Engineering Career Guide

Start Engineering

ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

UPDATED

4th

EDITION

LEARN ABOUT: The many fields of engineering n Where and what to study n Amazing innovations to save the planet n

PLUS:

HOT CAREERS IN AI, BIOTECH, AND CYBER!

Y P O C W E I REV ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

welcome “What do you want to be when you grow up?” You may have heard this question a few times! If you want to be creative, take on real challenges, work with smart, dedicated people, and make a difference in the world, “An engineer!” may be your answer.

In your hands is a guidebook to help you plot a course to the engineering school and field that are right for you. You’ll learn that there are many different types of engineers and many different paths to explore. The world needs engineers to clean our air and water, make affordable energy and medicine available all over the world, protect our devices from cyber thieves, and show us the way to the stars. Engineering also offers you a way to explore exciting new fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

Or maybe the lighter side of engineering is more up your alley — you might imagine helping Taylor Swift design her concert stages or creating new kinds of thrills for roller-coaster riders. In fact, nearly every industry needs the skills that an engineering degree offers. Lots of jobs are available, and engineers are paid well right out of college: Engineering majors account for eight out of the top ten highest-paid majors.

And, if working in a large company is not your thing, you’ll discover that an engineering degree can be a gateway to entrepreneurship.

W E I V E R

We on the Start Engineering team of Stacie Harrison, Eric Iversen, and myself bring over 50 years experience in engineering outreach to this guidebook. We’ve also relied on studies and data from the National Academy of Engineering and from the American Society for Engineering Education. We want to give you a full picture of engineering as a course of study and career because the world offers so many possibilities when you study engineering!

So, take a look through our guidebook and see what grabs your attention. Email us about any other information you might want to have. Good luck to you.

Robert Black Publisher, Start Engineering bblack@start-engineering.com

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table of contents WHAT’S ENGINEERING? 4

Find out how engineers are involved in the coolest innovations and newest technologies

FEATURES 10 Saving the World 14

No Soil, No Sun, No Problem.

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Become an A.I. Wizard

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Behind the Scenes

20 Military Advances 22 A Marvel of Engineering Ingenuity

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24 Cyber Warriors Urgently Needed 26 Special FX Innovators 28 A Closer Look at Mars 30 Healthier Urban Living 32 Hands-On Engineering 34 Going Global

STRATEGIES

36 Planning ahead pays off

OPTIONS, OPTIONS 38 Pick a major

TEAMWORK

42 Hands-on projects at school.

SUPPORT

44 Schools are eager for diversity.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

46 Many engineers start their own business.

SCHOOLS AND DATA

48 Schools with top number of graduates per field.

JOBS AND SALARIES

50 Companies hiring engineers, and salary info.

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY HUAN TRAN

ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

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what’s engineering?

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Do you want to be creative, take on real challenges, and make a difference in the world?

Want to design fast, quiet, and more efficient cars that help save the environment?

Or maybe you want to create fantastic roller coasters and innovative video games!

Using science, math, and the latest technologies, engineers solve problems and create inventions. An engineering degree is the basis for an exciting and challenging career.

Here’s a quick look at some of the things that engineers are up to. Engineering is..

Cool New Gadgets Behind every cool new gadget, from the Apple Watch to the GoPro, is a team of engineers. Mechanical, electrical, and materials engineers shape the design, and computer engineers develop the software that makes it all work. Now, the latest amazing gadget is the Viture One. It lets you take your gaming and streaming apps anywhere you go.

Although pricey ($479, or $588 with neckband), you might not need a new TV or entertainment system at home anymore!

These lightweight glasses weigh less than 3 ounces and offer a huge virtual screen, similar to a 120” TV. The sound quality is excellent, and only you can hear it — even if the volume is high. You can watch movies or play loud games, and your friend beside you won’t hear a thing. An optional neckband connects to the frames with a magnetic cable and comes with streaming apps for cloud-based play. Plus, these glasses have a sleek and stylish appearance, combining classic style with impressive tech. Cool!

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Rocket Ships

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NASA has joined forces with SpaceX, a company that builds advanced rockets and spacecraft, to make space travel and exploration more accessible and efficient. SpaceX’s groundbreaking achievements have significantly lowered launch costs, making space more accessible. Recognizing the potential of these rockets, NASA decided to use them to transport supplies and astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

But SpaceX and NASA have even more ambitious plans. They aim to return to the Moon and eventually explore Mars. To achieve these goals, SpaceX is working on a spacecraft called Starship, which is designed to take humans to various destinations in our solar system. A fully reusable spacecraft, it holds promise for both lunar and interplanetary travel.

NASA’s expertise and resources, combined with SpaceX’s innovation, are paving the way for ambitious missions that were once deemed impossible.

PHOTOS COURTESY VITURE ONE, SPACEX, AND SIX FLAGS. VACCINE PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Better Vaccines, Made Faster COVID-19 has made it clear how crucial vaccines are in keeping us healthy, and biomedical engineers have been champions in creating those vaccines. Companies like Moderna and Pfizer used biotechnology to quickly whip up COVID-19 vaccines that have prevented millions of people from getting really sick or even dying. Traditionally, drug-makers produce vaccines by growing large amounts of the virus or bacteria that the vaccine is meant to protect against, a time-consuming process that poses a risk of contamination. Biotechnology can make vaccine development faster and vaccines themselves more effective. Plus, it’s even allowing us to develop vaccines for diseases we couldn’t treat before, like cancer! BioNTech has developed a cancer vaccine that helps the immune system attack cancer cells, which is currently being tested in clinical trials for melanoma, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.

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Thrill Rides Mechanical and architectural engineers are on a never-ending quest to make things taller, better, faster, and stronger. Nothing better exemplifies these aspirations than the field of roller coaster design. Now, it’s time to add “wetter” to the mix. After pandemic-related delays, Six Flags Over Texas finally unveiled Aquaman Power Wave. This launch-style coaster suspends riders 150 feet high at a 90° angle before hurtling them across the more than 700 feet of track at 63 miles per hour into a massive splashdown. Before the ride begins, the water level drops to let the coaster move over it. As the car reaches the vertical spike, water flows from side reservoirs into the pool, setting up the enormous splash— which also slows the vehicle down to end the ride. It’s a feat of engineering as well as a refreshing escape from the Texas summer heat.

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what’s engineering?

Clean Skincare Bioengineering is revolutionizing the skincare industry. Consumers are demanding environmentally-friendly products, and biotech companies like Biossance and Ameva are leading the charge.

Their innovative offerings are not only effective, but also better for the planet. For instance, Biossance has successfully replaced a popular skincare ingredient, formerly sourced from sharks, with a new compound made of renewable sugarcane and bioengineered yeast. And Ameva has developed plant-derived enzymes that nourish the skin and establish a protective shield without using planet-hurting chemicals. While the engineering behind skincare products can only be seen under a microscope, its implications are far-reaching. Sustainable ingredients protect endangered species and our planet’s precious biodiversity.

Realistic Video Games Details matter when you’re trying to simulate something as fastpaced and exciting as a basketball game. The engineers at Visual Concepts have a clear goal each year: to create a smarter, deeper, and more nuanced gameplay experience for players. This year, their focus is on “authenticity,” starting with action at the rim. You can now control when and for how long you hang on the rim after a dunk, a wild new detail. Developing this feature was no simple task; the engineers spent a couple of years working on the complex technology behind it. They also updated the Pro Stick with new gestures, enhancing the overall gameplay. How fun!

Helping Others

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Esper Bionics’ prosthetic hand is a groundbreaking advancement in bionic technology. Using artificial intelligence and digital signal processing, it is the world’s first AI-powered, cloud-based robotic prosthetic that continuously learns and improves over time. The lightweight device incorporates up to 24 wearable sensors, effectively detecting and processing muscle activity and brain impulses. Through machine learning on Esper’s platform, the hand becomes more “intuitive” as it adapts to the user’s needs and preferences. Dima Gazda, Esper Bionics’ CEO and co-founder, is a medical doctor and engineer who believes that electronic advancements hold the potential to revolutionize the prosthetic market.

