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The emphasis on STEM education – science, technology, engineering and math – in recent years has led to a significant increase in people entering those professions, and the trend doesn’t show signs of slowing down any time soon. As part of celebrating the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)’s annual Engineers Week, or EWeek, Larson Design Group is highlighting some of the industry’s most in-demand engineering jobs.
According to NewEngineer.com, the eight most sought-after engineering positions include everything from robotics to alternative energy to the always-relevant fields of civil and electrical engineering:
1. Data Science and Machine Learning: “Big data” is only getting bigger. This field uses both statistics and software engineering to gather, analyze and present data in such a way as to allow the end user to optimize their specific services.
2. Automation and Robotics Engineer: The robots aren’t taking over just yet, but automation is becoming increasingly commonplace. A robotics engineer is involved in every aspect of the design, development, testing and implementation of robotic systems.
3. Petroleum Engineer: Despite the development of electric cars and a focus on green energy, oil is still a highly valued – and extensively used – fuel. Petroleum engineers work on drilling methods, the design of drilling equipment and implementing and monitoring the drilling plan for the extraction of crude oil.
4. Civil Engineer: A staple of the industry, civil engineers build the infrastructure on which the world depends. The main branches of this field include structural engineering, environmental engineering, road/highway engineering and transportation engineering, a variety that makes it hard to saturate the market when it comes to jobs.
5. Electrical Engineer: Another traditional engineering field that continues to show strong growth, electrical engineering is a broad field that includes power engineering, instrumentation engineering, and electronic engineering, among others.
6. Alternative Energy Engineer: Though it seems at odds with the popularity of jobs in petroleum engineering, increasing concerns about global warming and the long-term health of the planet have led to a significant jump in this field, which includes developing and implementing alternative and green energy.
7. Mining Engineer: Like the demand for traditional petroleum, the need for raw materials obtained by mining the earth is still pervasive. A mining engineer designs both open pit and underground mines and supervises their excavation and construction.
8. Project Engineer: Although there’s no specific degree for this position, experience in almost any field of engineering can land you in project engineering, a crucial role within any firm. A project engineer manages projects that are technical in nature and that may include the design, procurement, manufacture and delivery of small simple components to complex chemical treatment plants.
“Don’t be afraid to work hard and explore the world of engineering – it will be worth it both in job obtainment and job satisfaction,” said Terry Krezmer, LDG’s Vice President of Human Resources. “The sky is the limit when you choose a career in engineering.”
Founded by NSPE in 1951, EWeek is “dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers,” according to the organization’s website. Today, EWeek is a formal coalition of more than 70 engineering, education and cultural societies and more than 50 corporations and government agencies. Dedicated to raising public awareness of engineers’ positive contributions to quality of life, EWeek promotes recognition among parents, teachers and students of the importance of a technical education and a high level of math, science and technology literacy.
Founded in 1986, Larson Design Group is an award-winning national architecture, engineering and planning firm with 11 offices in four states and a vision to elevate client relationships, enrich the careers and lives of its employee-owners, and enhance the communities in which it operates. For more information on career opportunities with LDG, visit www.larsondesigngroup.comcareers.