Engineers

QUALIFICATIONS

“A” Levels in Maths and physical science (Physics, Biology or Chemistry), a professional Engineering degree like B.S., B.E., M.S., or M.E., through a school of an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); accompanied with the experience requirement and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Practice of Engineering (PE) examinations for Licensure candidates; additional Engineering certifications like the Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CME) from the Society for Manufacturing Engineers, the Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) from the American Society for Quality, etc.; encompassing at least 4 to 6-year requisite study and practice credit hours in the area or field of specialization – e.g. Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, and so on; combined with – On the Job Training (OJT) programs, Apprenticeships, Engineering Workforce Job Training or Experience; covering engineering work topics including Engineering fundamentals and principles, and depending on the field of specialization, related subjects like; planning and design, civil construction, mechanics, chemicals, manufacturing, electrical and electronic systems, space or maritime studies, computer hardware and software systems, math, physics, chemistry, biology etc.; knowledge of tools, apparatus, plant, machinery, equipment and standards, quality control and materials, lab experiments & workshops, statutory mandates, and safety protocols; project proposal, planning, design, development, practice, management, & documentation. An MBA or a Post Graduation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) or a Master’s Degree in engineering will be an added plus.

AVERAGE ANNUAL PAY
(Credits: www.payscale.com)

MECHANICAL

ELECTRICAL

CIVIL

PROJECTED GROWTH
(Credits: www.bls.gov)

Engineering is an exciting career pathway, in which employment is projected to grow at a steady 3 to 6 percent from 2019 to 2029.

SKILLS/ TRAITS NEEDED

Besides engineering and/or management qualifications and skills, the Engineer needs to be a quintessential multi-tasker, self-driven, result-oriented with strategic, creative, critical, and lateral thinking; planning, analysis, design, visualizing, computation, and problem-solving skills with a strong scientific aptitude; tracking the emerging engineering trends with in-depth knowledge in the field or area of specialization including codes, compositions, structures, mechanics, systems, processes, procedures, techniques, and technologies; with in-depth knowledge of construction designs, plans, blueprints, diagrams, materials, sustainability, standards & best practices, the statutory and safety protocols, project management and documentation. Ability to work under pressure, extreme focus, memory, attention to detail, math & technical acumen; coupled with computer software knowledge, strong written and verbal communication, time management, prioritization, reporting, inter-personal & soft-skills; memory, patience, and perseverance, are the vital ingredients of a successful Engineer.

WORK FUNCTIONS

Engineers carry a broad spectrum of responsibilities which could be inter-disciplinary; from the initiation, design till implementation, deployment, and final signoff of projects, in their area or field of specialization; these could involve requirements gathering, evaluating, proposals, contracts, preparing specifications, drawings and blueprints; planning, controlling, ensuring quality standards, and compliance to technical specs, supervising, coordinating, and managing activities; procurement, controlled experimentation, implementing best practices; adhering to codes, guidelines, regulations and safety protocols, environment protection, quality assurance and quality control (QA/ QC) and cost-optimization; reviewing work progress, site and client visits, oversight and status reporting, risk management, equipment & materials procurement, maintenance, and organizing operations. Apart from this, they may also design and develop processes, policies, and procedures, obtain statutory approval, liaising with authorities to ensure smooth operations, and lower costs; identifying and resolving technical pain points, and implementing strategic, cost-effective, innovative, and robust engineering solutions. Besides, they may also additionally be responsible for the team and people management; including recruiting, training, coaching, mentoring, delegating, and appraising labor and employee work performance, hiring and handling contractors, cash flow and cost control, preserving assets, facilitating technical or engineering audit, technical and status reporting, and documentation. They may also contribute towards marketing and sales support, organizational policy frameworks, besides leading the efficiency and costs savings goals of the organization through meticulous planning and execution, aligned to the organizational goals. They may be needed to work in shifts.