Engineer Career Guide

Engineers are essential problem-solvers who apply their scientific and technical expertise to design, build, and maintain systems, devices, and structures across various industries. 

Some of the best engineering roles can be found in sectors like oil & gas, mining, renewables, and technology. While many job boards show  full-time positions, engineers are also in high demand for contract work engineering. Project-based engineering roles offer flexibility and competitive pay in an already lucrative market. 

In this career guide, we'll break down the basics of an engineering role - from jobs description to compensation, with insights from our recruitment team.

The day-to-day of an engineer varies vastly from one discipline to the next. Individual roles and companies also have unique scopes of work. Generally, however, engineers can expect to see the following on their to-do lists: 
 

Design and Development:

• Creating blueprints and models for systems or products.
• Testing prototypes to ensure functionality and compliance with safety standards.

Project Management:

• Overseeing project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Leading teams of engineers and technicians to deliver successful outcomes.

Testing and Analysis:

• Conducting tests to verify system performance and safety.
• Analyzing data and optimizing designs to meet project requirements.

Problem Solving:

• Identifying issues in systems or processes and developing solutions.
• Implementing improvements to boost efficiency and safety.

Collaboration:

• Working with cross-functional teams, including clients, technicians, and management.
• Communicating technical details to stakeholders, ensuring project goals are met.

When looking for your next engineering role, it's important to consider work setting. Most engineers can expect to be on-site at least some of the time in various industries. The most common work locations include:

Corporate Offices:

Managing projects and technical documentation in an office environment.

Work Site:

Engineers in fields like mining, construction, or oil & gas may work on-site, overseeing installations, testing, or inspections.

Laboratories or Research Facilities:

Engineers in R&D or quality assurance roles may spend time in specialized labs testing new technologies.

Types of Companies

Almost all industries require the input of engineering roles. Finding a lane to work in as an engineer is crucial to job satisfaction. 

Here are a few examples of companies that Brunel works with to place engineers in permanent or project-based roles and some examples of disciplines they might expect to work:

Oil & Gas:

Engineers in this sector manage facility development, production and transport systems, with a focus on safety and environmental standards.

Mining:

Mining engineers optimize resource extraction, ensure safety, and manage site operations, designing efficient equipment and overseeing extraction methods.

Renewable Energy:

Engineers develop and refine systems for solar, wind, and hydropower, playing a critical role in the sustainable energy transition.

Healthcare:

Biomedical engineers develop cutting-edge medical devices that improve patient outcomes.

Technical Responsibilities:

• Design and Prototyping: Creating technical specifications for new products or systems.
• Testing and Validation: Ensuring that designs meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards.
• Compliance: Adhering to industry-specific safety and environmental standards.

Managerial Responsibilities:

• Project Oversight: Managing project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working with diverse teams to meet project goals.

Communication and Documentation:

• Reporting: Preparing detailed technical reports and presentations.
• Client Interaction: Communicating progress and technical solutions to clients.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in a given discipline is standard in attaining an engineering role.
• Professional Certifications: Certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license can enhance career prospects and credibility. Companies offer higher compensation for those with more than just an undergraduate degree.

Experience:

• Entry-Level (1-3 years): Typically involves internships or junior positions focused on hands-on learning.
• Mid-Level (4-7 years): Mid-level engineers take on more responsibilities, often managing small teams or projects.
• Senior-Level (8-10+ years): Senior engineers lead large-scale projects and provide technical direction.

Skills:

• Technical Knowledge: Expertise in industry-specific tools, systems, and processes.
• Project Management: Ability to manage teams, budgets, and timelines.
• Communication: Clear communication for translating technical concepts to stakeholders.
• Problem Solving: Developing innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Engineering is among the highest-paying professions, especially in sectors like energy and mining. 

Contract work, or project-based engineering jobs can offer higher hourly rates and the flexibility to work on a variety of projects. This is partially due to job permanence. Recruitment agencies also fight for fairer compensation on behalf of the employee to ensure all bases are covered from time off, to work setting negotiations.

Here's a rough estimate for US engineer compensation. These numbers can vary significantly by location, discipline, and other factors. 
 

• Entry-Level Engineer: $60,000 - $80,000 annually (or $30 - $40 per hour)
• Mid-Level Engineer: $80,000 - $110,000 annually (or $38 - $53 per hour)
• Senior-Level Engineer: $110,000 - $150,000+ annually (or $53 - $75+ per hour)

A career in engineering offers diverse opportunities across industries like mining, renewable energy, and oil & gas. Engineers solve complex technical challenges and drive innovation, making it one of the best-paying engineering jobs available. The demand for engineers in both traditional and contract roles continues to grow, making it an attractive career for those seeking long-term employment or high-paying project-based opportunities.