Sales Engineer

Job Duties

Sales engineers, also referred to as manufacturers' agents, sales representatives, or technical sales support workers, work with customers to help them determine which of their employers products or services will meet customers' needs. They are often liaisons between the customer and the production, engineering, or research and development departments of their company. They solve problems relating to how products and services can be improved to meet customer needs. They sometimes consult with the customer regarding how to best integrate the products or services into their business model.

Sales engineers form a bridge between scientific discoveries and commercial application. Most specialize in a specific type of engineering. While they use their technical engineering knowledge, the job also requires a high degree of sales skill. They are responsible for making the client interested in their products. They often work in teams with other salespersons who focus on other non-technical aspects of sales, such as marketing. This allows the sales engineer to concentrate on the more technical aspects of sales.

Job Skills

Sales engineers need to have a solid background in engineering, particularly in the area of engineering in which they specialize. In addition, they must have the sales skills that will enable them to succeed beyond the technical aspects of the job. They need to have very strong interpersonal communication skills, an upbeat and positive personality, and they must be persistent. They must enjoy interacting with people on a regular basis. It is also important for sales engineers to be organized and self-motivated.

Income

In 2002, sales engineers earned a median annual salary, including commissions, of $63,660. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $37,430, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $108,080. The median annual salary of sales engineers in the computer systems design and related services industry was $77,100; and sales engineers in the professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers industry averaged $53,170.

Training and Education

Usually a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for obtaining a job as a sales engineer. However, other combinations of training and skills can qualify some candidates. Some have sales and technical experience, while others hold a degree in science or a degree in business with no sales experience. The requirements for admission to undergraduate engineering schools includes a background in mathematics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus; physical sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics; and English, social studies, humanities, and computer science. There is a high degree of variance between college programs, with some focusing on industrial practices that prepare students for employment, and others concentrating on more theoretical work that prepares students for graduate school.

Many sales engineers begin their careers working as engineers, where they gain the technical knowledge necessary to convey the benefits of products to clients. Some move into the sales engineer occupation because it provides a greater challenge and higher potential earnings. Some new engineering graduates who have no sales experience will sometimes team up with a mentor who excels in the area of sales, including business practices, customers, and company procedures and culture.

Employment

In 2002, sales engineers held about 82,000 jobs. 32% worked in the manufacturing industries, and 28% worked in wholesale trade. Very few sales engineers are self-employed.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of engineering technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average. The increasing variety of goods to be sold is one reason, and competition among advancing technologies is another. Job opportunities will be good in independent sales agencies which contract with manufacturers, and prospects will be best for those who have the right technical knowledge coupled with the personality traits of a salesperson.

For more information on pursuing a careeer as a sales engineer, please check out our directory of schools offering Computer and Technology training.

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Petroleum Engineer

Job Duties

Petroleum engineers search for oil and natural gas reservoirs across the world. Then, when reservoirs are discovered, they work with geologists and other specialists to identify the geologic formation of the rock surrounding the reservoir, decide on the drilling methods, and oversee the drilling operation. Using computer models and simulations, they design equipment and processes to recover oil and gas in the most efficient and profitable way. They also simulate reservoir performance using different recovery techniques as well as the effects of various drilling operations.

Petroleum engineers use a wide variety of enhanced recovery methods, including injecting water, chemicals, gases, or steam into an oil reservoir to force out more of the oil, and computer-controlled drilling or fracturing to connect a larger areas of a reservoir to a single well. Even the current most efficient techniques only recover a portion of the oil and gas in a reservoir, petroleum engineers are constantly researching and developing new methods to recover higher percentages and lower costs.

Job Skills

Petroleum engineers must have both mathematical and mechanical aptitudes. Their work often requires high degrees of patience and precision. They need to be able to work effectively as part of a team, and they should have the ability to communicate in writing and orally. These communication skills are vital in the field of petroleum engineering because petroleum engineers interact so often with many non-engineering specialists in a wide variety of fields. Petroleum engineers should be analytical, creative, detail-oriented, and inquisitive.

