What Does an Engineer Do? An Informative Guide
It is predicted that there will be 139,300 new engineering jobs by 2026. If you are looking for your dream job or are considering switching careers, engineering is one of the more lucrative industries you could go into.
Yet, what does an engineer do? How can you know that this is a career that is right for you?
It requires meticulous attention to detail and vast knowledge in many areas of math and science. Many years of school are required, and the work doesn’t stop after you graduate. With all this comes tons of rewards, such as a nice salary and a fulfilling career.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, then you’re in the right place.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about what goes into being an engineer.
Table of Contents
What Does an Engineer Do?
An engineer uses science, math, and technology to find solutions to problems.
Engineers strive to make life easier for humans by addressing the current challenges humans face.
They also create solutions for the future in:
- Energy
- Healthcare
- World Hunger
- Transportation
- Climate Change
- Science Exploration
- And many other areas
By taking scientific knowledge and turning it into technology, engineers are able to create working innovations. It is a rewarding career that requires tons of hard work.
It also involves designing, creating, and producing useful products to help make life better for others.
There are many different types of engineers. While all of them share the common goal of making the world a better place, they also all bring unique skills and perspectives to the industry.
Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineering (EE) is one of the newer fields of engineering, and it is one of the most popular.
EE refers to the study and application of electromagnetism, electricity, and electronics. Electrical engineers will deal with many different types of technology, such as electrical power generation.
Along with this, these engineers will develop new electrical equipment. They are responsible for testing this equipment and continuing to solve problems in the electrical field.
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers are one of the broader types of engineers because they work with anything that moves.
Specifically, mechanical engineering (ME) is the application of engineering design to establish systems and machinery. This could be something small and simple to larger, more complex machines.
While you may not be aware of it, mechanical engineers have the most significant influence on our daily lives. They constantly work to produce machinery that will fulfill the demands of humans.
If your car is something you value, you can thank mechanical engineers.
Computer Engineers
When looking for engineering jobs, you’ll find that computer engineers are some of the most in demand.
Computer engineers design, construct, implement, and maintain computer software and hardware components.
Because it is a new engineering field, it uses the concepts of electrical engineering and computer science. Computer technology is developing at a rapid rate, which makes this particular engineering field to be considered cutting edge.
Therefore, if you’re in the early stages of becoming an engineer, computer engineering degree programs could be highly profitable for you.
Civil Engineers
Civil engineering (CE) is one of the oldest types of engineering. It deals with developing and maintaining infrastructure.
Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain structures such as:
- Bridges
- Tunnels
- Buildings
- Canals
- Roads
- Dams
If there were no civil engineers, humans would have nothing.
Civil engineers work to guarantee that structures are safe and will last. This is why these careers often require ongoing education, such as with PDH Pro, to make buildings and bridges as secure as possible.
Along with this, it is expected that civil engineers will be in high demand in future years as the population continues to rise and more infrastructure is needed.
Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers solve problems in various fields such as food processing, manufacturing, cosmetics, energy, pharmaceuticals, environmental protection, and medicine. They do so by studying chemistry, math, and physics.
Chemical engineering involves designing and constructing chemical plants to create new materials and improve existing ones.
Often, chemical engineers will work in large-scale industries to help enhance the quality of a product and improve production methods.
Energy Engineers
When learning how to become an engineer, you’ll want to put studying environmental science at the top of your list.
Energy engineers are another relatively new field, but they are growing in popularity due to the effects of climate change.
Energy engineering deals with creating, distributing, and utilizing energy. The overall goal is to have access to energy that is renewable and make it as efficient and sustainable as possible.
Energy engineers will work on hydroelectric dams, geothermal power plants, and wind and solar farms. They will also work with existing power plants to create designs to make them more energy efficient.
Discover More About Engineering
When you think about engineering, you may think it involves one type of field. Yet, there are so many different types of engineers that are out there solving challenging problems that you may not even be aware of.
So, what does an engineer do? An engineer works hard to make your life easier. If you are considering becoming one, be prepared to put in the time and the work.
If you do, you’ll find yourself in a career that will continuously reward you.
We have many more career-related articles on our website, so make sure to check them out!