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PHOTOS COURTESY THE COMPANIES

Trucks That Drive Themselves The trucking industry is central to the American economy, moving nearly 75% of the nation’s freight. But there’s a serious shortage of truckers right now, as 300,000 leave the industry every year. Enter TORC Robotics, which hopes to fill that shortage with self-driving trucks. Founded in 2005 by engineers from Virginia Tech, TORC is at the forefront of this technology, having long created autonomous vehicles for the U.S. military. A partnership with Daimler Trucks is taking them to the next level. They are outfitting Daimler trucks with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensing technologies, including LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, and radar. Combined with GPS, such systems enable trucks to navigate and operate without human intervention. AI allows the trucks to process the vast amounts of sensor data in real-time,making the trucks able to recognize objects, assess road conditions, and plan their movements accordingly. As the trucks are tested on public roads (with a safety driver), TORC continues to gather data for efforts to improve the vehicles. However, more testing, AI and machine learning will be required before they will be ready for commercial use. Trucking may never be the same.

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Self-Healing Materials Cement is a key ingredient in concrete, which is the second most consumed material in the world, behind only to water. Concrete has long been a reliable choice for engineering structures like buildings, roads, and bridges. However, concrete can eventually develop cracks despite its strength and durability, leading to annual repair costs of $12 billion. Plus, it is responsible for a staggering 8% of global carbon emissions. Engineers are seeking solutions.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a Department of Energy lab renowned for technological innovation, discovered that if they blend cement with certain polymers, the composite material can repair its cracks within 24 hours, making structures more durable and longer-lasting.

Meanwhile, the company Biomason is experimenting with adding dormant bacteria to concrete. If a crack forms, the bacteria spring into action, producing calcite, a cement component, to seal up the crack.

Finally, Prometheus Materials uses blue-green algae to produce calcite through photosynthesis. This process, which essentially involves creating solid rock from light, is the ultimate sustainable solution. Not only does it generate less CO2, it extracts CO2 from the environment.

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what’s engineering?

3D-Printed Homes The world needs more homes, fast: America alone is facing a deficit of about 5 million housing units. Engineers are rising to the challenge. One groundbreaking solution is House Zero, a 2,400-square-foot, 3-bedroom home created using cutting-edge 3D-printing technology. Designed by architecture firm Lake|Flato and construction tech startup ICON, it features an airtight wall system made of their high-strength concrete called Lavacrete.

A 9,500-pound robot can 3D-print the house in just ten days, reducing build time, costs, and waste. Inspired

by House Zero’s success, ICON has partnered with homebuilding giant Lennar to establish a 100-home community in Austin, all 3D-printed. Instead of using manual labor and traditional materials, large 3D printers with robotic arms deposit layers of specialized material, like concrete, based on digital designs. This faster process requires fewer human workers, saving time and costs. Plus, it allows for more customization, giving houses unique features. 3D printing also reduces construction waste and offers eco-friendly options. Though still new, this technology is evolving and has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry, providing faster, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions to meet the growing demand for housing.

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Green Fuels Engineers are using an amazing variety of materials methods to create more sustainable fuels: ⊲ ALGAE Synthetic Genomics is growing algae in ponds or bioreactors and converting it into biofuels such as biodiesel and jet fuel. ⊲ CARBON EMISSIONS A partnership between Honeywell and HIF Global is launching operations to convert industrial waste gases, such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, into biofuels. C3Biotech, meanwhile, feeds carbon emissions to trillions of carbon-hungry microbes that turn pollution into fuels. ⊲ PLANTS Biotech companies such as LanzaTech use special enzymes to break down plant materials such as corn, sugarcane, and switchgrass to produce liquid fuel. ⊲ MICROBES AND SUNLIGHT Certain strains of bacteria and yeast can be engineered to produce ethanol and other fuels directly from sunlight without the need for plants or algae. LanzaTech is also developing this technology. ⊲ WASTE Companies like Enerkem specialize in converting non-recyclable and non-compostable waste materials, such as wood chips and municipal solid waste, into biofuels. Other companies like Renewable Energy Group are converting used cooking oil, food scraps, animal fats, and plant oils into biofuels.

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PHOTOS COURTESY THE COMPANIES

Special Deliveries Since their inception in 2016, Zipline’s electric drones have made a significant positive impact, efficiently delivering vital supplies like blood in Rwanda and COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana. By using electric drones, Zipline enhances delivery speed while making the environment cleaner and greener by reducing traffic congestion and pollution. Over time, the company has extended its services to encompass diverse sectors, including food, retail, and agriculture.

Operating in seven countries across North America, Africa, and Asia, Zipline has completed over 700,000 deliveries, covering an incredible 50 million miles. Their vision is to create a teleportation-like service, ensuring everyone can access the goods they need exactly when needed. Companies like Walmart, GNC, and Pagliacci Pizza have partnered with Zipline to get fast and reliable deliveries, from prescriptions to pizzas, right to homes as requested.

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Fabrics From Plants Synthetic fabrics that stretch as we move — called lycra or spandex — are perfect for workouts or lounging around. Traditionally, these fabrics are made from fossil resources which are not eco-friendly.

Biotech firms like Natural Fiber Welding are responding by creating plant-based materials as sustainable alternatives—and consumer companies like H&M, Patagonia, and New Balance are buying, bringing these new fabrics and materials to the marketplace.

Meanwhile, a biotech company called Spiber uses a fermentation process to make its stretchy fabrics. You can check them out at Pangaia and The North Face. And Bolt Threads has developed a way to create silk from fermented yeast, and leather from mushrooms, yielding cruelty-free and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional materials. Sustainability-focused designers like Stella McCarthy are into it — take a look at her mushroom-leather bag, above.

New Ways to Harness Energy You might have noticed thick solar panels on rooftops, but there’s a new solar technology that looks just like glass and can replace windows to generate energy. Developed by engineers at Michigan State University in 2011, these transparent solar cells capture invisible sunlight wavelengths and convert them into electricity. After a decade of testing and improvements, the MSU Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building became the first site to install this revolutionary energy technology. The building’s windows were replaced with 100 square feet of transparent solar glass panels, generating enough electricity to light up the atrium. The inventors believe this technology could turn any surface of a building or landscape into a solar array, generating power right where it’s needed — without anyone even realizing it’s there.

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SAVING THE

WORLD One Challenge at a Time

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bout fifteen years ago, the National Academy of Engineering surveyed the world to identify 14 Grand Challenges engineers could tackle to enhance ongoing human existence. These challenges, set as a roadmap for the next century, aim for engineering accomplishments that would create a more sustainable, healthy, secure, and joyful world to call our own. “We wanted to show how engineering can help guide us into the future,” explains Randy Atkins, director of the Grand Challenges project. Engineering schools nationwide have incorporated the Grand Challenges into their students’ learning through the Grand Challenges Scholars Program. Students build competencies in five areas vital to addressing projects with global scope: technical content, multidisciplinary and multicultural perspectives, business savvy, and social consciousness. For students with a yen to change the world, a school with a Grand Challenges Scholars Program could be the first step. Read on to learn about just some of the Grand Challenges.

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• Reverse-engineer the brain. Figuring out how the brain works and learns could lead to engineered solutions for human neurological problems. Called neuroprosthetics, engineers and scientists in this field have

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Reverseengineer the brain.

Develop methods for Enhance carbon sequestration virtual reality.

Provide energy from fusion.

Engineer better medicines using genetic science.

Advance health informatics ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

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Engineer the tools of scientific discovery

Advance health informatics.

Restore and improve urban infrastructure.

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Engineer the tools of scientific discovery.

already made progress: paralyzed monkeys given a brain implant could walk again. Understanding how the brain works also drives progress in artificial intelligence, another frontier on which engineers work.

