what is an engineer?
As an engineer, you apply the principles of science and mathematics to come up with practical solutions to technical problems. Your work leads to solutions useful in commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs.
Engineers develop new products using tested designs and processes. When creating a product, an engineer often specifies the requirements and puts together the components. They also test the functionality to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of products. Design, analysis, and testing processes are used to produce various items, from computers to chemicals and automotive products.
what does an engineer do?
As an engineer, your work involves product design, as well as the production and maintaining of various products. For instance, you will be in charge of supervising factories to ensure the equipment is handled appropriately. You also figure out the cause of machine failure and complete the necessary repairs. You are involved in maintenance to ensure the equipment retains high-quality production standards.
As an engineer, you work in various industries depending on your field of study. Some engineers work in construction or industrial settings, while others work in the energy sector or pharmaceuticals.
Would working as an engineer suit your talent for science and mathematics? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an engineering role.
average salary of an engineer
The average salary of an engineer in the UK is £47,896 per year, according to The Engineer's Salary Survey. However, your salary varies depending on the engineering sector and your seniority. The highest-paid engineers in the oil and gas sector earn an average of £53,913 per year, followed by engineers in the energy and chemical sectors. Junior engineers earn an average salary of £30,557, while senior engineers in managerial positions earn £47,972 per year. Engineers in director positions make as high as £72,072 per year. Aside from the base salary, you also earn bonuses, overtime pay and receive various benefits.
what factors affect the salary of an engineer?
Your salary as an engineer depends on your education level and qualifications. Some companies pay more to engineers with postgraduate qualifications. A graduate with a masters degree will have a higher starting salary and better chances of promotion. Apart from degrees, having a chartered or incorporated status also improves your compensation package. Additionally, the company size and complexity of the project determine your earnings. For instance, an engineer working in a nuclear plant is paid more than an engineer working in the construction industry. Large companies also have extensive resources and pay more since they handle complex projects and require high experience levels.
types of engineer
As an engineer, you need to specialise in a particular field of study. Some of the types of engineers include:
- mechanical engineer: as a mechanical engineer role, you assist in designing and developing machines and equipment used in industrial processes. You can work in the production of industrial computer systems, trains and various equipment.
- chemical engineer: as a chemical engineer, you solve problems by converting chemical substances into valuable products. For instance, you research and develop medical products from chemical components in various ingredients. You also formulate recipes and procedures for creating multiple products.
- civil engineer: your job as a civil engineer includes building and constructing structures like bridges, tunnels and railway lines. You can also work in buildings to ensure the structures are solid and sound.
- electrical engineer: your work entails working with electricity and electronic machines. You can install electrical lines in commercial and residential areas or produce electronic products.
- oil and gas engineer: as an oil and gas engineer, you construct pipelines for transporting oil and gas without posing a danger to the environment.
working as an engineer
Engineering is an inspiring career that allows you to explore your creativity and solve problems in society. Let's take a look at the daily tasks and work environment of an engineer.
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engineer job description
As an engineer, specific responsibilities depend on your field of study and specialisation. However, some of the tasks include:
- creating plans using drawings: as an engineer, you bring an idea to life by drawing the design of a product that is used to make a prototype. Whether it is a machine or product, you visualise its features and detail them in your drawing during the planning stage.
- providing project specifications: after developing a project design, you need to develop its specifications that determine its functionality and effectiveness. During product specification, you should prepare material estimates and budgets for the production stages.
- conducting engineering experiments: as an engineer, you should research and test the effectiveness of a product. That includes evaluating the product in various conditions and finding ways to improve its performance. In chemical engineering, you will conduct experiments to determine the best formula or process for manufacturing consumer goods.
- completing regulatory documents: before embarking on a project, you need to complete the technical and regulatory paperwork. Some of the documents deal with health and safety concerns.
- creating the maintenance procedures: the machines and equipment you design need to be kept in tip top shape. Hence, you should outline the maintenance procedures that will uphold its standards.
- writing technical reports: as an engineer, you write project reports and provide a cost analysis from the beginning to the end.
