Exploring Engineering Careers and Finding the Right Fit
Maybe we’re a little bit biased, but we think engineering is one of the most rewarding and dynamic fields in which to spend your career. Being an engineer allows you to create and innovate solutions to challenging problems. From designing skyscrapers to improving medical equipment, engineers have a tremendous impact on the world around us.
Because the world of engineering is so broad, it can be challenging to choose what type of engineering is right for you. In this blog, we’ll share with you why we think engineering is a good career and answer a few popular questions about engineering in general.
If you want to learn more about careers in engineering, we’re here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our open engineering career positions.
Why is Engineering a Good Career?
1. Engineering is a Challenging Field
Engineers use scientific, mathematical, and technical knowledge to solve complex problems and develop innovative technologies to build the world around us. At Dialectic, we think the problem-solving nature of engineering is one of its most appealing aspects.
Engineering challenges require us to tackle obstacles and create solutions that allow our creativity and analytical thinking skills to flourish. Unlike many other career fields, the answers aren’t always evident. We have the freedom to work through challenges and be the first individuals to present solutions. Even though it may be challenging, our work is incredibly fulfilling day in and day out.
2. Engineering and Its Impact on the World Around Us
Engineering has a major impact on our community. From EV charging stations to convenience stores to upscale restaurants and much more, we design essential building systems, critical infrastructures, manufacturing tools, and everyday products that have a meaningful impact in countless industries and communities around us. From designing sustainable buildings to developing innovative medical devices, engineers play a pivotal role in shaping society.
3. Tons of Opportunity for Career Growth
One of the biggest opportunities in engineering is the potential for growth. As long as people and businesses are looking for innovation and growth, we will be right there to help develop the next generation of technology. Engineers can shape their career paths to be hyper specialized, focus on generalized engineering consulting or take the opportunity to learn about new industries and forge their own business paths.
4. Engineering Offers Career Stability
One thing we can count on is stability. Because engineering work is so complex, careers are stable, and salaries are competitive. The demand for engineers continues to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2031, there will be 5% growth in engineering job opportunities. At the same time, engineering professionals receive higher compensation than other professions.
Another study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed engineers earn nearly three times the annual compensation compared to all other professions. With higher job security and compensation compared to other professions, it’s no surprise that engineering has been steadily gaining traction among aspiring professionals.
Types of Engineering Careers
Engineering is a wide field of study. Whether you work for mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering firms like Dialectic or other specialties of engineering, each career path has its own unique requirements, responsibilities and rewards.
To be successful in any type of engineering, you need strong analytical and numerical skills with specific expertise in mathematics and physics, the ability to think creatively, and a keen attention to detail, because the smallest mistakes can be critical.
Engineers use specialized equipment and programs like computer-aided design (CAD) software, have knowledge of materials science and manufacturing methods and stay up to date with emerging technologies to incorporate into their projects.
Some of the most popular engineering paths are mechanical engineering, civil engineering and electrical engineering.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineering is a highly diverse and exciting profession whose mark on the world around us traces back to the earliest days of civilization – the invention of the wheel. Today, mechanical engineers apply their skills to a wide range of industries including building construction, HVAC and renewable energy.
As a mechanical engineer, you need to understand and apply different models of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics to design and optimize devices and processes, refrigeration systems, HVAC, heat exchanges and central plant facilities. As a mechanical engineer specializing in fluid and thermodynamics, your primary responsibilities will involve designing and testing mechanical systems, devices and equipment. It is the mechanical engineer’s duty to ensure that systems function effectively and efficiently, adhering to performance metrics and regulations. Collaboration with other engineers, designers and professionals from diverse backgrounds will be essential to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
Many industries need the services of mechanical engineers. Lending their services to the automotive, aerospace, renewable energy and manufacturing industries, mechanical engineers are essential in many industries to develop new products and build large-scale designs like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the world’s largest wind turbine. At Dialectic, our mechanical engineers use properties of fluid and thermodynamics to design and optimize HVAC systems, central utility plants, building energy modeling, heat exchanges, and refrigeration devices.
Electrical Engineer
Specializing in the design and development of electrical systems, components and devices, electrical engineering is one of the highest-paid engineering professions. Electrical engineers work with a wide range of electrical equipment, including generators, motors, transformers and electronic systems and are essential in many industries including public infrastructure, real estate development, energy, telecommunication and more.
Notable projects that would not be possible without the expertise of electrical engineers include modern direct and alternating current electricity supply systems, the first telephone and modern power conversion systems like hydroelectricity, solar power and turbine-driven wind power.
Plumbing Engineer
Plumbing engineers play a crucial role in the real estate development and construction industry. Without them, the modern conveniences we take for granted – like clean water and efficient waste management – would not be possible. These engineers design the plumbing systems that transport both fresh and wastewater, as well as the fixtures that house them, for buildings of all shapes and sizes.
Professionals in this field must have a strong understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and other relevant engineering concepts. They are also familiar with the properties of steel, copper, PVC and PEX that are commonly used in plumbing systems. Additionally, plumbing engineers are responsible for creating detailed blueprints and schematics, solving complex problems and working collaboratively with project partners.
Which Engineering Job is Easiest?
People often make the mistake of assuming that some careers are easier than others. Engineering jobs are all difficult in their own unique ways, requiring different skills sets, but all are essential for the success of large- and small-scale projects.
For example, modern electric cars require both mechanical engineers and electrical engineers. Electrical engineers design the electrical power system that makes the car work and outline the necessary connections to transfer energy throughout the car’s systems. Mechanical engineers design the chassis, braking and steering systems and optimize the weight and aerodynamics of the vehicle. Both types of engineers make meaningful contributions to the finished product using their unique skills sets.
The idea of an "easy job" depends on an individual's interest and passion. Someone who loves working in the computer field might find software engineering easy compared to someone who has no interest in it, just as a civil engineer might consider their job to be easy, especially if they are passionate about designing infrastructure projects.
Of course, no engineering profession is a walk in the park. It takes years of dedication through a combination of education and practical experience to be a successful engineer in any discipline. At Dialectic, we offer 100% reimbursement for professional association memberships, PE application fees and state licenses as well as continued education training to make sure our engineers continue to grow and learn new skills.
Which Engineering Career Makes the Most Money?
A 2021 report from the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) shows the median annual compensation for all engineering occupations was just over $100,000. As technical expertise continues to be valuable in today’s labor market, there are always opportunities for engineers to earn competitive wages.
Engineering is a lucrative career field, with many opportunities to earn excellent salaries. Choosing the right engineering career path will affect your salary significantly. According to SWE, some of the highest-paying engineering jobs in 2021 were:
- Petroleum engineer
- Nuclear engineer
- Aerospace engineer
Salaries vary around the country with costs of living differences changing drastically from urban and coastal regions to interior rural communities. As engineers develop new skills and a consistent portfolio of proven work, they will earn more money.
Engineering is about so much more than money. Without engineers, our world would be completely different – and more difficult – than what we know today. Engineers have developed and built the roads, machines, products and buildings we consider indispensable to modern life.
At Dialectic Engineering, we are always looking to grow our team of talented and dedicated mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers. If you are looking to join a 100% employee-owned team, check out our open positions (internships too!) today.