• Provide energy from fusion. Human-engineered fusion has been demonstrated on a small scale. The challenge now lies in scaling up the process to commercial levels, efficiently, cost-effectively, and with minimal environmental impact.

Y P O C W E I REV • Enhance virtual reality. Across various specialized fields, from

psychiatry to education, virtual reality is emerging as a powerful training tool for practitioners and even a means for doctors to treat patients, in addition to the entertainment applications that have become increasingly common.

• Engineer better medicines. Engineering can enable the

development of new medical systems to use genetic information, sense small changes in the body, assess new drugs, and deliver personalized healthcare through vaccines tailored to each individual.

• Advance health informatics. Given that computers are integral to

Engineer better medicines using genetic science Secure cyberspace.

nearly every aspect of our lives, adopting a structured approach to collecting, managing, and utilizing health-related information—referred to as health informatics—can enhance the quality of medical care. It can help doctors take better care of patients, make things work more smoothly, and respond faster to big health problems that affect many people.

• Engineer the tools of scientific discovery. Scientists always

seek better tools for imaging the body and brain and rely on engineers for this. Space exploration is another area where engineering expertise is needed. Long-distance human flight faces numerous challenges, from the danger of radiation to the need to supply sustainable sources of food, water, and oxygen.

• Secure cyberspace. It’s more than preventing identity theft. Almost every day, we hear about hackers getting into computer systems thought to be protected. Critical systems in banking, national security, and physical infrastructure are at risk. In fact, serious cybersecurity breaches in financial and military computer systems have already occurred.

• Restore and improve urban infrastructure. Old, overused,

and undersized infrastructure systems are in dire need of revival. As more people congregate in urban areas, the challenge only grows to refurbish and build systems that allow lives, business, and society to function. Engineers are working on new construction methods and materials as well as making better use of current resources.

What catches your interest? To read more about these and other Grand Challenges, go to https://www.grandchallenges.org/.

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No Soil, No Sun, No Problem.

A unique approach to indoor farming could help save the planet.

P

lenty, a trailblazing company in the indoor-farming

ing aisles of greens just moments before. The robot gently

industry, is making headlines with its innovative

places the tower on a conveyor belt, where a spinning

solutions for the global food crisis. Recently, it

wheel expertly trims the greens, readying them for harvest.

In another section, robots work diligently, packing trays

cal farming complex. This new facility near Richmond, VA,

with soil and seeds before transporting them to a separate

will span a staggering 120 acres. The $300 million facility

room for germination. Adjacent to them, four robots in

will grow multiple crops, including leafy greens and toma-

glass boxes carefully lift seedlings from trays and deli-

toes, but is starting with strawberries in partnership with

cately plant them into the tall, white growing towers.

conventional strawberry grower Driscoll. Plenty says the

Advanced infrared cameras and sensors continuously

project, expected to generate up to 20 million pounds

monitor the indoor climate throughout the indoor farming

of produce annually, will also create 300 new jobs. And

complex. Powerful software then uses this data to pre-

in May of 2023, they opened a farm that can grow up to

cisely adjust the light and water levels—creating the ideal

4.5 million pounds of leafy greens every year on a single

“recipe” for optimal plant flavor.

city block in Compton, CA. The company has developed an

In addition to saving land, Plenty’s indoor farms also address water

entirely new way to grow plants.

shortages. Providing water to each

While greenhouses and other “ver-

plant individually can save millions

tical” farms grow on flat planes that

of gallons of water compared to tra-

mimic the field, Plenty grows in 3D

ditional farming methods.

— on vertical towers nearly two

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announced plans to build the world’s largest indoor verti-

By 2050, the demand for food

stories high. Its indoor farming pro-

is predicted to increase by more

cess is a marvel of engineering

than 50%. At a time when agricul-

and automation, meticulously

ture faces evolving environmental

designed to ensure optimal plant

pressures, including soil degrada-

growth and harvest efficiency.

tion, Plenty has developed a unique

Inside the massive warehouse, a

method of farming that is insulated

bright yellow robot gracefully han-

from those challenges and uses just

dles towers filled with fresh kale

a fraction of the land and water of

that were growing in the neighbor-

conventional agriculture.

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COURTESY PLENTY

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Become an AI Wizard Make artificial intelligence your creative power.

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hen ChatGPT exploded like digital fireworks on the internet in late 2022, it cast light on the power and promise of artificial intelligence like never before.

But AI tools have been with us for years — from Google Search to Siri to Spotify, AI has been shaping our online lives all along in ways most of us have never realized.

If you like learning about — and improving — how apps talk back to us, then consider studying computer engineering. In this field, you’ll learn how AI engineers use computer hardware, software, and programming languages to write the algorithms and build the data structures that underlie AI systems large and small.

Algorithms are the basic building blocks of all AI systems. In simplest form, they consist of instructions that direct computers to carry out defined operations, just as recipes guide us in the kitchen to make food. Algorithms quickly get long and complicated in developing AI systems. They are often strung together on neural networks, elaborate systems of interlocking data processing operations that work in

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much the same way that human brains work. Neural networks help AI systems perform complicated, “intelligent” actions like recognizing images, translating languages, and even playing games. They enable computers to learn, making them better at these tasks the more they do them over time.

Studying AI involves learning coding languages like Python and using AI system-building platforms like TensorFlow. You might use such tools to build chatbots, write chess-playing programs, or design apps that predict stock market trends. In all these activities, you’ll discover how to analyze data, adjust algorithms, and improve models to make AI work even better.

Finally, ethics plays a pivotal role in the realm of AI. Your education should include the societal ramifications of AI, its potential biases, and the hurdles associated with upholding fairness and accountability. Gaining an understanding of the ethical predicaments that envelop AI is paramount. These encompass concerns tied to privacy, bias, the displacement of jobs, and even the decision-making capabilities inherent in AI systems.

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GETTY IMAGES/TAYLOR HILL

Behind the Scenes Concerts like Taylor Swift’s require the skills of many types of engineers to make them happen.

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ost artists stick to a single, yet impressive, stage design for their live concerts. However, Taylor Swift had a different vision for her Eras tour — she aimed to transport her fans to the musical land-

scapes of each of her distinct albums. This ambitious idea required changing the set every few songs, creating an immersive experience that re-

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flected the various moods of her music. From a hazy, pink dreamscape to a sparkling twilight, the tour was a journey through her artistry.

While this tour was extra special, every entertainment event needs a

team of skilled engineers working behind the scenes to create a mesmerizing experience for the audience. These engineers specialize in different fields to make the magic happen.

Audio engineers ensure that the sound is flawless, reaching every

corner of the venue. Lighting and visual effects engineers choreograph mesmerizing visuals that sync perfectly with performers’ music. Stage designers and automation engineers collaborate to craft elaborate stage setups, including multi-level stages with moving platforms and trap doors (to dive into a pool, perhaps!), which surprise and delight the audience during the performance. Video engineers transform the stage into a dynamic canvas, projecting high-definition visuals and animations onto custom-built screens and set pieces, adding depth and visual storytelling to the show.

Through seamless collaboration, these engineers create a concert ex-

perience that goes beyond the music. Taylor Swift’s Eras tour was just one example of the magic that can happen when creativity and engineering come together in the world of entertainment.

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Military Advances

Engineers devise new technologies that keep US troops stronger and safer than any others in the world.

“The strength of U.S. national security is the willingness to

than the amount almost every other country spends on its

look over the horizon and plan for what the future will bring.”

entire military. Only China’s military budget exceeds what

S

America spends on creating and perfecting new tools and

cades the United States military has stood like a co-

and research universities have worked together to invent

lossus above and beyond that of any other in the world, but

and produce a steady stream of advanced technologies to

our historical leadership in this area does not guarantee the

keep our defenses strong and our troops safe. Indeed,

same supremacy in the future.

many of these technologies have carried over to civilian life

o says Peter Emanuel, one of the Army’s leading thinkers about technological innovation. For de-

systems for protecting the country.

