Engineer

Search for IT and Computer Training Programs

Zip Code:

Subject:

Degree:

Online Campus Both

Engineers utilize the concepts of math and science to create cost-effective remedies to technical problems. They use their understanding of math and science to develop products that improve the quality of life.

Numerous engineers invent new products. While developing a new product, they take into account numerous factors. For example, when inventing new robotic technology, engineers identify the technical requirements, design and troubleshoot the new technology, supervise the production of the technology, and analyze whether the final product is efficient, safe, functional, and cost-effective. This process is followed when developing new toys, aircraft, computers, and chemicals.

Engineers invent and develop new technology, and they are responsible for evaluating, repairing, and supervising production. These engineers also oversee manufacturing in factories, identify what is causing a new technology to malfunction, and test newly developed products to ensure quality. They also approximate the expenses and time necessary to finish projects. Engineers working in management positions are responsible for supervising large projects.

Engineers heavily rely on computers to develop and assess designs, conduct tests, monitor quality, control efficiency, and make estimations and calculations. The advent of nanotechnology, a technology where high quality products are created by linking molecules and atoms, has opened up an entire new field in product design.

Engineers usually develop expertise in specialized fields. The following are brief descriptions of 17 popular engineering specialties listed in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, put out by the federal government.

Aerospace engineers design, troubleshoot, and oversee the production of airplanes, space shuttles, and missiles. Those specializing in aircraft are known as aeronautical engineers, and those specializing in space shuttles are known as astronautical engineers. Aerospace engineers invent new technologies intended to improve aircraft, defense systems, and spacecraft. Aerospace engineers usually specialize in sub-fields, which includes production processes, communication and navigation technologies, and structural design. Many also work exclusively with certain types of aircraft design, which could include missiles, space shuttles, helicopters, fighter planes, or commercial airplanes. Additionally, aerospace engineers frequently become experts in control and guidance systems, acoustics, celestial mechanics, thermodynamics, and aerodynamics.

Agricultural engineers utilize their expertise of engineering and science to enhance agricultural production and efficiency. These specialists are also known as biological and agricultural engineers. They invent new agricultural technology and farming processes designed to increase output and food quality. Certain engineers develop expertise in bioprocess and environmental engineering, machinery design, and power systems. Many agricultural engineers work to develop strategies to conserve water and soil and enhance food processing. Agricultural engineers also conduct research, fill management positions, oversee production, or work in sales.

Biomedical engineers develop technology and processes that cure health problems by utilizing their knowledge of medicine, science, and engineering. Many collaborate with medical scientists to conduct research intended to develop procedures and technology to diagnose and solve health problems. For example, biomedical engineers have contributed to the development of artificial limbs and organs. Additionally, they develop technology utilized in an array of medical procedures, such as insulin pumps, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, and surgical equipment. Biomedical engineers usually have good understanding of other engineering fields, which could include chemical or mechanical engineering. Many have also received formal training in biomedicine. The following are sub-fields within biomedical engineering: orthopedic, rehabilitation, medical imaging, biomechanics, and biomaterials engineering.

Chemical engineers utilize the fundamentals of chemistry to resolve issues pertaining to chemical use and production. They develop technologies and processes for the production of large quantities of chemicals, test chemical affects, and oversee chemical manufacturing. Chemical engineers are also employed in industries where paper products, clothing, food, and gasoline are produced. Likewise, they can be found in the biotechnology and healthcare industries. Chemical engineers rely on the concepts of chemistry, electrical and mechanical engineering, math, and physics to fulfill their responsibilities. Many are experts in certain chemical processes, including polymerization and oxidation, while others work exclusively with certain chemical compounds, such as nanomaterials, or with companies that manufacture specific types of chemicals or products. These engineers must understand the different facets of chemical manufacturing, especially since chemical production can negatively affect human health and the environment.