Income

In 2002, petroleum engineers earned a median annual salary of $83,370. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $49,010, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $127,950. According to a 2003 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in petroleum engineering received starting offers averaging $55,987.

Training and Education

A bachelor's degree is required for all entry-level petroleum engineering positions. Most programs include study in the petroleum specialty, as well as courses in mathematics and science. Many programs include a design course, along with a computer or laboratory class. Many colleges offer students the option of earning a 2- or 4-year degree in engineering technology, which include hands-on laboratory courses that prepare students for practical design and production work, as opposed to more theory-based jobs. While graduates of these programs may obtain the same kinds of jobs as graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering, they are not qualified to register as professional engineers.

Faculty positions and many research and development programs in petroleum engineering require graduate training. Some engineers earn degrees in business administration to enhance their education and give themselves more career options. In fact, many high-level executives in government and business started their careers as engineers. Engineers in the United States are required to be licensed if they offer their services directly to the public. When engineers become licensed, they are designated Professional Engineers (PE). PE requirements include a degree from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 4 years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of a State examination. Entry-level engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers, and may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a staff of engineers and technicians.

Employment

In 2002, petroleum engineers held about 14,000 jobs. Most jobs were in oil and gas extraction, professional, scientific, and technical services, and petroleum refining. Most petroleum engineers worked in areas where oil and gas are found, including Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Alaska, and California. Many work overseas in petroleum-producing countries.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of petroleum engineers is expected to decline. Despite this trend, job opportunities are expected to be favorable because the number of job openings will be greater than the number of graduates in petroleum engineering. Foreign countries may present the best employment opportunities, either from foreign employers or U.S. employers who maintain overseas divisions.

For more information on how to pursue this profession, please see our Computer Training and Technology Education directory.

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Nuclear Engineer

Job Duties

Nuclear engineers work alongside nuclear scientists and technicians on projects that involve the design and construction of nuclear reactors and power plants, development and production of weapons, evaluation of environmental and ecological research, health physics or industrial safety. Some are responsible for overseeing the operation of nuclear power plants and ensuring that the plants conform to safety and efficiency standards. Nuclear engineers solve problems by applying their knowledge of mathematics, economics, and engineering principles, often in conjunction with computers and simulation techniques. Safety plays an vital role in all aspects of their work.

Nuclear engineers may also be responsible for performing administrative duties, directing projects, supervising other workers, and preparing budgets. Some work as sales representatives, teachers, consultants, or members of government commissions. They keep up-to-date in their field by reading technical journals and through independent study and research.

Job Skills

Nuclear engineers must have both mathematical and mechanical aptitudes. Their work often requires high degrees of patience and precision. They need to be able to work effectively as part of a team, and they should have the ability to communicate in writing and orally. These communication skills are vital in the field of nuclear engineering because nuclear engineers interact so often with many non-engineering specialists in a wide variety of fields. Nuclear engineers should be analytical, creative, detail-oriented, and inquisitive.

Income

In 2002, nuclear engineers earned a median annual salary of $81,350. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $58,350, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $111,260. Those who worked for the Federal Government earned an average of $73,769 a year. According to a 2003 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in nuclear engineering received starting offers averaging $50,104.

Training and Education

High school students interested in becoming nuclear engineers should take classes in higher mathematics, including geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, as well as the physical sciences, machine shop, and English. Other useful classes include drafting and mechanical drawing, electronics, business administration, computer science, and the social sciences.

A bachelor's degree is required for all entry-level nuclear engineering positions. Most programs include study in the nuclear specialty, as well as courses in mathematics and science. Many programs include a design course, along with a computer or laboratory class. Many colleges offer students the option of earning a 2- or 4-year degree in engineering technology, which include hands-on laboratory courses that prepare students for practical design and production work, as opposed to more theory-based jobs. While graduates of these programs may obtain the same kinds of jobs as graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering, they are not qualified to register as professional engineers.

Faculty positions and many research and development programs in nuclear engineering require graduate training. Some engineers earn degrees in business administration to enhance their education and give themselves more career options. In fact, many high-level executives in government and business started their careers as engineers. Engineers in the United States are required to be licensed if they offer their services directly to the public. When engineers become licensed, they are designated Professional Engineers (PE). PE requirements include a degree from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 4 years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of a State examination. Entry-level engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers, and may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a staff of engineers and technicians.