For over 70 years, the government, private companies,

One reason for the durability of America’s military advan-

to make things easier and better for the rest of the country,

tage is our long-standing, well-funded commitment to inno-

too, such as GPS mapping software, microwave ovens, the

vative defense technologies. The government spends more

internet, and, of course, aviator sunglasses!

on research, development, and testing of new technologies

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Integration of diverse technologies and systems has be-

COURTESY DEPT OF DEFENSE

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come the new frontier of engineering work on defense pro-

For the US to maintain the military advantage that imagi-

grams. Advanced sensing instruments, sophisticated com-

native, advanced technologies like these three examples

munications tools, and precision weapons are being

can bring, we need a steady stream of smart young people

combined to make real the kinds of things we’re used to

entering the field of defense research and development. An

seeing in the movies. Swarms of miniature battle drones ex-

engineering degree can help you become part of these ef-

ecuting warfighters’ orders delivered with waves of a hand

forts. Current areas of priority include microelectronics, arti-

or spoken commands. Unmanned surface and underwater

ficial intelligence, biotechnology, and hypersonic propul-

vessels – some camouflaged in the shape of sting-rays –

sion. In military, university, and private-sector labs and

carrying out reconnaissance and even attack operations

testing grounds, engineers are exploring new ways to use

hundreds of miles away from humans who can nevertheless

advances in all these areas to keep the US military ahead of

see in real time what is happening. Invisible headlights that

the rest of the world. Studying engineering now could lead

reveal minute details about the battle space without ever

you into an exciting, meaningful career in the future in any

exposing themselves to enemy positions.

of these three areas of employment.

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A MARVEL OF ENGIN So-Fi Stadium sets a new benchmark in wow-factor, practicality, and sustainability.

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estled in the vibrant heart of Inglewood, California, the SoFi Stadium is a true masterpiece of contemporary engineering and architectural brilliance. Besides being the home turf for the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, this iconic structure is a captivating showcase of cutting-edge technology designed to provide an unparalleled experience for sports enthusiasts and visitors.

Central to the marvel of engineering that is SoFi Stadium is its colossal 70,000-ton curved roof, an innovation that almost defies belief. Constructed from a single-layer ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) plastic material, the space-age roof allows natural light to

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flood in while offering protection from the elements. The ETFE panels are equipped with a specialized film that reduces solar glare and heat, ensuring a comfortable environment for both players and spectators. The canopy becomes a giant, illuminated screen at night, thanks to a network of LED lights that can project images and video.

The roof can even air live TV. In November 2020, the Rams showed their Monday Night Football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the stadium’s canopy, offering an aerial show to airplane passengers on their final approach to nearby LAX. Anticipating California’s seismic activity, the stadium’s foundation

incorporates a staggering 16 million pounds of reinforcing steel and 13,000 cubic yards of concrete, engineered to withstand even the most potent earthquakes. This advanced structural design underscores the priority placed on safety and security.

Sustainability is at the core of the SoFi Stadium’s ethos, evident through various innovative features.

The exterior landscaping showcases drought-resistant flora, reducing water consumption by 40% compared to traditional landscapes. Embracing ecofriendliness, the stadium boasts one of the most expansive solar panel installations in the sports arena, harnessing ample energy from the sun. Impressively, rainwater is harvested, filtered,

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and recycled through an advanced water management system, drastically minimizing its environmental impact.

Among the stadium’s standout features are the towering dual-sided “Mega Column” LED displays, delivering an immersive visual experience that ensures every spectator enjoys an unobstructed view of the action, regardless of seating position.

“There’s always a tremendous sense of excitement and awe” when visitors see the stadium for the first time, says Jason Gannon, SoFi Stadium’s managing director. “The building itself...architecturally is incredible. The curvature of the roof, the size of it, is incredibly unique and interesting. People find it to be quite an experience.”

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URGENTLY SEEKING CYBER WARRIORS Increased connectivity brings increased risk to national security, creating a huge demand for computer scientists and engineers.

T

he numbers tell the story: there are

it to torpedo rivals, or falsify it to disrupt op-

currently over 650,000 cyber jobs

erations. They may spy by setting up digital

available in the United States. These

pathways — often called tunnels — to gain

jobs are not only available, but they pay well

ongoing access to secret and proprietary

too. The average cybersecurity salary is now

information systems. Adversaries may be

over $1000,000 per year.

nation-states, such as China, non-nation-

We live in a world ever more intercon-

state actors like ISIS, or criminals looking to

nected through technology. Today’s GPS

make a buck, such as the Mafia. In 2022 the

devices, from smartphones to cars, track our

FBI reported 800,000 cybercrime-related

every move and collect a staggering amount

complaints with losses totaling $10 billion.

of data. Today there are 14.4 billion elec-

These figures continue to rise, and that’s

tronic devices connected to the Internet;

one of the reasons the nation needs more

experts predict that by 2030 there could

cybersecurity professionals.

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be 25 billion. Computer scientists and engi-

24

Skilled computer scientists and engineers

neers have unprecedented opportunities to

are needed not only to create secure data

share, analyze, and interpret data to increase

networks but also to generate a cyber of-

efficiencies in production, distribution, and

fense against nefarious organizations. Luck-

maintenance in every field from healthcare

ily, just as common criminals do, cyber crimi-

and consumer products to scientific explora-

nals leave a trail: digital evidence. Computer

tion and national defense.

scientists and engineers in digital forensics

However, this vast collection of data

are online detectives, tracing crimes to

creates security risks for individuals, busi-

the perpetrators and gathering evidence

nesses, and governments. How to protect,

needed to convict them in court. They work

hold, and exchange information worries peo-

to create effective strategies for playing both

ple from entities as diverse as defense and

cyber defense and offense.

intelligence agencies, healthcare providers,

Many community colleges, universities,

and commercial and financial organizations.

and colleges offer degrees in cyber security,

Criminals and other governments may

or as a specialization within computer sci-

launch cyber-attacks by hacking into

ence and engineering programs. Check out

infrastructure like the electrical grid, water

Start Engineering’s Cybersecurity Career

supply systems, or air traffic controls.

Guide (www.start-engneering.com) for more

They might hold data for ransom, use

detailed information about careers in cyber.

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ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

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features

Special FX Innovators The engineers at James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment develop technologies that are realistic, immersive and other-worldly.

A

Y P O C W E I REV

vatar, released in 2009, became the top-grossing movie of

all time ($2.9 billion at the box office) and revolutionized 3D

film and CGI technology. James Cameron’s Lightstorm Enter-

tainment mastered motion-capture technology, using a mobile rig of cameras and lights with special software to reconstruct actors’

faces in full motion. This technology allowed engineers to transfer mannerisms and expressions to computer-generated characters.

But the story of agile blue aliens, immense profits, and cinematic innovation does not end there. The 2022 sequel, Avatar:

The Way of Water demanded innovative adaptations — underwater motion-capture technology. Developed by James Cameron and his team, it involved shooting both under and at the surface of the water to capture the actors’ movements and emotions. They built two immersive sets: one to film aquatic action, the other to capture surface interactions. The actors wore markers that reflected light, which were tracked by a system that captured their motion.

In order to film underwater, the water needed to be crystal clear to avoid interfering with the markers, so scuba gear was not an option. Instead, the actors had to learn how to swim and dive properly. The resulting motion capture data was then used to create computer-generated Na’vi characters and scenes that look and feel realistic.

The sequel’s hard work paid off, becoming the third-largest box-office-grossing movie of all time, amassing an impressive $2.3 billion. VFX supervisor Richard Baneham took pride in preserving the actors’ performances, ensuring their integrity successfully reached the screen.

What’s next for Lightstorm? Avatar 3, 4, and 5, of course!

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COURTESY ILM

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ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

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features

A CLOSER LOOK AT

MARS NASA’s latest rover brings us ever closer to setting foot on Mars.