Civil engineers design infrastructure, such as sewer and water treatment facilities, bridges, dams, airports, and highways, and oversee construction projects. They must take into account numerous factors when preparing for an infrastructure project, such as cost, environmental regulations, and durability. Civil engineers receive training in several other engineering specialties, including geotechnical, transportation, construction, water resources, and geotechnical engineering. Many civil engineers work as managers, construction site supervisors, and municipal engineers. Some civil engineers teach and conduct research.

Computer hardware engineers develop, troubleshoot, design, and supervise the production of computer hardware, such as printers, keyboards, circuit boards, routers, and micro- processors. Computer hardware engineers perform work that has many similarities to that of electronics engineers, such as electronic equipment design and troubleshooting, but computer hardware engineers work exclusively with hardware technology. The research and work of these engineers has contributed to improvements in computer technology.

Electrical engineers develop, troubleshoot, and oversee the production of electrical devices and equipment, including power generation, communications, navigation, radar, and lighting equipment, in addition to electric machinery and motors. Likewise, electrical engineers develop electrical systems that are installed in airplanes and cars. Even though the work of electronics and electrical engineers contains similarities, electrical engineers specialize in technology used to generate power, while electronics engineers specialize in technology designed to transmit signals and control equipment and machines. Sub-specialties within the field of electrical engineers include electrical machine production and power systems engineering.

Electronics engineers develop various types of equipment, including hand-held music players and GPS devices. They develop, troubleshoot, and oversee the production of electronic devices. Electronics engineers also develop components installed in computers, but computer hardware engineers exclusively design and develop hardware technology. Electronics engineers, on the other hand, design and develop system control, signal processing, and communications technology. Many specialize in certain types of electronic technologies, such as electronics utilized in airplanes or systems designed to operate machines and other devices.

Environmental engineers combine their knowledge of chemistry and biology to create ways to reduce pollution and prevent environmental disasters. They work to eliminate and reduce air and water pollutants, improve recycling methods and technology, and improve public health. Environmental engineers organize studies to determine the effects of environmental hazards, propose solutions to eliminate pollutants within the environment, and determine ways to clean-up toxic chemical spills. Additionally, they design wastewater treatment facilities, determine how much impact planned construction projects will have on the environment, conduct quality-control assessment, and review data collected during experiments. Many environmental engineers specialize in ozone diminishment, carbon dioxide emissions, global warming, and acid rain. Manufacturing companies frequently hire environmental engineers to ensure they comply with environmental laws, safely dispose of toxic waste and chemicals, and avoid emitting pollutants into the environment.

Health and safety engineers utilize their knowledge of engineering and health to enhance worksite safety and public health. They are responsible for recognizing potential safety and health hazards, which could include fire and toxic chemical hazards. After identifying hazards, they propose solutions to avoid risks and develop strategies for handling emergencies. Additionally, health and safety engineers prepare solutions to safeguard equipment and avoid injuries. Many health and safety engineers are employed by manufacturing companies to make sure manufactured goods do not pose safety and health risks to consumers. It is necessary they have the ability to anticipate, identify, and assess potential health and safety hazards and prepare procedures to avoid unnecessary deaths, injuries, and illnesses.

Industrial engineers identify efficient ways to utilize energy, raw materials, technology, and workers to manufacture products or provide services. They specialize in enhancing productivity by using technology, effective organization, and smart management strategies. To enhance productivity, industrial engineers carefully examine product requirements and utilize mathematical models to develop information systems and production processes that increase efficiency. Industrial engineers design control systems to assist workers responsible for budgeting and performing cost analysis, and they develop control systems to guarantee product quality. They also develop or enhance systems designed to distribute products and deliver services more efficiently. Industrial engineers also design evaluation systems to critique employee productivity. Industrial engineers frequently get promoted to management jobs since they often collaborate with management.

Marine engineers and naval architects design, develop, and oversee the manufacturing of boats and their components. The types of watercraft they develop include oil tankers, fishing boats, submarines, and aircraft carriers. Naval architects prepare the overall design and schematics of boats, while marine engineers specialize in ship systems, steering, and propulsion. Both types of watercraft specialists utilize their scientific and engineering training to design ships and enhance marine technology.

