and procedures. They do this by understanding the big picture through data analysis and focusing on processes. Industrial engineering at its best is complemented with business knowledge and interpersonal skills. 

Jobs

cost estimator, engineering management, health and safety engineer, heat transfer technician, industrial consultant, industrial engineer, industrial management, industrial psychologist, logistician, occupational health and safety specialist, plant engineer, quality management, reliability engineer, technical writer

Mechanical engineering

The keyword here is motion. In its broadest application, mechanical engineering touches anything that moves. Inspired by the human body, mechanical engineers develop, build, and produce tools and machines with the task of improving human life. 

Jobs

aerospace engineer, automotive engineer, CAD technician, contracting civil engineer, control and instrumentation engineer, maintenance engineer, mechanical engineer, nuclear engineer, acoustic consultant, clinical technologist, corporate investment banker, land-based engineer, mining engineer, patent attorney, production manager, technical sales engineer, water engineer

Software engineering

In other words, computer program design. Computer software is the set of instructions that tell the computer hardware how to work. Software engineers design, test, maintain, install, configure, and program computer and network systems, games, apps, and even robots.

Jobs 

computer animator, computer hardware development, computer programmer, corporate IT manager, entrepreneur, software creator, software developer, software technician, systems analyst, technical writer

A career in engineering is pretty versatile and generally offers job security. Most engineer salaries are competitive and start at well above $70,000 per year. Depending on the specialization, there are additional licenses and certifications outside of a bachelor’s degree that highlight skills and ability within a chosen engineering field. It’s also important to keep in mind that some skills are more or less unspoken requirements within engineering, such as a strong understanding of science and math, complex problem solving, communication skills and attention to detail. Happy engineering!