A

lmost 60 years of NASA missions to Mars have brought us within view of people actually setting foot on the planet to see what

rover is conducting a continuous series of experi-

person. From fly-bys to satellites to landers and

ments — taking subsurface geological samples

rovers, generations of engineers have designed

to look for signs of life, seeking evidence of water,

and created an amazing series of tools and tech-

and testing methods for producing oxygen on

nologies that have brought Mars’s past and pres-

the surface that people might one day be able

ent to life in front of our very eyes.

to breathe.

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The earliest missions helped us map the planet

All the while, it is transmitting enormous vol-

and track its weather. Landing increasingly sophis-

umes of data back to earth that have given us the

ticated scientific instruments on the surface has

most colorful, fine-grained view of the Martian

taught us about the history and chemical composi-

landscape that we have ever seen. And Persever-

tion of the Martian rocks and sand both above and

ance also brought a small helicopter to Mars,

below ground.

which it has launched and landed more than 50

The latest mission — landing the Perseverance

times on its winding path in and around the crater.

rover in an ancient lakebed — marks an incredible

Every new mission to Mars has allowed us to

leap towards figuring out how to make human ex-

see more widely and deeply into the planet’s his-

ploration of Mars a reality. Depositing Persever-

tory and current circumstances. Perseverance has

ance in this ancient lakebed, the Jezero Crater,

brought us closer than ever to seeing the planet

was like programming and propelling a dart to go

with our own eyes. It is almost a sure thing that

from Washington, DC, to a bull’s-eye in Dallas.

among the engineering and science majors of to-

Perseverance is about the size of a small car,

day are the first people who will set foot on Mars

and since landing in early 2021, it has traveled

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over 12 miles from where it touched down. The

our nearby red neighbor looks like up close and in

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one upcoming tomorrow.

COURTESY NASA

This composite panoramic image, shot by NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover on April 8, 2023, shows the “Marker Band Valley” colorized and at different times of day.

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ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

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features

Healthier Urban Living New York City builds a new model of urban housing with rooftop gardens and solar panels.

O

ne of the most critical and exciting engineering frontiers is urban planning. Critical, because we know the percentage of city-dwellers is increasing and that providing shelter, energy, and food for our planet’s total population has negative impacts on our environment. Exciting, because there are so many possibilities for creativity.

City living is expensive, and nowhere more so than in New York City.

The city’s lower-income residents often cannot afford to live near work, grocery stores, or healthcare facilities, so they must spend time and money getting where they need to go.

A new project in the Bronx is changing lives, however. Via Verde, which means “The Green Way,” is a 300,000-square-foot development with 222 new and affordable homes that were designed with health and

sustainability in mind. Along with affordable homes for rent and to buy, there is a healthcare center and pharmacy within the development, and residents can walk to grocery stores. The project is also near a subway station.

Hundreds of solar panels provide energy to the complex, reducing the residents’ electricity bills. Rooftop gardens dissipate heat and absorb rainwater runoff while giving space to grow fruits and vegetables, as well as to relax and to gather socially. Natural daylighting and cross-ventilation improve indoor air quality.

True to its name, there are green spaces galore. Rooftops connect so residents can stroll around up in the air, and walkways create a big park.

The project set a new standard for green affordable housing and shows the power of thoughtful engineering to transform low-income housing.

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COURTESY DAVID SUNDBERG / ESTO

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features 32

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Hands-On Engineering Engineering technology offers an opportunity to work on site and bring designs to life.

S

But, in order for this theoretically ideal car to make it from the engineers’ computer screens to the showroom floor, manufacturers need to identify and source materials that can be used for the design.

Assistant Dean Terri Talbert-Hatch of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) observes, “It’s possible to come up with all kinds of cool stuff on a computer, but if there isn’t material that works for that design, where are you?”

“ET’s are literally hands on, researching and finding materials, running experiments, troubleshooting, and doing all that is needed to build the prototype. They are at the computer, too, but they see the final product,” says Talbert-Hatch. Generally, the work of the engineer is based in the office, whereas the work of the ET is based in the field. But, in smaller companies, engineers and ET’s tend to do a lot of the same things. In bigger companies, roles are more distinct and specialized.

So, look into Bachelor of Science programs in both engineering and engineering technology. Many community colleges offer two-year associate’s degrees in engineering technology, along with industry certifications. And if you are not sure which career path is for you, keep in mind that you can change your degree program from engineering to engineering technology more easily than vice versa.

Y P O C W E I V E R o, you think you might want to be an engineer. But you’ve also heard of careers in engineering technology. What’s the difference, anyway?

Engineers and engineering technologists, or ET’s, often work together but have different roles in the design and production of ... pretty much anything! Cars, buildings, transportation networks, and robots start with a design for the functions to be performed and end with an actual product that performs those functions.

Having a good design is essential, and that comes from the engineer. But so is having what’s needed to make the design a reality, and that’s where the ET comes in.

For example, engineers designing a fuel-efficient car will look at many factors — how weight and size affect velocity and how much fuel will be needed to power the car. They think about what the car looks like as well as the aerodynamics that affect fuel consumption. They use principles of physics to determine the engine’s fuel burn rate. Plus there are safety requirements and an electronics system in the mix, as well as special features consumers want. In the end, there is a design.

ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

33

features

GOING GLOBAL

Engineers Without Borders sends teams of students all over the world to help communities solve problems.

E

ngineering offers a rewarding career that combines engaging work with making a positive impact. The best part? You can start making a difference even before you graduate. Engineers Without Borders (EWB) student chapters are at the forefront of this movement, sending teams worldwide to assist communities in tackling real challenges related to water, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Take the EWB chapter at the University of Minnesota Duluth, for example. They embarked on a journey to Nyansakia, Kenya, Kenya where locals often traveled up to six hours round-trip for water, facing water scarcity during certain times. The students aimed to provide a sustainable clean water solution year-round. Their solution involved creating a gravity-fed water distribution system. Through a borehole and pump connected to a tank, water will flow to strategically placed tap stands around the community, enabling residents to access water within just 30 minutes. Construction started in early 2023.

Students shoulder various responsibilities on university teams, from securing funding through grant proposals to engaging with locals to identify needs and survey potential construction sites. Importantly, this process doesn’t involve imposing solutions from above.

Instead, it begins by understanding the community’s perspective on what’s needed. This is achieved through collaboration with local non-governmental organizations and conversations with residents.

Across 160 universities nationwide, EWB chapters collaborate with communities in 45 countries. At its core, EWB prioritizes community engagement and skill development. By actively involving engineering students and professionals, chapter activities foster a sense of social responsibility while providing hands-on experience. This approach benefits both the communities they serve and the budding engineers they cultivate, creating a reciprocal impact that empowers all parties involved.

Nuevo Loreto, Peru

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Bolivia

COURTESY ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS

EWB-Sonoma County - Water - Nuevo Loreto, Peru - The engineers and villagers _pull together_ to add protective fencing around their new rainwater drinking system.

La Libertad, Peru Kenya

Kenya Thailand

Rwanda Panama

ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

35

getting in strategies

PLANNING AHEAD L

et’s say you’ve decided to apply to engineering

students have the right stuff. So, joining a robotics com-

schools. Here’s your checklist: A strong academic

petition though FIRST or Vex is a good idea. Plus, it’s fun!

record and good SAT scores. Heartfelt letters of rec-

ommendation from teachers. A well-written essay. But how can you set yourself apart from other students?

First, show your interest in engineering by taking preengineering courses like those offered by Project Lead the Way, if your school offers them.

Marian M. Nicoletti, senior associate director of Trans-

36

Don’t overlook Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The scouts who achieve the highest ranks — Eagle Scout or Gold Award — will have worked on a substantial community service project, which Nicoletti says, is “looked at very favorably.”