Materials engineers develop, test, and supervise the production of materials that are required to manufacture various products, such as golf clubs, automobile engines, and computer chips. These materials can include semiconductors, plastics, fiber glass, and different types of metals. These specialists are also responsible for determining what types of materials to use in products. The field of materials engineering now involves atomic level materials that can be developed and extracted utilizing computer technology. Materials engineers usually specialize in specific types of materials. Metallurgical engineers, for example, are experts in various types of metals, including steel, while ceramic engineers specialize in ceramic compounds and development processes. Ceramic is used to develop fiber-optics wires and other products used daily.

Mechanical engineers develop, test, and supervise the production of machines, engines, and mechanical technology. Mechanical engineering is a very expansive engineering field. They develop automobile engines, steam and water turbines, and electric power generators. Mechanical engineers also develop robotic technology, industrial production technology, elevators, machines tools, air-conditioners, and refrigerators. Certain mechanical engineers develop tools that engineers in other fields rely upon. Likewise, mechanical engineers are employed by companies specializing in maintenance, manufacturing, agriculture output, and machine sales. It is not uncommon for a mechanical engineer to receive a management-level promotion.

Mining and mining safety and geological engineers, locate, extract, and supervise the processing of minerals, coal, and other natural resources used to produce goods. They identify the location of natural resources, oversee the construction of mining tunnels and underground mining facilities, and they develop processes to move natural resources to processing facilities. Additionally, mining engineers must ensure natural resources are mined safely, environmentally friendly, and economically. Certain mining engineers collaborate with metallurgical engineers and geologists to find areas where large deposits of ore are sitting. Some mining engineers design and invent mining technology or oversee operations designed to extract minerals from rock, sand, and dirt. Mining engineers often specialize in certain types of natural resources, which could include gold, coal, or metals. Since environmental protection is a major concern, mining engineers frequently develop solutions to protect water and the air and improve land reclamation efforts. Mining safety engineers specialize in mining safety, and they develop procedures to increase mine safety, comply with safety laws, and decrease mining related deaths and injuries. Mining safety engineers also examine mine roofs and walls for potential safety hazards, inspect mining equipment, and monitor gasses and air compounds present in a mine.

Nuclear engineers develop methods and technology designed to create nuclear energy and other benefits. They design nuclear power plants and oversee operations at these facilities. Many specialize in handling nuclear compounds, properly and safely disposing of waste, creating fusion energy, and generating nuclear power. Some nuclear engineers work exclusively with nuclear technology designed to power submarines and aircraft carriers or used for medical testing and procedures.

Petroleum engineers develop processes to extract crude oil and natural gas beneath the surface. After these natural resources are located, petroleum engineers collaborate with geologists to determine how to extract these resources, identify environmental hazards, and supervise drilling operations. Petroleum engineers also develop technology and methods to maximize extraction while cutting costs. Since a small percentage of crude oil or natural gas is extracted while drilling, petroleum engineers create methods, such as steam, gas, chemical, or water injection, to extract more oil from the earth. They also develop technology and conduct research to make drilling economically smart since only small portions of crude oil and natural gas is ever recovered while drilling.

Work environment. Engineers usually work in factories, labs, or office parks. Some engineers, such as petroleum and civil engineers, spend many hours working outside, supervising drilling operations and construction. Depending on their specialty, some engineers are required to travel frequently.

Engineers usually spend 40 hours working each week. Whenever they must meet deadlines or spend extra time developing schematics, engineers are frequently required to work overtime.

Training and qualifications

Engineers are usually hired in entry-level positions after acquiring a bachelor's degree in a specific engineering field; however, many engineering firms specializing in research will only hire engineers with a master's or doctorate degree. Engineers providing public services are required to be licensed. Since engineering technology is constantly changing, it is important for engineers to receive continuing education throughout their careers.

