Each engineering specialty has different requirements for courses, licenses, and other qualifications. However, all aspiring engineers must follow these five steps to pursue this career.
- Get the right degree
To become an engineer, you must first earn a Bachelor’s Degree. The Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, or ABET, is the organization that accredits U.S. engineering programs. Some engineering specialties require a master’s in the field you want to work in.
- Take the NCEES FE Exam and pass it
After you have graduated from an engineering program, you may take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE), offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
- Obtain engineering experience
After receiving your license from the NCEES FE exam, you can apply to work as an engineering intern or engineer-in-training. For full licensure, you must complete four years of on-the-job training.
- Pass the PE exam
You can become licensed in your field of specialization by taking the NCEES Professional Engineer Exam (PE). This exam is only available to those with a Bachelor’s Degree and four years of experience. You may need to have a license in more than one place, so you will also need to apply to NCEES for comity licensing in other states.
- Engineer jobs are available.
You can start applying for engineering jobs after passing the PE exam. You can use job search engines or job boards specific to your industry, or you can use professional social networks.
Are you planning to start your career in Utah?
Utah, nestled in the western United States, captivates with its breathtaking natural beauty and offers a thriving business and economic landscape driven by sectors such as technology, outdoor recreation, tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing, making it an attractive destination for both businesses and individuals seeking a high quality of life.
In Utah, it is advisable for architects to prioritize the acquisition of errors and omissions insurance. The inherent risks associated with their line of work, such as potential litigation from clients, make errors and omissions insurance in Utah an indispensable asset. By securing this type of insurance, you can protect your career and financial well-being effectively.
Types of Engineers
There are many types of engineers. However, all engineering fields share a common goal: to improve systems and structures through innovation. Here are some engineering careers you can choose from based on your interests:
Aerospace engineer
Aerospace engineers play a key role in space exploration and aviation. They build and design aerospace technologies, spacecraft, and aircraft and specialize in specific fields such as aerodynamics, thermodynamics, or propulsion. Aerospace engineers can also focus on specific aerospace products such as fighter jets for the military, spacecraft or commercial aircraft.
Automotive Engineer
Automotive engineers are responsible to design, build and test products in the automotive industry. An automotive engineer might design and build a smart vehicle that runs on an environmentally friendly fuel source instead of gasoline. Engineers of this type can work in different environments and build vehicles that are able to operate in many different settings.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers create innovative solutions for health and medical problems. This type of engineer uses their combined knowledge of biology, medicine and engineering to create systems and products that will advance medicine. A biomedical engineering specialist may, for example, develop a tool that can be used in surgery to simplify the process. Some biomedical engineering professionals choose to specialize, for example, in medical engineering or biomaterials.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers apply their expertise in chemistry to solve problems related to the production and use of chemical products. Chemical engineers may be called upon to address pollution, inefficient systems of energy and waste management. They also work closely together with manufacturers to improve their operations, increase awareness of the environment and preserve it.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers are responsible to develop and supervise the construction of roads and bridges. They also oversee sewage systems, airports and bridges. This field of engineering has many specialties, such as power systems engineering (also known as environmental engineering), structural engineering, and transportation engineering.
Computer Engineer
Computer engineers are responsible for the design and construction of all computer components, such as sensors, memory devices, networks and computer hardware. Computer engineering has four sub-specialties: Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity and Computer Science.
Electrical Engineer
The electrical engineer is responsible for designing, testing and implementing solutions and equipment in various industries. Electrical engineers may specialize in one area, such as power systems or electrical equipment manufacturing.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial engineers are responsible to design, build and maintain manufacturing and industrial processes. They focus on maximizing the safe and rapid output and productivity of technology, management and business. An industrial engineer, for example, may develop a tool that will help with financial planning and analysis.
Materials Engineer
Materials engineers are experts in the development, testing and implementation of new materials. They work with a wide range of industries and products. The atomic level is where this type of engineer creates and tests raw materials such as metals and ceramics. Material engineers often specialize in specific materials, such as steel.