Engineers
Engineers apply scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and test solutions across diverse industries including aerospace, construction, technology, healthcare, and environmental protection. These professionals work in laboratories, offices, manufacturing facilities, and field sites to create everything from aircraft and bridges to medical devices and computer systems. They typically prepare technical documentation, conduct testing and analysis, and collaborate with clients and contractors to ensure projects meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.
π¬Career Video
π€AI Resilience Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 3/6: high AI task exposure, growing job demand means AI will assist but humans remain essential
How we calculated this:
57% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
+6% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 16/25
πKey Responsibilities
- β’Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- β’Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- β’Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- β’Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- β’Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
- β’Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
- β’Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
- β’Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates.
π‘Inside This Career
Engineers spend their days solving complex technical problems that shape the world around us. A typical day might begin with reviewing design specifications and analyzing data from recent tests or simulations. Whether they're evaluating stress points in a bridge design, optimizing chemical processes, or troubleshooting electronic circuits, engineers use mathematical models and specialized software to understand how systems behave under different conditions. Much of the morning often involves detailed calculations, computer modeling, and reviewing technical documentation to ensure projects meet safety standards and performance requirements.
Collaboration forms a significant part of an engineer's day, as most projects require input from multiple specialists. Engineers frequently participate in team meetings, discussing design modifications with colleagues, consulting with clients about project requirements, or coordinating with manufacturing teams about production feasibility. They might spend time in laboratories conducting experiments, visiting construction sites to oversee implementation, or working in clean rooms testing sensitive equipment. The afternoon could involve creating technical reports, updating project timelines, or presenting findings to stakeholders who need to understand complex technical concepts in accessible terms.
The variety in an engineer's work environment keeps the role dynamic. One day might find them at a computer workstation running simulations, while another takes them to a field site collecting environmental samples or a manufacturing floor troubleshooting equipment. Engineers regularly shift between independent problem-solving work and collaborative sessions, balancing theoretical analysis with practical application. Whether designing medical devices, developing sustainable energy systems, or improving transportation infrastructure, engineers translate scientific principles into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges.
πCareer Progression
What does this mean?
This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.
πEducation & Training
Requirements
- β’Entry Education: Bachelor's degree
- β’Experience: Several years
- β’On-the-job Training: Several years
- !License or certification required
Time & Cost
Ready to Start Your Career?
Find jobs and training programs for engineers- Median salary: $104K/year
Find Jobs
Search positions from LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and more. Get up to 50 relevant job listings with salary info.
- Real-time results
- Export to Excel
Find Training
Discover training programs, certifications, and educational resources to help you get started or advance your career.
- Local programs
- DOL verified
π»Technology Skills
βKey Abilities
π·οΈAlso Known As
πSpecializations
This career includes 12 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.
| Specialization | Median Pay | AI Outlook | O*NET Code | Find Jobs | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $138,080 | π‘ | 17-2061.00 | View details | ||
| $130,720 | π‘ | 17-2011.00 | View details | ||
| $119,200 | π‘ | 17-2072.00 | View details | ||
| $119,200 | π‘ | 17-2072.01 | View details | ||
| $112,100 | π‘ | 17-2041.00 | View details |
πRelated Careers
Other careers in engineering
πData Sources
Have feedback about this page?
Help us make this page better. Share your experience, correct errors, or suggest improvements.