Education and training. Most companies filling engineering entry-level positions will only hire candidates with bachelor's degrees. Those with bachelor's degrees in science or math often get hired by engineering firms, especially in fields with rapid job growth. The majority of engineers specialize in civil, mechanical, and electronics engineering. Engineers with expertise in one field often find jobs in other branches of engineering. For example, mechanical engineers often have expertise that can be applied to aerospace engineering. This makes it possible for engineering firms that do not have enough engineers to meet their needs fill open positions, and it benefits engineers who may have difficulty finding a job in their particular specialty.

Students enrolled in engineering college programs are required to complete numerous science, math, and engineering courses related to their chosen specialty. Those enrolled in certain programs must also complete general engineering classes. Additionally, they are usually required to complete laboratory credits and design and computer classes. Engineering students are also required to complete general education classes in philosophy, English, history, etc.

Many educational institutions also offer 2 and 4 year engineering technology programs. Students completing these programs usually receive hands-on instruction and spend more time learning about heavily utilized modern engineering applications, which will prepare them for practical, rather than theoretical applications. Many people successfully completing 4 year programs in engineering technology often get hired in entry-level engineering jobs with similar job responsibilities to those of engineers with bachelor's degrees. However, engineering technologists cannot become licensed as professional engineers. Some companies assign both engineering and technician duties to their engineering technicians.

Engineers wanting to conduct research and teach at colleges and universities should obtain graduate degrees; however, graduate degrees are usually not necessary to obtain most entry-level jobs. Many engineers with work experience enroll in MBA or other graduate degree programs to enhance their earning potential and job opportunities. Many senior-level executives and high ranking government officials are engineers.

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is responsible for determining what engineering programs meet the highest professional standards. ABET accreditation is determined by the quality of professors and other staff members, the difficulty of course requirements, the quality of facilities, and student performance. The ABET also takes into account the priorities and values of educational institutions. Many state and professional licensing agencies will only grant licenses to engineers with degrees from ABET-accredited institutions.

Most colleges and universities offer engineering programs in most specialties, but only certain schools offer degree programs in less popular specialties. Additionally, engineering programs at certain schools have different course requirements. Many programs require students to complete more courses in practical applications, rather than theory and research. Engineering students preparing for graduate study are usually required to complete numerous classes in research and theory. Thus, it is important for prospective students to learn more about specific program course requirements and accreditation status prior to choosing a college.

Students applying for admission into undergraduate engineering degree programs must demonstrate proficiency in English, physical and life sciences, advanced math, and general education requirements. It usually takes most students 4-5 years to earn a bachelor's degree in an engineering specialty. Most students pursuing engineering degrees spend their first couple of years in college completing social science, introductory engineering, science, and math classes. In the remaining years of their college study, engineering students focus on their selected specialty. Many community colleges have agreements with 4 year colleges and universities offering engineering bachelor's degree programs where students can transfer earned credits from an associate's degree program towards a bachelor's degree in engineering. Likewise, many colleges with engineering programs permit students completing general education requirements at liberal arts colleges to apply earned credits towards an engineering program. Many educational institutions sponsor master's degree programs that can be completed in 5 years. Some colleges sponsor 6 year cooperative programs where students can gain practical work experience, and in many cases get paid for it, while receiving an engineering education.

Licensure. Every state and the District of Columbia will only permit engineers who are properly licensed to practice professionally. Those who have completed the necessary licensing requirements are known as professional engineers (PEs). Most state and professional licensing agencies will only license engineers who have graduated from ABET-accredited programs, have worked 4 years in an applicable field, and have passed a state issued test. There are two stages in the licensing phase. First, engineering graduates must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) test, and then, after obtaining some relevant work experience, potential engineers must pass a second test, known as the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Many state legislatures have passed laws that require engineers to complete continuing education requirements through the course of their careers to become relicensed. Many states will permit engineers who are licensed in other states to offer professional services. Numerous chemical, mechanical, and civil engineers have completed the necessary licensure requirements to be known as PEs. Many professional organizations administer professional certification programs.

