In the business world, engineering is on everyone’s lips — and it’s not without reason.
Engineering is vast, with plenty of exciting opportunities for engineering majors. Although this is good, it can also make it challenging for graduates to find the right career path.
You’re in the right place if you’re looking for guidance on your next steps. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 jobs for engineering majors and the companies hiring in the field.
Should you pursue a career in engineering?
Do you have a passion for innovation and bringing ideas to life? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments that require problem-solving and analytical thinking? You may have what it takes to succeed in the engineering field.
Engineering is a dynamic field that requires a combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.
With rapid advancements in technology, the demand for engineers is growing. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 4% growth in engineering occupations from 2019 to 2029. That’s around 73,100 new jobs.
With such a bright outlook, it’s an exciting time to consider a career in engineering.
Best degrees to help you land engineering jobs
Looking to land a full-time job in engineering? You’ll need to work your way up, and there’s no better place to start than with these engineering degrees:
- Computer engineering. Love to code? With a computer engineering degree, you could be the mastermind behind cutting-edge technologies and smart applications.
- Aerospace engineering. An aerospace engineering degree can give you a competitive advantage if you want more opportunities in aerospace.
- Electrical engineering. Can you imagine a life where you research, design, and develop renewable energy technologies for a sustainability project? That’s where an electrical engineering degree may take you.
- Biomedical engineering. A degree in biomedical engineering is ideal for those who want to use their engineering skills to help people live better lives.
<h3>Industries where you can build an engineering career</h3>
Engineering is everywhere you look — from the buildings we live in to the roads we travel on and the smartphones we use every day. As the demand for engineers increases, a career in engineering opens a world of opportunities.
You can explore various industries with an engineering background, including technology, aerospace, automotive, health care, and more. The possibilities are endless, from creating innovative medical devices to designing a commercial airplane.
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Top 10 entry-level jobs in engineering
Engineering offers many exciting and rewarding career options, from civil engineering to aerospace engineering. Let’s dive into the top 10 entry-level jobs for engineering majors.
1. Electrical engineer
Electrical engineers research, design, and test electrical systems and equipment used in industrial, commercial, or scientific applications. They can work on various projects, from developing large-scale, renewable-energy power stations to designing household appliances and telecommunication systems.
Median salary: $101,780 per year
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or electrical engineering
Skills:
- Proficiency in engineering software, such as AutoCAD
- Knowledge of programming languages, such as C and Python
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong oral and written communication
- Ability to work well in a team
2. Mechanical engineer
Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test various mechanical systems and equipment. A big part of their job involves researching the feasibility of new design concepts, developing and testing prototypes, and resolving technical problems related to mechanical systems.
Median salary: $95,300 per year
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or mechanical engineering
Skills:
- Understanding of manufacturing processes
- Knowledge of advanced math
- Teamwork and leadership skills
- Strong oral and written communication
- Organizational skills
3. Process engineer
Process engineers and production managers play a critical role in the manufacturing sector by designing, implementing, and improving the processes and equipment used to turn raw materials into goods.
From food and beverage production to pharmaceuticals and energy, process control engineers work in various industries to optimize supply chain operations, improve productivity, and reduce costs. Additionally, they devise strategies to fix faulty process systems.
Median salary: $73,900 per year
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or process engineering
Skills:
- Strong understanding of process design and process control
- Knowledge of industry-specific regulations, safety standards, and environmental regulations
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Strong oral and written communication
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
4. Design engineer
A design engineer designs, develops, and tests new products and systems. They typically start by conducting market research and work to develop product designs that are functional, safe, and cost-effective — all while ensuring they meet industry standards and comply with regulations.
Median salary: $76,700 per year
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or design engineering
Skills:
- Strong math and IT skills
- Understanding of safety standards and the environmental impact of a design
- A systematic work process and an eye for detail
- Strong oral and written communication
- Creativity and innovative thinking
5. Software engineer
Software engineers (or software developers) are responsible for designing, implementing, and testing software for computers and phones. They use programming languages and software development tools to create anything from mobile phone applications to large-scale enterprise software solutions.
Median salary: $109,020 per year
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or software engineering
Skills:
- A strong understanding of computer science
- Familiarity with programming languages, such as Python, C++, and JavaScript
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Willing to take initiatives
- A passion for learning and staying up to date on changing technologies
6. Civil engineer
Civil engineers plan, design, and oversee construction projects — from roads and water resources to high-rise buildings and industrial projects. The role of a civil project engineer includes undertaking feasibility studies, managing budget and project resources, leading engineering teams, and ensuring the project complies with legal and environmental requirements.
Median salary: $88,050 per year
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or civil engineering
Skills:
- Understanding of project scheduling and cost estimation software
- Familiarity with building standards and industry regulations
- Leadership and teamwork skills
- Creativity and critical thinking
- Excellent communication skills
7. Systems engineer
From identifying customer needs to developing systems and providing ongoing support, systems engineers are responsible for developing and managing complex systems. Although the day-to-day tasks of a systems engineer depend on the industry, their goal is to find solutions and solve complex problems.
Median salary: $91,375 per year
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or systems engineering
Skills:
- Familiarity with modeling and simulation software systems
- Knowledge of quality assurance processes, such as testing and validation
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong oral and written communication
- Critical thinking
8. Aerospace engineer
As their title suggests, aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft and aerospace systems. They may specialize in particular areas, such as structural design, robotics, flight mechanics, and guidance and control systems.
Median salary: $122,270 per year
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or aerospace engineering
Skills:
- Solid foundation in mathematics and physics
- Familiarity with industry standards and aerospace regulations
- Ability to solve complex problems
- Strong oral and written communication
- Attention to detail
9. Biomedical engineer
By combining engineering principles and sciences, biomedical engineers design and develop new technologies, processes, and equipment to improve human health. Some projects that biomedical engineers work on include prosthetics, medical imaging systems, implantable medical devices, and rehabilitation equipment.
Median salary: $97,410 per year
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or biomedical engineering
Skills:
- A strong understanding of biology and science
- Familiarity with FDA regulations and other requirements for medical device development
- Passion for continuous learning
- Strong oral and written communication
- Attention to detail
10. Manufacturing engineer
Manufacturing engineers ensure that manufacturing processes are safe, compliant, and cost-effective. Their work includes troubleshooting production line issues, ensuring products meet quality standards, planning and scheduling production runs, and analyzing costs associated with manufacturing processes.
Median salary: $95,300 per year
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or manufacturing engineering
Skills:
- Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and quality standards
- Proficiency in engineering software, such as AutoCAD
- Project management skills
- Strong oral and written communication
- Ability to work well in a team
Discover your dream engineering career with Handshake
The future of engineering is bright as the world continues to evolve and the need for innovative solutions becomes increasingly important. Many exciting career options await you, from aerospace engineering to civil and chemical engineering.
Join Handshake today and take the first steps toward a successful career. Download the app, check job descriptions, and apply in as few as two clicks!
Sources:
- https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20212/assets/u-s-stem-workforce-definition-size-and-growth/sidebars/nsb20212-projected-growth-of-employment-in-stem-occupations.pdf
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm
- https://www.salary.com/tools/salary-calculator/entry-process-engineer
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/design-engineer-entry-salary
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/listing/systems-engineer-salary
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineers.htm