Employment

In 2002, nuclear engineers held about 16,000 jobs.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of nuclear engineers is expected to experience little or no growth. This is mainly due to public concerns over the cost and safety of nuclear power. However, job opportunities for nuclear engineers are expected to be good because the number of graduates is expected to roughly equal the number of job openings.

For more information on how to pursue this profession, please see our Computer Training and Technology Education directory.

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Mining And Geological Engineer

Job Duties

Mining and geological engineers locate, extract, and process coal, metals, and minerals that are eventually used in manufacturing and utilities. They use computers to design underground mines, oversee the construction of mine shafts in underground mines, and create new ways to transport minerals extracted from the mines to processing plants. Some work closely with metallurgists and geologists, locating and appraising ore deposits. Others are responsible for the safety, profitability, and environmental impact of mines. Still others design new types of mining equipment or mining operations. Mining and geological engineers usually specialize in one mineral or metal, like coal or gold.

Today, due to the increased emphasis on environmental responsibility, many mining and geological engineers are working on land reclamation and water and air pollution. Another specialization is mining safety, which includes using knowledge of mine design to improve the safety of workers, as well as to help businesses comply with State and Federal safety regulations. They examine and inspect mining equipment, walls, and roof surfaces, and test air quality.

Job Skills

Mining and geological engineers need to be able to work effectively as part of a team. They should have the ability to communicate in writing and orally. These communication skills are vital in the field of mining and geological engineering because mining and geological engineers interact so often with many non-engineering specialists in a wide variety of fields. Mining and geological engineers should be analytical, creative, detail-oriented, and inquisitive.

Income

In 2002, mining and geological engineers earned a median annual salary of $61,770. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $36,720, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $93,660. According to a 2003 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in mining and geological engineering received starting offers averaging $44,326.

Training and Education

A bachelor's degree is required for all entry-level mining and geological engineering positions. Most programs include study in the mining and geological specialty, as well as courses in mathematics and science. Many programs include a design course, along with a computer or laboratory class. Many colleges offer students the option of earning a 2- or 4-year degree in engineering technology, which include hands-on laboratory courses that prepare students for practical design and production work, as opposed to more theory-based jobs. While graduates of these programs may obtain the same kinds of jobs as graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering, they are not qualified to register as professional engineers.

Faculty positions and many research and development programs in mining and geological engineering require graduate training. Some engineers earn degrees in business administration to enhance their education and give themselves more career options. In fact, many high-level executives in government and business started their careers as engineers. Engineers in the United States are required to be licensed if they offer their services directly to the public. When engineers become licensed, they are designated Professional Engineers (PE). PE requirements include a degree from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 4 years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of a State examination. Entry-level engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers, and may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a staff of engineers and technicians.

Employment

In 2002, mining and geological engineers held about 5,200 jobs. 40% worked directly in the mining industry, and over one-third worked in professional, scientific, and technical services firms which provide consulting services to the mining industry.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of mining and geological engineers is expected to decline due to a projected decline in the coal, metal, and copper mining industries. Despite this fact, very good employment opportunities are projected in the occupation. This is because very few schools offer mining engineering programs, and the number of graduates is not expected to stay the same. Mining operations in other parts of the world are expected to recruit U.S. mining engineering program graduates, creating even more opportunity abroad.

For more information on how to pursue this profession, please see our Computer Training and Technology Education directory.

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Mechanical Engineer

Job Duties

Mechanical engineers design, develop, and manufacture tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. They work on both power-producing machines, such as electrical generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as 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 produce tools used by other engineers. One important emerging area of the field is nanotechnology, which integrates atoms and molecules to create high-performance materials and components.

Mechanical engineers use computers to perform computations, as well as model and simulate designs. For design and for turning the design into product, they often use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering occupations, with mechanical engineers working in many different industries. They may specialize in energy systems; applied mechanics; automotive design; manufacturing; materials; plant engineering and maintenance; pressure vessels and piping; and heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning systems.

