Engineering Careers
If you like solving problems, enjoy working with teams, and are strong in mathematics and science, engineering may be the field for you. Engineers help address world problems, advance technology, and ensure the health and safety of humanity. Engineering is a solid career with infinite possibilities for specialization and advancement. Find out more about what the CSULB College of Engineering offers. And see which specialization might be a good fit:
Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, and test prototypes to make sure they function according to design. Aerospace engineers are employed primarily in manufacturing, analysis and design, research and development, and the federal government. Aerospace engineers typically specialize in aeronautical or astronautical engineering. Aeronautical engineers design aircraft and propulsion systems and study aerodynamic performance of aircraft and construction materials. Astronautical engineers work with the science and technology of spacecraft and how they perform inside and outside the earth’s atmosphere.
Biomedical engineering is a fast-growing and exciting specialty that combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences. Biomedical engineers have opportunities to contribute to human health and well-being by designing and creating healthcare equipment, devices, computer systems, and software. They work in manufacturing, universities, hospitals, research facilities, and government regulatory agencies.
Employment of biomedical engineers is projected to grow 23 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growing technology and its application to medical equipment and devices, along with an aging population, will increase demand for the work of biomedical engineers.
Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations.
Chemical engineers work in offices or laboratories, but may spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other locations. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2014 to 2024, with need depending on the demand for products of various manufacturing industries.
The oldest engineering discipline, civil engineering involves the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of public and private projects and systems, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and water and sewage treatment systems. Working in a variety of locations, civil engineers spend time outdoors at construction sites monitoring operations or solving problems onsite. Civil engineers usually must be licensed where they provide services to the public. Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024. As infrastructure ages, civil engineers will be needed to work on projects to rebuild bridges, repair roads, and upgrade levees and dams as well as airports and building structures of all types.
Civil engineers can specialize in a variety of areas, including structural, construction, geotechnical, traffic, water resources, urban planning, or materials. The CSULB Civil Engineering Program provides a broad background built around a core of mathematics and natural and engineering sciences. It delivers an integrated foundation in:
- Structural analysis and design
- Transportation systems
- Environmental systems
- Geotechnical engineering
- Water resources engineering
- Materials
- Construction engineering management, and
- Information technology
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, test, and oversee the manufacture and installation of computer hardware. Hardware includes computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, memory devices, networks, and routers. The work of computer hardware engineers is very similar to that of electronics engineers in that they may design and test circuits and other electronic components, but computer hardware engineers do that work only as it relates to computers and computer-related equipment. The rapid advances in computer technology are largely a result of the research, development, and design efforts of these engineers.
Computer hardware engineers usually work in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models. Most work in high-tech manufacturing firms. Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024.
A computer science degree can open up opportunities in a variety of high-tech areas, including:
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology together by understanding the needs and limitations of both. Employment of computer systems analysts is projected to grow 21 percent from 2014 to 2024. Growth in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and mobile networks will increase demand for these workers.
Software Developers
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks. Many software developers work for firms that deal in computer systems design and related services or for software publishers. Employment of software developers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2014 to 2024. The main reason for the rapid growth is a large increase in the demand for computer software.
Computer Programmers
Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, largely due to outsourcing.
Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. Many construction managers have main offices, but spend most of their time working out of field offices at construction sites, where they monitor project sand make daily decisions about construction activities. The need to meet deadlines and respond to emergencies often requires construction managers to work many hours. Employment of construction managers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024. Construction managers will be needed as overall construction activity increases over the coming decade.
The CSULB Construction Engineering Management (CEM) Program prepares students for technical and managerial positions in the construction industry. Graduates can find employment as project engineers, project managers, project schedulers, cost estimators, facility managers, quality controllers, or in managing their own construction firms.
Electrical engineers make devices and systems work. They are involved with inventing, designing, and developing electrical and electronics systems, components, and devices. The systems can range from nanoscale to large power engineering generators and transmission lines and beyond, as in the satellite communication systems that allow for auto GPS.
Electrical engineers can specialize in Power Generation and Transmission, Control Systems, Communications, Robotics, Electronics, or Nanotechnology. They may work in research and development, engineering services, manufacturing, telecommunications, or the federal government. Employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to show little or no change from 2014 to 2024.
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Engineers in this discipline work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. They also work on power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. Mechanical engineers also design tools that other engineers need for their work. In addition, mechanical engineers work in manufacturing or agriculture production, maintenance, or technical sales; many become administrators or managers.
All states and the District of Columbia require mechanical engineers who sell services to the public to be licensed. Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024.