Other qualifications. Engineers must be detail oriented, possess critical-thinking skills, and be able to think creatively. Additionally, they should have the ability to work in groups and be effective communicators, especially since engineers are required to frequently speak with other engineers, managers, and other professionals.

The federal government usually only hires engineers who are documented U.S. citizens. Nuclear and aerospace engineers employed by defense and military arms companies are often required to pass requirements to be granted top-secret security clearances.

Certification and advancement. Engineers beginning their careers in entry-level positions are usually required to work under the direction of senior engineers, in addition to receiving on-the-job training. After acquiring some work experience, they are given more responsibilities and more leeway to create their own designs and work on projects that interest them. Many engineers get promoted to supervisory positions where they oversee other employees. Some engineers are assigned sales duties. Salespeople who understand engineering are usually able to explain product details and specifications to potential customers.

There are many professional certification programs intended for engineers aspiring to work as supervisors or senior technical specialists. These certification programs are often administered by professional engineering organizations.

Employment

During 2008, there were nearly 1.6 million engineers employed throughout the United States. The following is a breakdown of engineering professionals by specialty:

Civil engineers 278,400
Mechanical engineers 238,700
Industrial engineers 214,800
Electrical engineers 157,800
Electronics engineers, except computer 143,700
Computer hardware engineers 74,700
Aerospace engineers 71,600
Environmental engineers 54,300
Chemical engineers 31,700
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors 25,700
Materials engineers 24,400
Petroleum engineers 21,900
Nuclear engineers 16,900
Biomedical engineers 16,000
Marine engineers and naval architects 8,500
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers 7,100
Agricultural engineers 2,700
Engineers, all other 183,200

Nearly 36 percent of engineers work for companies specializing in production, while 30 percent of engineers work for companies providing engineering services in various fields, including architecture and maintenance. Numerous engineers were employed by wholesale trade, telecommunications, and construction firms.

During 2008, nearly 12 percent of engineers were employed by government agencies at all levels. Those employed at the federal level usually worked for NASA, the Pentagon, or the Departments of Energy, Interior, Agriculture, and Transportation. Those working at the municipal and state levels usually designed and oversaw highway construction. During this same time period, nearly 3 percent of engineering professionals provided consulting services or ran their own businesses.

Engineers can be found in every region of the United States. Many engineers are exclusively located in certain states where their services are in high demand, such as petroleum engineers, who primarily work in Alaska, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. Civil engineers, on the other hand, can be found in every state since infrastructure is constantly being built and maintained everywhere.

Job Outlook

Job growth for engineers is projected to increase at an above average rate compared to other industries during the next ten years, but growth will differ for each specialty. Job growth will be highest in the fields of civil and biomedical engineering. However, job opportunities should be abundant for engineers in all fields.

Overall employment change. Job growth for engineers of all specialties is projected to increase by 11 percent through 2018. Although engineers have traditionally been employed by manufacturing companies that are currently losing jobs, engineering professionals will still be relied upon to design, troubleshoot, and enhance new products. Job growth for engineers will primarily be spurred by increasing demand for consultants, researchers, and designers.

Technological improvements and the need for companies to increase their productivity in order to remain competitive will drive demand for engineering professionals who develop more efficient manufacturing technology. Companies will also depend on engineers to develop processes to enhance output and productivity. Advances in computer technology have made it possible for engineers specializing in design to be more productive and work quicker. Although technological enhancements usually decrease demand for workers, this is not the case for engineers since they are constantly working to enhance productivity.

Foreign outsourcing of engineering jobs will slightly moderate growth for engineers domestically. Many skilled engineers who speak English live throughout the world. Foreign engineers are often willing to accept lower wages. Improvements in Internet technology has made it possible for more companies to hire engineers living in foreign countries, which is slightly slowing growth for engineers working in the United States. However, manufacturing firms will always rely on engineers to work onsite.

