Engineering is profession and discipline of gaining knowledge and applying it to design and construction. However, it is much more than simply building structures. There are also applications in social, practical, and mathematical processes, too. Here are just a few of the careers that you may wish to consider with training as an engineer.
Mechanical Engineer
If you pursue training and work as a mechanical engineer, it can lead to many different fields. A mechanical engineer applies science and physics to design, maintain, and manufacture mechanical systems. Many of these careers may involve tools and machines. Here are a few jobs that a mechanical engineer may perform.
Process Engineer
A process engineer will use his or her skills and education to measure and improve important processes for things like manufacturing materials and products. This can involve product development or applications to improve production of things like raw materials. Employment in this field can be with a company that manufactures almost any kind of product.
A process engineer may work to improve customer satisfaction. This can involve new projects or processes for better customer relations, and programs to improve product reliability. It also may improve creating, improving, or implementing cost effective methods of production. Increasing productivity can be a very important job function with this position, and may involve decreasing scrap or waste material from production.
Product Engineer
A product engineer is a little more specialized than the process engineer, as he or she may work a great deal with product development or customer satisfaction programs. A product engineer may collaborate with designers to improve products from the drawing stage on up. This kind of person may need to be aware of, and have knowledge of many product requirements like Underwriter Laboratories, and the National Electrical Code. Many of these requirements have strict standards, that much be met in all forms of design and manufacturing.
Specialty Engineer
This position may require a mechanical engineer with specialized training or knowledge. For example, you may wish to work as an Acquisition Logistics Engineer. Program management experience may be needed in this profession, and you may work with life cycle analysis. This may include computer logistic analysis for improving quality. You will need to be proficient at writing reports and understanding computer programs related to logistics. Logistics is basically coordinating people, supplies, and equipment.
Civil Engineer
A civil engineer is not the same as a mechanical engineer. This discipline deals with designing, building, and maintaining structures like roads, dams, bridges, and buildings. This is one of the oldest engineer professions known to man. There are many different categories within the civil engineer profession. Some of these include environmental, municipal, surveying, and transportation, engineer jobs. A civil engineer may work for private business, or local or national government.
Structural Engineer
This branch is part of the civil engineering profession. When you think of a structural engineer, you may think of someone drawing up plans for huge buildings. However, it involves much more than that. For example a structural engineer may be required to design programs for heavy construction, where standard applications will not work.
Surveying Engineer
Civil engineers that work in surveying, perform very important tasks. With this job, you will need to be familiar with all kinds of measuring and surveying equipment. Normal equipment is being replaced with computerized global positioning devices, and laser scanning methods. The surveying engineer of the Twenty First Century will need to understand all of the latest equipment for land measuring. This type of information is important for map development and property lines. These property lines are very important for things like railroads and large public buildings, as well as residential boundaries.
Urban or Municipal Engineer
As an urban engineer, you will be working with the infrastructure of towns and cities. This may include the streets, sidewalks, and the public water supply. However, it also includes development and understanding of public parks, street lighting systems, and waste disposal. You may be involved in the design of public transportation systems also.
Earthquake Engineer
This is a specialty branch of discipline that specializes in earthquakes and problems associated with them. For example, you may be called upon to design a building that can withstand a major earthquake. The will take a knowledge of building design, as well as training in geology.
Summary
If you decide to take up a career as an engineer, you will need extensive training. However, all of the training will pay off, as there are many good jobs available in this field. Within mechanical engineering, you will find many positions available, as well as civil engineering. The list is almost limitless.