But any kind of community service is a plus. Examples include: volunteering as a Big Brother or Big Sister, tutor-

fer Admissions at the Rochester Institute of Technology,

ing other students, and volunteering in nursing homes.

told us that beyond academics, top engineering schools

Nicoletti also notes that any part-time job is considered

look at extracurricular activities to determine which

good experience. And a big thumbs-up for activities in

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CUT YOUR TUITION BILL If you’re looking for financial aid, start with scholarships at If you’re looking financial aid, start with scholarships at the the schools youfor are interested in attending.

These scholarschools you are interested in generous. attending. These scholarships ships are usually the most But there are alsoare numerous engineering scholarships many sources, such usually the most generous.

But therefrom are also numerous engineeras institutions, orgaingnon-profits, scholarships foundations, from many sources, such asgovernmental non-profits, foundanizations, and corporations.

Ask your high school counselor tions, institutions, governmental organizations, and corporations. to outcounselor more. to help you find out more.

Askhelp youryou highfind school

Amazon Future Engineering Scholarship

Provides students with a $40,000 scholarship and a paid summer internship at Amazon. amazonfutureengineer.com

FIRST Robotics

Up to $100,000 for participants in the FIRST Robotics Competition, 167 scholarships. firstinspires.org/scholarships

Great Minds in STEM, HENAAC Scholars Program Up to $20,000 per year or more for Hispanic students. greatmindsinstem.org

Lockheed Martin STEM scholarship

Provides $10,000 to 200 recipients studying engineering or computer science at a 4 year college or university. https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/communities/stem-education/lm-scholarship-program.html

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering $5 million annually to 1,000 underrepresented minority students. https://www.nacme.org/nacme-scholarships

National Society of Black Engineers

PAYS OFF music, dance, fine arts, sports — whatever you like that you put effort into doing.

Finally, consider taking a free online coding course from code.org or a drawing class that teaches you how to get your ideas onto paper or tablet. These kinds of extras help demonstrate your interests to colleges.

One caveat: “Don’t go overboard,” Nicoletti says, and cram too many extracurricular activities into your life.

That’s a recipe for stress that won’t necessarily impress colleges. When schools say they want well-rounded students, that also means students who know when to chill out and just have fun.

Provides scholarships ranging from $500 to $12,000 per student. Must be an active, paid member. nsbe.org

Regeneron Science Talent Search competition Up to $250,000 in scholarship money for winners. student.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)

A merit-based scholarship, covering all or part of college tuition. Basic military and officer training at or nearby the college in return for an obligation of active military service after graduation. goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/ rotc.html

Science, Mathematics & Research for Transformation Defense Scholarship for Service Program (SMART)

Provides a stipend, full tuition, book allowance, room and board and more. Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old. There is an employment obligation to the Department of Defense with this scholarship program. smartscholarship.org/ SMART

Society of Women Engineers

$1,000 to $16,000 for a range of scholarships. swe.org/scholarships/swe-scholarships/ ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

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options, options

Here are some of the most popular disciplines in engineering. This is not a complete list but a look at the major fields. Multidisciplinary engineering is growing and it’s likely that you will be engaged in coursework that includes several disciplines. Just because you choose a primary field of engineering does not mean you are “locked into” that one field forever!

Aerospace Engineers They design and build airplanes, jet fighters, rockets, space ships, and satellites.

Aerospace engineers work at places like NASA, where they may design rovers to explore distant planets or plan a human colony on the moon. They are also making light-weight airplanes that burn less fuel, keeping the air we breathe cleaner.

Agricultural Engineers They develop new ways to grow, harvest, and distribute high-quality, nutritious food. Agricultural engineers design vertical farms to be built in cities so crops and livestock can be raised where people live, reducing transport costs. They also are figuring out how to grow food using less water and fertilizer, saving resources and keeping the earth healthy.

Wow! Average starting salary for engineers:

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$81,000

Biomedical Engineers

$74,405 38

W E I REV Average starting salary for computer engineers:

They design, build, and test technologies that doctors can use to diagnose and treat patients. They design prosthetics (artificial arms and legs) so athletes who have lost a limb can still run, jump, and swim. They’re creating artificial organs like hearts, kidneys, and livers, and growing tissues like skin and bone.

SOURCES: AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND EMPLOYERS, THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND THE U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR AND STATISTICS

Chemical Engineers They take raw materials and transform them into the things we use every day.

Chemical engineers help develop new formulas for life-saving drugs, strong plastics for our phones, long-lasting paint for buildings, and so much more. They also work to make chemical processes use less energy and generate less waste.

Engineering majors have the highest starting salaries of all college majors — 20% higher than even business majors.

QUICK TIP > Join your school’s robotics team to learn how to program and to practice working in teams.

But don’t worry if you don’t like robotics — there are plenty of other aspects of engineering!

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Civil Engineers They design and build the structures that we live in and travel on — ­­ buildings, roads, canals, and bridges. Civil engineers work on big projects, like hydroelectric dams that produce electricity for an entire region and city subway systems that get large populations from here to there. They also figure out how to use less energy to heat and cool a single structure.

Electrical Engineers They build machines and systems that transmit electricity from where it’s produced to where it’s used. Electrical engineers also apply their know-how to computer systems and electronics, designing microchips to control robots, game consoles, or tablets. They also help develop wind turbines, solar cells, and other renewable energy technologies.

Computer Engineers They design the software and hardware for computers, smartphones, and all the other electronic gadgets we rely on. They help to design video game systems or social media websites, and work on cyber security to protect information. Computer engineers often need to combine electrical engineering and computer science.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY HUAN TRAN

QUICK TIP > Be sure to take four years of math and science in high school, but don’t sideline your English classes!

You need to be able to communicate effectively in college and in the workplace.

ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

39

options, options

QUICK TIP > Get in touch with a local branch of an engineering society to meet with real engineers.

Ask questions to get a feel for what they do.

Manufacturing Engineers They design factories and systems to make all the stuff that people use today — cars, toys, airplanes, and more. Manufacturing engineers help figure out efficiencies, how to get lots of product quickly without sacrificing quality. They also find ways for factories to use less energy and fewer materials, making production processes cheaper and cleaner.

Environmental Engineers They devise solutions to the problems facing us with our air, plants, soil, and water. Environmental engineers design systems to prevent and control pollution and conserve the earth’s resources. They work on new ways to collect and sort waste so that more of it can be recycled.

They are also trying to slow down and cope with the effects of climate change.

W E I V E R

Materials Engineers

They create new substances out of the basic building blocks of matter, sometimes imitating those found in nature. Materials engineers use chemistry and physics to design materials with just the right properties for whatever engineers want to make. Some work with nanotechnology, like carbon nanotubes, to make new types of electronics and medicines.

24% of all engineering degrees awarded in 2022 were in mechanical engineering.

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Mechanical Engineers They design and build all types of machines and products, often using computers to work out their great ideas in 3-D. Mechanical engineers are found in many fields, designing what’s useful — appliances, medical equipment, and cars — and also what’s fun — rollercoasters, cool new gadgets, and more.

The school that issued the most engineering degrees in 2022 was Georgia Tech with:

3,765.

Mining Engineers They develop techniques for getting minerals out of the ground so we have the needed raw materials to make things. Mining engineers may design mines to dig out precious metals like gold or to extract resources like coal and uranium. They also develop ways to dig underground safely without destroying the land above or polluting the water below.

Over 146,000 engineering bachelor’s degrees were awarded in 2022, 20% higher than 5 years ago.

The average annual salary of a nuclear engineer is over

$83,000

Nuclear Engineers

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They design, develop, monitor, and operate nuclear plants used to generate energy. Nuclear engineers may work on the fuel cycle, the production, handling, and use of nuclear fuel, as well as its safe disposition. They may also develop the nuclear imaging technology used to diagnose and treat medical problems.

Ocean Engineers They design and build marine vessels, whether ships that sail on the water’s surface or submarines that navigate the depths. Ocean engineers also design marine structures, like floating oil rigs and offshore wind farms. They work on solving problems of beach erosion and water pollution, such as the trash from our throw-aways.