Overall job prospects. Better than average job growth is expected in most engineering specialties, and more engineering jobs will become available as people currently working as engineers retire or make career transitions.

Numerous engineers are employed by research and development companies that do not layoff workers during periods of economic downturn. Engineers specializing in electronics and aerospace, unfortunately, often lose their jobs when government agencies cut budgets. Likewise, since more companies are utilizing consulting and contracting services, increasing numbers of engineering professionals are losing their jobs, since many companies do not find it necessary to have them on staff.

Engineers who take advantage of continuing education programs improve their job security and value to their respective employers. Engineering specialists employed by information technology or biotechnology firms find it very advantageous to enroll in continuing education programs since technical skills and knowledge in this field can become obsolete quickly. Those with the most updated skills and knowledge will be highly valued by their firms. On the other hand, engineers with outdated skills and knowledge are more susceptible to being let go of.

Employment change and job outlook by engineering specialty.

Job growth for aerospace engineers is projected to increase by 10 percent through the next ten years. This growth will be fueled by increased demand for military and commercial airplanes. Even though more people are now earning college degrees in aerospace engineering, demand for skilled aerospace engineers is still high, and they will be needed to fill vacant positions as more engineers retire or make career transitions.
Job growth for agricultural engineers is projected to increase by 12 percent during the next ten years. Growth will be fueled as more farmers and agricultural companies look to increase output to meet the needs of growing populations, and since agricultural products are increasingly being used to create renewable fuel, more jobs will be available for agricultural engineers. Additionally, the services of engineers will be required as more efforts are made to better utilize resources, and they will be more heavily relied upon as more agricultural companies use biosensors.
Job growth for biomedical engineers is projected to increase by 72 percent through the next ten years. As more people get older and experience age related health problems, there will be increasing demand for technology developed by biomedical engineers. In addition to increased demand for medical technology and innovative medical procedures, demand for skilled biomedical engineers will be fueled as pharmaceutical companies attempt to lower their costs by utilizing more efficient manufacturing processes. Since this field is growing rapidly, more college students are earning degrees in biomedical engineering. Those interested in conducting research need to earn a graduate degree.
Job growth for chemical engineers is projected to decrease by 2 percent through the next ten years. It is estimated that there will be fewer opportunities for chemical engineers at chemical production companies, but chemical companies specializing in development and research will still hire large quantities of chemical engineers to invent more effective manufacturing processes and increase production. Job growth is projected for companies providing technical, scientific, and professional services, especially those that develop renewable energy, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
It is been estimated that job growth for civil engineers should increase by 24 percent through the next ten years. This can be attributed to efforts to improve infrastructure, build more roads, improve public utilities facilities, reduce pollution by building pollution elimination systems, and population growth. Additionally, growth will be fueled as more road construction projects are announced. Since many construction, engineering, and architectural firms hire civil engineers, job opportunities will differ in each region of the country. Job growth may slow down during economic downturns since construction is usually slow during these periods.
Job growth for computer hardware engineers is projected to increase by 4 percent through the next ten years. Even though information technology is relied on more heavily than it was in the past, domestic production of hardware will slow because of competition from foreign companies. Likewise, more domestic manufacturers are outsourcing hardware engineering jobs to foreign countries where skilled engineers will accept lower wages. However, there will still be strong demand for hardware engineers who specialize in computer systems development.
Job growth for electrical engineers is projected to increase by 2 percent through the next ten years. Even though Americans purchase large quantities of cell phones, batteries, transmitters, and other electrical products, more electrical engineers from foreign countries willing to accept lower wages are replacing domestic engineers, which is limiting job growth within the United States. However, demand is still strong for domestic electrical engineers specializing in design and development.
Job growth for electronics engineers is not projected to change through the next ten years. Even though electronic goods are very popular in the United States, competition from foreign markets will limit growth for electronics engineers domestically. Electronics engineers specializing in design and development will continue to be needed by various American engineering firms.
