A Guide to 6 Fields of Engineering

Engineering is the use of scientific knowledge to solve problems. It’s a profession that requires rigorous training, intense dedication, and a deep passion for problem-solving. In our fast-moving world, there are many types of engineering jobs that can be pursued. Here is an overview of six unique fields of engineering and the skills needed to pursue them. From environmental to aeronautical engineering and more, read on to explore each field in-depth and determine which one may be the best fit for you.

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Mechanical engineering deals with the construction, design and operation of machinery. This includes everything from small components like gears to large systems like vehicles and aircraft. Mechanical Engineers use their knowledge of physics and mathematics to solve problems or improve existing designs.

Nowadays, this discipline has expanded to include further types of engineering:

• Acoustic – Sound manipulation and sound control
• Aeronautical and aerospace – designing and building flight and space vehicles
• Audio – Music industry equipment and hardware design
• Automotive – design and manufacturing in the vehicle manufacturing industry

Computer engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the design and development of computer hardware and software. It is a relatively new field, having only emerged in the early 1970s with the advent of the first microprocessor. Computer engineers are responsible for developing and enhancing computer hardware and software, as well as developing new ways to use computers.

Entry-level jobs may involve working on the development or improvement of existing computer hardware or software or developing new applications. Senior management roles usually involve overseeing the work of other engineers and managing projects.  Computer engineering is a highly technical field, and most engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Many also have a master’s degree or higher.

Electrical engineering deals with the study and application of electricity, electromagnetism, and electronics. Electrical engineers work on a wide variety of devices and systems, from small electronic components to large power grids. They use their knowledge of electricity and electronics to create new technologies or improve existing ones.

You can find electrical engineers in the following areas:

• Computer – working with computer science to develop hardware and software
• Control – the use of sensors to detect and software to control the behavior of systems
• Software – the design and practical application of software
• Power – the design of large-scale systems to generate, transmit and distribute electricity
• Electronics and micro-electronics – working with small-scale systems to transmit information, working only with active components. Micro-electronics includes the design of microchips
• Telecommunications – focusing on devices and mediums used to transmit communications in the form of words, sounds or images

Civil engineering deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, dams, and buildings. Civil engineers use their knowledge of physics and mathematics to ensure that these structures are safe and efficient. They also work on environmental projects such as waste management and water treatment plants.

The work of the civil engineer has broadened to include the following types of engineering:

• Architectural or Structural – for more bespoke or detailed designs of buildings or structures
• Construction – planning, processes, construction timelines, health and safety
• Earthquake – relating to the earthquake-proofing of engineering projects
• Fire Protection – ensuring compliance with fire regulations for engineering projects
• Geotechnical – the study of foundations and soil stability
• Highway and Railway – the construction and design of highways and railways
• Hydraulic – the study of systems operated by the pressure of a fluid
• Mining – the safe and efficient extraction of underground resources
• Traffic and Transport – designing solutions to ease traffic flows for road users, as well as creating other forms of transportation
• Water Resource – studying water supplies for sewage, human use and ecosystems
• Ecological – the creation and maintenance of ecosystems affected due to engineering projects Environment – the creation of strategies to protect and improve the environment

Chemical engineering concerns the transformation of raw materials into useful and innovative products. Chemical engineers use their knowledge of chemistry to develop new products or processes or improve existing ones. They also work on environmental projects such as pollution control and hazardous waste management.

Common types of chemical engineering:

• Materials – creating useful materials from raw materials and defining their properties
• Petroleum – the processes to produce fuel for vehicles and machinery
• Reservoir engineering – extracting oil from underground
• Process – the actions that take raw materials and make a product or service from it
• Plastics – the development and manufacturing of plastic materials
• Production – oil refinement equipment and processes

Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering are two of the most popular types of engineering jobs. Both disciplines involve the design, construction, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace engineers typically work on larger projects, such as commercial airplanes, while aeronautical engineers focus on smaller projects, such as drones or private jets. Although both types of engineers need to be skilled in math and physics, they often specialize in different areas. For example, aerospace engineers might focus on materials science or fluid dynamics, while aeronautical engineers might focus on propulsion or avionics.

Aerospace and aeronautical engineering are both highly technical fields that require a lot of education and training. Most aerospace and aeronautical engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some jobs may require a master’s degree or even a Ph.D. In addition to their formal education, aerospace and aeronautical engineers need to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and advances in their field. They also need to be able to work well with other people, as they often collaborate with teams of engineers on projects.

Computer engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the design and development of computer hardware and software. It is a relatively new field, having only emerged in the early 1970s with the advent of the first microprocessor. Computer engineers are responsible for developing and enhancing computer hardware and software, as well as developing new ways to use computers.

Entry-level jobs may involve working on the development or improvement of existing computer hardware or software or developing new applications. Senior management roles usually involve overseeing the work of other engineers and managing projects.  Computer engineering is a highly technical field, and most engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering and many have a master’s degree or higher.

Conclusion

Engineering has a vast scope, and there is something for everyone within its realm. If you’re looking for an exciting career that allows for creativity, innovation and problem-solving, then one of the six fields of engineering might be the perfect fit for you! We hope this guide has been helpful in giving you a better understanding of these different engineering disciplines. Take your time to research each area thoroughly and make sure it’s the right path before committing to it. Good luck with your journey into the world of engineering!