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Overview

What Is an Engineer?

An engineer is a professional problem solver who applies scientific and mathematical principles to the design, development and construction of structures and systems. Engineers work across a wide range of industries, developing blueprints for new applications and systems or identifying improvements for existing ones.

There are a number of different types of engineers. Some of the most common subfields of engineering include: (See disclaimer 1 )

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Biomechanical engineering

Chemical engineering

Biomedical engineering

~2550 BCE

The first known engineer in history, Imhotep, lived around 2550 BCE and designed the Step Pyramid in Egypt. (See disclaimer 2 )

What Does an Engineer Do?

Engineers are charged with solving problems and improving the quality of life for society by applying scientific and mathematical principles. An engineer might work on everything from renewable energy technology that helps mitigate climate change to prosthetic legs to give amputees the opportunity to walk again. The specific tasks an engineer may do depend on their subfield and the project they’re working on.

No two days are the same for an engineer, as they may work on a variety of projects — everything from designing household products to troubleshooting problems in aircraft and spacecraft. An engineer uses critical thinking, analytical reasoning and creativity to develop solutions to problems.

Engineers conduct analyses of existing structures, systems and devices, and they also analyze various problems.

Design Systems and Components

Engineers design new equipment, devices or systems that are intended to solve problems or improve quality of life.

Redesign for Efficiency and Performance

Engineers may also redesign existing equipment, devices or systems in order to improve them.

Develop Systems or Products

Engineers develop prototypes of their designs to test them and analyze the results.

Supervise Engineering Teams and Tasks

When the design and development processes are complete, engineers may supervise the manufacturing process, troubleshooting problems along the way.

Education

What Experience and Education Does an Engineer Need?

Once you know more about how to become an engineer, you may find it easier to determine if this career path could be right for you. Becoming an engineer generally involves the following steps:

High School Diploma

If you’re still in high school, consider speaking to your school counselor about your career aspirations. It’s ideal to take plenty of courses in mathematics and sciences in your journey toward becoming an engineer, including chemistry, physics, trigonometry and calculus. Courses in computer programming and mechanical drafting may also be helpful. If you’re interested in biomedical engineering specifically, consider taking biological science classes. (See disclaimer 4 )

College Degree

Engineers are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering. They may choose to earn an engineering degree that offers a specialization in their chosen subfield, such as mechanical engineering. (See disclaimer 5 )

Undergraduate Certificates

Although a bachelor’s degree is generally a requirement to become an engineer, you may wish to pursue one or more undergraduate certificates along with your degree. (See disclaimer 5 ) Look for certificates that may complement your chosen specialization.

Internships

Internships may help future engineers prepare to confidently enter the workforce after graduation. (See disclaimer 5 ) Consider looking for internship opportunities while earning a bachelor’s degree. Career Services at Grand Canyon University can provide you with resources, professional knowledge and support to help you transition from academics into your chosen career field.

Entry-Level Roles

There are a number of entry-level roles you might pursue after graduating with a bachelor’s in engineering. For example, you may apply for jobs as a junior engineer, field engineer, quality engineer or sales engineer. (See disclaimer 6 )

Professional Certifications

Licensure is not typically required of entry-level engineers, with the major exception being civil engineering, where entry-level positions generally require an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. Students enrolled may qualify to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which enables you to be an engineer-in-training (EIT). After gaining the necessary work experience, EITs may then qualify to take the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. A passing score on the PE exam qualifies engineers to obtain an engineering license — this is the case for Arizona — but there may be other requirements necessary in other states. (See disclaimer 5 )

Best Degrees for Engineering

It’s possible to earn a general bachelor’s degree in engineering that doesn’t include a concentration in an engineering subfield. However, it may be ideal to determine which engineering subfield appeals to you most, and then to earn a degree with a concentration in that area. This allows opportunities to develop specialized knowledge in your chosen subfield.

As part of our engineering programs, you will engage in a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on projects through practical problem-solving and experiential learning activities. You can expect to be challenged to develop innovative designs that demonstrate what you’ve been taught.

A typical engineering program covers a range of topics, such as:

Robotics

Project management

Mechatronics

Aerospace

GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for Engineers

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

with an Emphasis in STEM

Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

Although specific skills can vary depending on the engineering specialization, many skills are applicable to many subfields. Engineers need strong technical skills, of course, but transferable soft skills are also helpful.

Salary expectations can vary depending on a number of factors, including years of experience, additional certifications and licensure status, as well as the employer. In addition, the median annual wage for engineers can vary depending on their subfield. According to the BLS, mechanical engineers have a median annual wage of $99,510 as of May 2023. (See disclaimer 7 )

The specific job growth rate for engineers varies depending on their subfield. In mechanical engineering, the job growth rate is much faster than average, according to the BLS. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for mechanical engineers to be 11% from 2023 to 2033, indicating that about 32,100 new jobs are estimated to open in the subfield. (See disclaimer 8 )

A variety of industries and companies rely on the work of skilled engineers. These include: (See disclaimer 9,10 )

Manufacturing facilities

Manufacturing companies rely on engineers to develop or improve equipment and systems.

Research labs

An engineer may work in a research lab, focusing on design and development.

Some engineers specialize in software or hardware engineering, developing and enhancing systems for computer companies.

Some engineers split their time between the office and remote locations, like construction sites.

Healthcare companies

Biomedical engineers develop and troubleshoot biomedical equipment, working on devices like diagnostic machines and artificial body parts.

Oil and gas extraction

Petroleum engineers collaborate with geologists to coordinate and oversee drilling operations.

After gaining some work experience, an engineer may qualify to earn their PE license, thereby providing a pathway to position themselves for potential career advancement. An experienced engineer may eventually become a manager or administrator. In addition, it's important to note that while many four-year colleges and universities require a doctorate for teaching at that level, there are alternative paths. For instance, individuals can opt to earn a graduate degree in engineering, which may open doors to pursue research and development programs or to apply for a faculty position within an engineering department at a university. (See disclaimer 5 )

Explore More on Engineering

Stay informed with the latest insights and updates on the engineering field.

What Engineering Major Should I Choose?

All types of engineers are problem-solvers at heart — individuals who look for ways to improve existing technology or to create new technologies that are intended to solve problems or improve some aspect of society.

What Is a Mechanical Engineer and How Can I Become One?

Mechanical engineering is the art of using problem-solving techniques and applying them to the design and manufacturing of an object.

Pursue a Career as an Aerospace Engineer

Are you passionate about flight and space? Do you have a knack for mathematics and an eye for detail? If so, you might consider pursuing a career as an aerospace engineer.