Systems Engineers They think about the big picture, figuring out how to manage complex projects involving people, processes, goods, and information. Systems engineers often need deep knowledge about many different areas, as well as analytical and organizational skills. They work in a wide variety of fields, such as transportation, the military, manufacturing, and software.

QUICK TIP > Apply for summer internships or apprenticeships with firms in your field of interest.

A little experience early on can really influence your ultimate career choice.

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41

teamwork

In the real world, engineers often work in teams. Students do the same at engineering programs across the country. Teamwork teaches valuable communication skills and prepares students to face future challenges. Whether it’s community outreach and service, or developing super-fast racing cars, team projects offer students lots of exciting opportunities. Here are a few examples:

Driving in the Super-Fast Lane Every year, engineering students across the U.S. compete in Formula SAE race car design competitions at speedways in Lincoln, Neb., or Brooklyn, Mich. Each student team designs, builds, and tests a prototype, following competition rules to ensure on-track safety (the students drive the cars) and promote clever problem-solving. Students are allowed to receive advice and feedback from professional engineers and school faculty but must do all car design themselves. In 2023, the University of Illinois took first place in a competitive field of 120 teams.

Over the past several years, the U of I team — made up of mechanical science and engineering students —has established itself as the top team in the country.

W E I V E R Building Partnerships Research deals between companies and universities are at an all-time high. Companies seek access to the best scientific and engineering minds, and universities are happy to have funding to provide students important real-world research experience.

Argonne National Laboratories, for example, collaborates with numerous universities on research into energy, materials science, engineering, and more. A recent collaboration with professors and students in the materials science and engineering department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison led to the invention of a unique tool to see how tiny crystals of new materials form and grow in real time. This unique method will help find materials useful for electronics, optics, and magnets—a definite win-win.

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Racing in Concrete

Doing Good Work— and Getting Credit The EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service) program founded at Purdue University is an innovative initiative that connects engineering students with real-world challenges facing local and global communities. It encourages students to apply their technical skills to address societal needs and make a difference in people’s lives. Purdue’s success with the program has led to the creation of EPICS programs in engineering schools nationwide.

Students work in teams on projects that span various domains, including healthcare, environment, education, and more. These projects are proposed and developed in collaboration with community partners, ensuring that the solutions are relevant and beneficial to the intended recipients. Since 2009, EPICS has facilitated over 180 projects in over 30 countries, impacting more than 291,000 people.

EPICS focuses on experiential learning, providing hands-on experience in project management, teamwork, and communication while honing engineering abilities. The program fosters a culture of giving back and instills social responsibility, inspiring students to use their expertise for the greater good. Witnessing the direct impact of their projects on people’s lives, students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of their engineering work’s broader implications.

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PHOTOS COURTESY THE SCHOOLS

Every year, teams of engineering students from across the U.S. and Canada do the seemingly impossible: make concrete float.

Sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Concrete Canoe Competition allows civil engineering students to gain hands-on, practical experience by working with concrete mix designs to build a working boat. Expanding student understanding of the versatility of materials is important, but so is building teamwork and project management skills. In 2023, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (pictured), beat out 19 other teams for first place. Youngtown State took second place.

Connecting With Kids The United States Naval Academy is committed to inspiring more kids to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). A recent “Girls Only STEM Day” drew middle-school girls who designed and built a catapult launch-and-capture system to simulate delivering humanitarian aid under adverse conditions such as natural disasters and wartime. Other USNA-hosted events include summer STEM programs, outreach trips to locations like Hawaii and San Diego, an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) program, robotics competitions, and much more. Attend the Naval Academy, and you could be part of it!

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43

support

REACHING THE GOAL OK,

let’s be real. The engineering profession is dominated by white males. Always has been. But that’s

not its future. The profession is embracing diversity — not only because that’s the right thing to do, but because it’s essential to quality engineering. As David C. Munson, former dean of the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering, explains: “Diverse teams produce better answers, and there’s research to back that up.” The American Society

Engineering schools are working hard to attract and retain women and minorities.

for Engineering Education (ASEE) agrees: “We learn from those whose experiences, be-

ferent from our own.” Moreover, as Munson says, to keep America competitive, “we cannot

continue to draw students from

only a quarter of the population.

Accordingly, America’s engineering schools are making big efforts to recruit and enroll more stu-

dents from underrepresented groups. Engineering

schools now typically host a wide variety of groups — such as the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers — that offer women and minority students support and guidance.

So if you think engineering is where you belong, you’re right — no matter who you are or where you’re from.

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While engineering continues to be a white male dominated field, the number of degrees earned by women over the last few years has now risen to 24 percent of the total degrees awarded.

Hispanic degrees awarded have also shown small increases. Degrees awarded to African Americans have remained relatively flat and total just under 5 percent. Many universities are committed to reaching out to minority groups and women, and some host summer camps and other opportunities for high school students.

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liefs, and perspectives are dif-

That makes no sense at all.”

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ENGINEERING, BY THE NUMBERS

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SCHOOLS THAT GRADUATE THE MOST WOMEN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Georgia Institute of Technology University of Michigan Purdue University Texas A&M University University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign University of California, Irvine University of California, Berkeley University of Florida Virginia Polytechnic Institute University of Alabama in Huntsville

SOURCE: AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION, 2021 DATA

ON-CAMPUS SUPPORT Engineering schools have many groups that support women and minorities in their pursuit of an engineering degree. Here are some examples:

American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) builds community while

bridging science and technology with traditional Native values. Opportunities for American Indians and Native Alaskans to pursue studies in science, engineering, and other arenas.

Great Minds in STEM (GMIS) offers scholar-

ships and through its college captains program reaches out into local communities to attract minorities to engineering.

National Organization for Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) provides education, advocacy, pro-

fessional development, and peer support for both students and faculty.

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

SCHOOLS THAT GRADUATE THE MOST AFRICAN-AMERICANS

Y P CO 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

North Carolina A&T State University Georgia Institute of Technology University of Maryland, College Park University of Maryland, Baltimore County Morgan State University Prairie View A & M University FAMU¬FSU College of Engineering Kennesaw State University George Mason University University of Central Florida

SCHOOLS THAT GRADUATE THE MOST HISPANICS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus 673 Florida International University Texas A&M University University of Central Florida University of Texas at El Paso University of Texas at San Antonio University of Florida California State Polytechnic University, Pomona University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Arizona State University

helps students excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community through NSBE-sponsored career fairs and other events.

Society of Advancing Chicanos and Native Americans in Sciences (SACNAS) offers social and technical events that enhance and realize the potential of Hispanics in engineering, math, and science.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) offers social and technical events that

promote and enhance the potential of Hispanics in engineering, math, and science.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE) awards

scholarships, offers competitions and job and internship searchresources, and runs an annual awards ceremony.

Women Engineers Rise (WERise) provides

social connection, mentoring, advising, and tutoring for women in science and engineering.

Programs include academic support, Bridge, the WiSE Conference, and the Pre-Major and Pre-Professional programs.

Women in STEM (WiSTEM) empowers and encourages high school girls through a wide variety of programs to be a part of the movement to increase female representation in STEM.

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entrepreneurship

Start Your Own Business Engineering school can teach you strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in business.

and is recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America. In 2023 Bowe received a $947 million government contract to further

A

scale and grow STEMBoard. Beyond technology, the

space engineering, and became a mission engineer

brace careers in STEM. “I’ve dedicated my life to help-

at NASA. But she didn’t stop there.

ing people break stereotypes,” said Bowe. She raised

isha Bowe ignored the advice of her guidance

organization conducts educational workshops to in-

counselor, who suggested a career in cosme-

troduce historically underrepresented youth to vital

tology. “Deep down, I knew I wanted some-

concepts like coding and engineering.

thing more for myself.” Instead, she pursued aero-

W E I V E R Indeed, her passion is empowering students to em-

Her educational journey started at Washtenaw

$2 million in venture capital to fund LINGO, a self-

Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where

paced coding kit for students. More than 5,000 stu-

she studied mathematics. She then obtained an un-

dents, from middle school to college-age, have bene-

dergraduate and master’s degrees in aerospace engi-

fitted from LINGO’s easily understandable method of

neering at the University of Michigan. “From a young

learning technical concepts. These kits are readily

age, I thought there was no way I could go to a four-

available at retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Tar-

year university or do anything ambitious — but I found

get. As she succinctly puts it, “Social good and profit-

out that all those things just weren’t true,” she says.

ability are not mutually exclusive business drivers.”

