Types of Engineering Jobs

There are dozens and dozens of types of engineeringJobs. Because when it comes down to the basics, engineering is about using specialized bases of knowledge to solve a problem. Since we encounter a wide variety of problems, we have an equally wide range of engineering disciplines, many of which are highly specialized, designed to solve those problems.

In broad terms, engineering can be divided into four main categories - chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.

Chemical engineers use their knowledge of sciences - such as chemistry, biology, physics and math - to solve problems that affect the use or production of chemicals, food, drugs and more, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They often work in offices and laboratories, and nearly all of them work full-time, according to BLS.

Civil engineers solve infrastructure problems. The projects they design, build and maintain span a wide range in both the public and private sector, including bridges, roads and tunnels; dams and water and sewer systems, according to BLS. Infrastructure such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Erie Canal and the Thames Tunnel in London were all made possible because of the work of civil engineers.

Electrical engineering is one of the industries broadest fields, which means the available jobs can vary widely from one sector to another. From working with circuits and making computers and other electronics to building fiber optic networks or vision sensors for cars, many disciplines employ electrical engineers.

Mechanical engineers analyze projects to determine how a mechanical device can be used and then design and test machines to help the project. They can also investigate equipment that has failed to determine how part of the mechanics needs to be repaired, according to BLS.