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work environment
As an engineer, your work environment depends on your specialisation area. That means you can work in office buildings, manufacturing plants or laboratories. Engineers working in labs are sometimes exposed to hazardous materials and are often required to wear personal protective equipment. Some engineers work outdoors in oil and gas exploration or construction sites, and marine engineers work underwater or in submarines. Engineering work also involves a lot of travelling depending on your field of study. For instance, engineers in the construction industry have to travel between the site and the office. Sometimes senior engineers attend conferences or complete projects overseas.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, if you work in manufacturing, your colleagues might include product designers or industrial designer and industrial electricians, production operatives, assembly workers, pipefitters, maintenance supervisor and quality assurance coordinators. As a civil engineer, you may work in close proximity to architects, site administrators, site managers, groundworkers, bricklayers and other construction specialists. In fact, a career as an engineer can take you into almost any industry sector, including environmental advisory agencies and information technology.
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work schedule
As an engineer, you work full-time work hours of between 40 and 50 hours a week. During research stages or product testing, you are likely to work overtime when deadlines are approaching. Some positions in engineering offer part-time or short-term contract opportunities, but they are rare. In some positions, your role includes shift work or working at night. For instance, if you are part of the maintenance crew for a railway line, you need to work at night to avoid interrupting the train's schedule.
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job outlook
Engineers have promising job prospects due to the multiple roles in the engineering field. You can work in any industry sector, from manufacturing to energy and information technology. From a junior-level position, it is easy to become a senior engineer or gain a chartered status and become a consultant. Most engineers at the peak of their careers seek management positions or become lecturers in universities.
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advantages of finding an engineer job through randstad
Finding your engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the educational qualifications you need include:
- degree: almost all entry-level engineering jobs need a bachelor's degree, but some require college graduates with qualifications in science and mathematics. Engineering degrees are available in mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical and aeronautical fields. You can also be trained in one branch and work in a related field. For instance, mechanical engineers can work in aerospace engineering or automotive. This allows you to shift to fields with better employment prospects when you need a change.
- postgraduate: after a degree course, you can do doctoral studies like a master's and PhD. While it isn't compulsory, it deepens your knowledge and helps you acquire sector-specific skills. Postgraduate studies are crucial to getting into research and product design.
- apprenticeship: instead of getting an undergraduate degree in engineering, you can do an apprenticeship. It provides you with on-the-job training and a national diploma in engineering.
skills and competencies
Aside from training, you need soft skills to help you succeed. Some of the skills include:
- critical thinking skills: as an engineer, your central role is to solve problems. Hence, you need to be inquisitive and think critically to come up with ideas. When the performance doesn't meet the standards, you should determine the cause and find a solution.
- attention to detail: when you are an engineer, a small error can cause significant problems. For instance, if you miss some components, the product may not work or meet the expectations. Your attentiveness to details will come in handy.
- science and mathematics aptitude: engineers use advanced mathematics to analyse, design and find solutions. Aptitude for maths, science and technology helps you solve problems and succeed in your work.
- project management skills: as an engineer, you juggle multiple project elements, from design to testing and production. Management skills help you achieve your goals at the expected budget.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an engineer
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what are the six types of engineers?
Engineering is divided into six major branches: chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, geotechnical and aeronautics. Each branch has subcategories with impressive roles and career prospects.
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what exactly is an engineer?
Engineers use their in-depth knowledge in maths and science to solve problems. They also create products that improve people's lives. For instance, they design machines and electronic items like phones and computers.
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what is the main role of an engineer?
The work of an engineer is to design and develop solutions to human problems. Civil engineers build railway lines from scratch while chemical engineers develop processes to produce products.
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what is an engineer salary?
Engineers' salary depends on the field of study. However, the average salary of an engineer is £47,896, but it increases as you build your experience.
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which engineer has the highest salary?
Oil and gas engineers have the highest salary in the UK. Their average salary is £53,913. Energy engineers also earn a lucrative salary.
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how do I apply for an engineer vacancy?
Applying for an engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