Job Skills

Mechanical engineers need to be able to work effectively as part of a team. They should have the ability to communicate in writing and orally. These communication skills are vital in the field of mechanical engineering because mechanical engineers interact so often with many non-engineering specialists in a wide variety of fields. Mechanical engineers should be analytical, creative, detail-oriented, and inquisitive.

Income

In 2002, mechanical engineers earned a median annual salary of $62,880. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $41,490, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $93,430. According to a 2003 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in mechanical engineering received starting offers averaging $48,585, master's degree candidates averaged $54,565, and Ph.D. candidates averaged $69,904. The following are the median annual earnings for the industries employing the highest numbers of mechanical engineers:

• Federal government -- $72,500
• Architectural, engineering, and related services -- $65,610
• Navigational, measuring, and control instruments manufacturing -- $65,430
• Aerospace products and parts manufacturing -- $65,160
Other general purpose machinery manufacturing -- $55,850

Training and Education

A bachelor's degree is required for all entry-level mechanical engineering positions. Most programs include study in the mechanical specialty, as well as courses in mathematics and science. Many programs include a design course, along with a computer or laboratory class. Many colleges offer students the option of earning a 2- or 4-year degree in engineering technology, which include hands-on laboratory courses that prepare students for practical design and production work, as opposed to more theory-based jobs. While graduates of these programs may obtain the same kinds of jobs as graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering, they are not qualified to register as professional engineers.

Faculty positions and many research and development programs in mechanical engineering require graduate training. Some engineers earn degrees in business administration to enhance their education and give themselves more career options. In fact, many high-level executives in government and business started their careers as engineers. Engineers in the United States are required to be licensed if they offer their services directly to the public. When engineers become licensed, they are designated Professional Engineers (PE). PE requirements include a degree from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 4 years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of a State examination. Entry-level engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers, and may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a staff of engineers and technicians.

Employment

In 2002, mechanical engineers held about 215,000 jobs.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of mechanical engineers is expected to increase more slowly than the average. This will be due to an overall decrease in employment in manufacturing industries. However, demand for improved machinery and machine tools for more complex industrial processes will spur demand for mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineers can apply their degree to other engineering specialties, creating even more diverse job opportunities.

For more information on how to pursue this profession, please see our Computer Training and Technology Education directory.

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Materials Engineer

Job Duties

Materials engineers work with a wide variety of materials used to manufacture many different types of products. They may work with such materials as metals, ceramics, plastics, semiconductors, and combinations of materials called composites to develop new materials that are then used to create computer chips, television screens, golf clubs, snow skis, and many more. They also identify and select materials to be used in new ways. New technologies have radically improved the ability of materials engineers to manipulate materials in new ways, including the ability to create and study materials at an atomic level using computers.

A majority of materials engineers specialize in either metallurgical or ceramic engineering. Metallurgical engineers are divided into three main categories: extractive metallurgists, who remove metals from ores and refine them; physical metallurgists, who study the nature, structure, and physical properties of metals and their alloys; and process metallurgists, who develop and improve metalworking processes. Ceramic engineers develop ceramic materials (nonmetallic, inorganic materials that generally require high temperatures for processing) and the process for turning these materials into products. Ceramic engineers develop products such as glassware, automobile and aircraft engine components, fiberoptic communication lines, tile, and electric insulators.

Job Skills

Materials engineers need to be able to work effectively as part of a team. They should have the ability to communicate in writing and orally. These communication skills are vital in the field of materials engineering because materials engineers interact so often with many non-engineering specialists in a wide variety of fields. Materials engineers should be analytical, creative, detail-oriented, and inquisitive.

Income

In 2002, materials engineers earned a median annual salary of $62,590. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $39,360, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $92,690. According to a 2003 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in materials engineering received starting offers averaging $44,680.

Training and Education

A bachelor's degree is required for all entry-level materials engineering positions. Most programs include study in the agricultural specialty, as well as courses in mathematics and science. Many programs include a design course, along with a computer or laboratory class. Many colleges offer students the option of earning a 2- or 4-year degree in engineering technology, which include hands-on laboratory courses that prepare students for practical design and production work, as opposed to more theory-based jobs. While graduates of these programs may obtain the same kinds of jobs as graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering, they are not qualified to register as professional engineers.