Job growth for environmental engineers is projected to increase by 31 percent through the next ten years. These engineers will be relied upon to help companies abide by environmental laws and assist companies that have spilled or emitted pollutants into the environment. Efforts to prevent disasters, rather than clean up after they occur, will increase demand for environmental engineers. Additionally, public action designed to reduce and eliminate pollution will fuel growth for environmental engineers. There should be plenty of job opportunities for skilled environmental engineers through the near future.
Job growth for health and safety engineers is projected to increase by 10 percent through the next ten years. Since health and safety engineers specialize in ensuring products are consumer friendly and manufacturing procedures do not harm workers, they will be in high demand through the near future. As production processes and technology evolves, manufacturing companies will hire health and safety engineers to make sure their workers are safe from potential hazards.
Job growth for industrial engineers is projected to increase by 14 percent through the next ten years, a rate which is higher than average projected growth in other industries. As companies devise new methods to cut costs and increase productivity, they will hire more industrial engineers to develop methods for doing so. This trend will even continue as more manufacturing jobs in the United States are outsourced to foreign countries. Since industrial engineers have job responsibilities similar to managers, many have successful careers in management positions. There will also be job openings resulting from industrial engineers retiring and making career transitions.
Job growth for marine engineers and naval architects is estimated to increase by 6 percent through the near future, which is a lower rate than projected average growth in other industries. Increased production of small boats intended for recreation purposes should offset manufacturing declines of large oil tankers and other ships. Job opportunities will also be created as more naval architects and marine engineers retire or make career transitions. Additionally, opportunities in these fields should be good since few college students study naval architecture and marine engineering.
Job growth for materials engineers is estimated to increase by 9 percent through the next ten years, a rate that is comparable to expected average growth in other industries. Companies specializing in developing materials by utilizing nano and biotechnology should hire large amounts of materials engineers. However, job growth will be moderated in this industry as jobs are outsourced overseas, but there will still be openings in companies offering technical, scientific, and professional services.
Job growth for mechanical engineers is estimated to increase by 6 percent through the next ten years, which is a lower rate than average projected growth in other industries. Mechanical engineers supervise the manufacturing of various products, and enhanced efforts to improve product quality will spur growth for mechanical engineers. Companies specializing in nanotechnology, materials, and biotechnology will hire large amounts of mechanical engineers. Since mechanical engineers have skills that can be utilized in other engineering specialties, they can find jobs in numerous fields.
Job growth for mining, mining safety, and geological engineers is projected to increase by 15 percent through the next ten years, a rate that is above projected average growth in other industries. Although mining has declined recently in the United States, demand for natural resources will spur growth for mining engineering specialists. Likewise, many mining engineers are now retiring, which will open positions for prospective engineers. Additionally, many college students do not study mining, mining safety, and geological engineering during college, so competition for jobs is not as intense. Some of the best jobs will be available in foreign countries.
Job growth for nuclear engineers is projected to increase by 11 percent through the next ten years. The majority of jobs will be created by companies specializing in design and research. Even though nuclear power plants are currently not being constructed in America, efforts to utilize more nuclear power will result in demand for nuclear engineers. They will also be responsible for designing new nuclear reactors. The Department of Energy and other government agencies will also hire nuclear engineers. They will also be needed to supervise waste disposal and maintain and design medical equipment that utilizes nuclear technology. Additionally, there should be plenty of job opportunities for nuclear engineers through the near future since not very many college students study nuclear engineering.
Job growth for petroleum engineers is projected to increase by 18 percent during the next ten years. Many petroleum engineers will be needed to conduct research and create new energy resources, and they will be required to develop methods to extract crude oil and natural gas at deeper levels beneath the surface. Additionally, there should be plenty of job opportunities for petroleum engineers to choose from since few people enter this profession. Some of the better job opportunities for petroleum engineers will be available in foreign countries.