While she was a rock star rocket scientist, entre-

In 2024, she’s set to be part of the first all-African-

preneurship was something that called out to her. She

American women spaceflight crew, assembled by

says, “I wanted to have exposure to running my own

Blue Origin, a private spaceflight company founded

business and working with nonprofits and on techni-

by Jeff Bezos. Her flight comes just over 30 years af-

cal things I enjoyed...It really came to a head when I

ter NASA astronaut Mae Jemison made history as the

identified a mentor who was a business leader that

first Black woman to travel to space in 1992, with four

had walked a similar path and was willing to mentor

other Black women astronauts since following in her

me in the transition.”

footsteps.

Bowe founded STEMBoard, a tech company that

46

a highly successful company with millions in revenue

Aisha Bowe’s creative efforts show how much she

specializes in data analytics and IT modernization for

cares about sparking curiosity, promoting diversity,

both government and private-sector clients. It is now

and making a big difference in the world of STEM.

START-ENGINEERING.COM

COURTESY AISHA BOWE

Y P CO

ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

47

schools & data

SCHOOLS THAT AWARD THE MOST EN

Y P O C W E I REV

AEROSPACE

1. Purdue University 2. University of Central Florida 3. Georgia Institute of Technology 4. Embry Riddle, Daytona Beach 5. University of Colorado Boulder 6. Virginia Polytechnic Institute 7. Texas A&M University 8. Iowa State University 9. University of Maryland, College Park 10. The University of Texas at Austin

University of Illinois

BIOMEDICAL

1. Georgia Institute of Technology 2. University of California, San Diego 3. Texas A&M University 4. North Carolina State University 5. Boston University 6. University of California, Irvine 7. University of Wisconsin, Madison 8. University of Maryland, College Park 9. University of Michigan 10. University of Virginia

CHEMICAL

1. Texas A&M University 2. Georgia Institute of Technology 3. Purdue University 4. University of Texas at Austin 5. Ohio State University 6. University of Alabama 7. University of Illinois, Urbana –Champaign 8. Colorado School of Mines 9. Arizona State University 10. Pennsylvania State University

Georgia Institute of Technology

CIVIL

1. California State Polytechnic, Pomona 2. Virginia Polytechnic Institute 3. Texas A&M University 4. Pennsylvania State University 5. University of Illinois, Urbana –Champaign 6. New Jersey Institute of Technology 7. Purdue University 8. California State University, Long Beach 9. California State University, Sacramento 10. Iowa State University

48

START-ENGINEERING.COM

Purdue University

UC Berkeley

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY THE SCHOOLS

GINEERING DEGREES, BY DISCIPLINE Texas A&M

University of Maryland

INDUSTRIAL / MANUFACTURING

1. University of California, Berkeley 2. Georgia Institute of Technology 3. Purdue University 4. Texas A&M University 5. Virginia Polytechnic Institute 6. University of Michigan 7. Pennsylvania State University 8. Arizona State University 9. Clemson University 10. University of Illinois, Urbana –Champaign

MECHANICAL

1. Georgia Institute of Technology 2. Iowa State University 3. University of Central Florida 4. Purdue University 5. Texas A&M University 6. University at Buffalo, SUNY 7. Virginia Polytechnic Institute 8. University of Florida 9. University of Alabama 10. University of Maryland, College Park

North Carolina State University

ELECTRICAL

1. Arizona State University 2. Texas A&M University 3. University of Illinois, Urbana –Champaign 4. Pennsylvania State University 5. Purdue University 6. University of California, San Diego 7. North Carolina State University 8. Georgia Institute of Technology 9. California State Polytechnic,Pomona 10. California Polytechnic, San Luis Obispo

COMPUTER

University of Florida

1. University of Illinois, Urbana –Champaign 2. Iowa State University 3. Purdue University 4. Virginia Polytechnic Institute 5. Texas A&M University 6. Georgia Institute of Technology 7. North Carolina State University 8. Northeastern University 9. San Jose State University 10. University of Central Florida

NOTE: ALL DATA IS FROM THE 2022 SCHOOL YEAR, LATEST AVAILABLE. SOURCE: AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION.

ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

49

jobs & salaries

IN DEMAND ...

Engineers work at large corporations and established small businesses. They start high-tech companies that power the nation’s economy and can also be found in government agencies. Here are examples of where engineers from different disciplines work.

AEROSPACE

COMPUTER

AGRICULTURAL

ELECTRICAL

BIOMEDICAL

ENVIRONMENTAL

CHEMICAL

MANUFACTURING

OCEAN

CIVIL

MATERIALS

SYSTEMS

BAE Systems, Boeing, Department of Defense and Energy, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Northrop Grumman John Deere, Cargill, Kellogg’s, Weyerhaeuser

Apple, Cisco, Department of Defense, Electronic Arts, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Sophos, Symantec Dassault Systèmes, General Electric, Google, Intel, Micron, Raytheon,

Boston Scientific, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Merck, Pfizer

Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Interior, Roux Associates, Sierra Club, Veolia

Air Products, Bayer, Chevron, Dow, Dupont, Procter & Gamble

General Dynamics, Illinois Tool Works, Raytheon, Toyota

Bechtel, CH2M Hill, CSX, Department of Transportation, Fluor, U.S. Army Corps of Engineering

Alcoa, General Motors, Kimberly Clark, Nike, 3M, Under Armour, Unilever

Pfizer

MECHANICAL

BMW, Caterpillar, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Walt Disney World

W E I REV MINING & PETROLEUM APA Corp., BP, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Ingersoll-Rand, Schlumberger, Shell Oil

NUCLEAR

Babcock & Wilcox, Constellation Energy, Los Alamos National Lab, Westinghouse Electric Deep Ocean Engineering, GEC, Department of Defense

FedEx, Rockwell Automation, Royal Caribbean, United Airlines, UPS

Lockheed Martin

Google

Dassault 50

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Boeing ALL PHOTOS COURTESY THE COMPANIES OR ORGANIZATIONS

AND WELL PAID Engineering graduates across disciplines are among the highest-paid students coming out of college—20% higher than even business majors. Petroleum engineers earn the most due to the global demand for oil and gas, but market conditions could always change.

Y P O C W AVERAGE SALARIES

TOP-PAID MAJORS

DISCIPLINE STARTING SALARY

MAJOR STARTING SALARY

Engineering

$74,405

Computer Science

$72,843

Math & Science

$67,199

Business

$62,069

Social Sciences

$60,107

Agriculture

$59,282

Communications

$58,097

Humanities

$52,938

Petroleum Engineering

$117,000

Marine Engineering

$90,000

Nuclear Engineering

$83,000

Computer Engineering

$81,000

Chemical Engineering

$79,000

Electrical Engineering

$77,000

Mining Engineering

$75,000

Mechanical Engineering

$75,000

Aerospace Engineering

$73,000

SOURCES: US CENSUS BUREAU, BIG ECONOMICS, 2022 DATA

Start Engineering Publisher: Robert F. Black Creative Director: Stacie A. Harrison

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VP, Learning and Communications: Eric Iversen Editors/Writers: Thomas K. Grose, Stacie Harrison, Eric Iversen, and Catherine P. Lincoln If you’d like to purchase more engineering career guides, go to: http://start-engineering.com/shop/

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© 2024 by Start Engineering www.start-engineering.com

SOURCE: AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND EMPLOYERS

ENGINEERING CAREER GUIDE

51

Find out today where a degree in engineering could take you tomorrow.

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