Faculty positions and many research and development programs in materials engineering require graduate training. Some engineers earn degrees in business administration to enhance their education and give themselves more career options. In fact, many high-level executives in government and business started their careers as engineers. Engineers in the United States are required to be licensed if they offer their services directly to the public. When engineers become licensed, they are designated Professional Engineers (PE). PE requirements include a degree from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 4 years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of a State examination. Entry-level engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers, and may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a staff of engineers and technicians.

Employment

In 2002, materials engineers held about 24,000 jobs. Materials engineers work in many different manufacturing industries. 68% worked in either computer and electronic products, transportation equipment, fabricated metal products, primary metal production, and machinery manufacturing.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of materials engineers is expected to increase more slowly than the average. Many manufacturing industries are expected to have employment declines. However, a demand will remain for materials engineers to create new materials to be used in the electronics, biotechnology, and plastics fields. Employment growth will be better in professional, scientific, and technical services.

For more information on how to pursue this profession, please see our Computer Training and Technology Education directory.

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Industrial Engineer

Job Duties

Industrial engineers serve as a bridge between managements goals and operational performance. They examine the basic factors of production - people, machines, materials, information, and energy - and design the most effective and efficient ways to use these factors to make products and provide services. They differ from other engineers in that they work with the management and productivity of people, the organizational structure of businesses, and the integration of new technology. Industrial engineers study products and their requirements, use mathematics to meet those requirements, and design manufacturing and information systems. They design management control systems, improve the design of distribution systems, and use computers to simulate and control activities and devices, such as assembly lines and robots.

Health and safety engineers are very similar to industrial engineers because they deal with the production process. However, health and safety engineers promote safety in the workplace, as well as product safety, by applying their knowledge of industrial processes. They are responsible for recognizing hazardous conditions and creating hazard control methods.

Job Skills

Industrial engineers must have both mathematical and mechanical aptitudes. Their work often requires high degrees of patience and precision. They need to be able to work effectively as part of a team, and they should have the ability to communicate in writing and orally. These communication skills are vital in the field of industrial engineering because industrial engineers interact so often with many non-engineering specialists in a wide variety of fields. Industrial engineers should be analytical, creative, detail-oriented, and inquisitive.

Income

In 2002, industrial engineers earned a median annual salary of $62,150. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $40,380, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $87,250. According to a 2003 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in petroleum engineering received starting offers averaging $47,051, and master's degree candidates averaged $54,565. The following are the median annual earnings for the industries employing the highest numbers of petroleum engineers:

• Semiconductor and other electronic manufacturing -- $67,460
• Navigational, measuring, and control instruments manufacturing -- $65,470
• Architectural, engineering, and related services -- $64,020
• Aerospace products and parts manufacturing - $63,630
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturing -- $62,610

Training and Education

A bachelor's degree is required for all entry-level industrial engineering positions. Most programs include study in the industrial specialty, as well as courses in mathematics and science. Many programs include a design course, along with a computer or laboratory class. Many colleges offer students the option of earning a 2- or 4-year degree in engineering technology, which include hands-on laboratory courses that prepare students for practical design and production work, as opposed to more theory-based jobs. While graduates of these programs may obtain the same kinds of jobs as graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering, they are not qualified to register as professional engineers.

Faculty positions and many research and development programs in industrial engineering require graduate training. Some engineers earn degrees in business administration to enhance their education and give themselves more career options. In fact, many high-level executives in government and business started their careers as engineers. Engineers in the United States are required to be licensed if they offer their services directly to the public. When engineers become licensed, they are designated Professional Engineers (PE). PE requirements include a degree from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 4 years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of a State examination. Entry-level engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers, and may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a staff of engineers and technicians.

Employment

In 2002, industrial engineers held about 194,000 jobs.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of industrial engineers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Companies will need to continue reducing costs and increasing productivity, which will create demand for industrial engineers.

For more information on how to pursue this profession, please see our Computer Training and Technology Education directory.

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