 Engineers apply
the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research
and develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work
is the link between perceived social needs and commercial
applications. Engineers design products, machinery to build those
products, plants in which those products are made, and the systems
that ensure the quality of the products and the efficiency of the
workforce and manufacturing process. Engineers design, plan, and
supervise the construction of buildings, highways, and transit
systems. They develop and implement improved ways to extract,
process, and use raw materials, such as petroleum and natural gas.
 They develop new materials that both improve the performance of
products and take advantage of advances in technology. They harness
the power of the sun, the Earth, atoms, and electricity for use in
supplying the Nation's power needs, and create millions of products
using power. They analyze the impact of the products they develop or
the systems they design on the environment and on people using them.
Engineering knowledge is applied to improving many things, including
the quality of healthcare, the safety of food products, and the
operation of financial systems.
 Engineers consider many factors when developing a new product. For
example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers determine
precisely what function the robot needs to perform; design and test
the robot's components; fit the components together in an integrated
plan; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost,
reliability, and safety. This process applies to many different
products, such as chemicals, computers, gas turbines, helicopters,
and toys.
In addition to design and development, many engineers work in
testing, production, or maintenance. These engineers supervise
production in factories, determine the causes of breakdowns, and
test manufactured products to maintain quality. They also estimate
the time and cost to complete projects. Some move into engineering
management or into sales. In sales, an engineering background
enables them to discuss technical aspects and assist in product
planning, installation, and use.
 Engineers use
computers to produce and analyze designs; to simulate and test how a
machine, structure, or system operates; and to generate
specifications for parts. Using the Internet or related
communications systems, engineers can collaborate on designs with
other engineers around the country or even abroad. Many engineers
also use computers to monitor product quality and control process
efficiency. The field of nanotechnology, which involves the
creation of high-performance materials and components by integrating
atoms and molecules, also is introducing entirely new principles to
the design process. They spend a great deal of time writing reports and
consulting with other engineers, as complex projects often require
an interdisciplinary team of engineers. Supervisory engineers are
responsible for major components or entire projects.
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Engineering Resources |
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Online |
Downloads |
Overview:
Overview of Engineering |
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Engineering Disciplines:
Descriptions of Specific Engineering Degree Fields |
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Preparation:
Admission Requirements, Alternate Degree Paths, Graduate
Programs, Accredited Programs |
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Day in the Life:
Teams and Coworkers,
Tasks, the Workplace |
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Earnings:
Employer Options, Salary Ranges, Types of Employers |
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Employment:
Statistics, Industries, Employers |
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Career Path Forecast:
Predictions, Employers |
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Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support |
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Podcast:
Overview of Engineering |
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Internet Resources:
 American Academy of
Environmental Engineers
American
Council of Engineering Companies
American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics
American Institute of Chemical
Engineers
American Nuclear Society
American Society of
Agricultural Engineers
American Society of Civil
Engineers
ASME
Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers
Institute
of Industrial Engineers
TryEngineering |
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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