Engineering jobs

Engineering Jobs Overview

Where would the world be without skilled scientists and mathematicians to solve our most pressing problems? From agriculture to aerospace, engineers devise strategies to fix faulty systems and help industries operate more efficiently. Engineering jobs are available to college-educated candidates with the right credentials in their field.

As an engineer, you're responsible for creating the blueprint behind every major project and idea. The role of an engineer differs by industry. For example, as a civil engineer, you would plan and oversee infrastructural projects. As a mechanical engineer, you would work with machines, tools, engines, and mechanical and thermal sensors.

If you're ready to narrow your search, you can look for specific jobs in the following positions:

• architecture jobs
• mechanical engineering jobs
• civil engineering jobs
• biomedical engineering jobs

Engineer Education and Skills

The educational requirements you need for an engineering job depend on which industry you plan on working in. Most engineering roles require at least a bachelor's degree, but employers in some industries may prefer candidates who have a master's degree. While not required, having a Professional Engineering (PE) license can give you the competency you need to succeed in your field. The National Society of Professional Engineers offers directions on how to obtain your PE license.

In addition to the requisite education, engineering employers usually look for the following skills and qualities:

• Analytical skills.
• Creativity and critical thinking skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Technical skills.
• Advanced math skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Experience with industry-specific software (for example, AutoCAD for mechanical engineers).

To learn more about what to expect at an engineering job, see Monster's job description samples for mechanical engineers, architectural professionals, and civil engineers. Or, you can read up on how to become a biomedical engineer.

Update Your Engineer Resume

Before hitting the apply button, make sure your engineering resume is up to date. Think of your resume as a marketing tool that clearly defines your skills and background. Your resume should be clean, concise, and error free. See Monster's resume tips for engineers to learn how to give your resume the boost it needs. You can also learn how to properly format your resume by referring to our sample resume for mechanical engineers.

Many employers will ask you to submit a cover letter with your resume. Even if it's not required, a well-written cover letter can help you stand out from the competition. You can use our mechanical engineer cover letter sample to learn how to format your cover letter and decide which information to include.

Interviewing for an Engineering Job

Your resume and cover letter say a lot about you, but a potential employer will want to dig deeper during an interview. Depending on which industry you're entering, interview questions can get very specific. To help you prepare, Monster has an article with examples of questions engineering employers may ask, such as:

• Are you keeping pace technically and technologically?
• What software do you really know?
• Can you solve problems with your hands as well as your head?

How Much Do Engineering Jobs Pay?

As an engineer, you can expect to be paid well. But the amount of money you make depends on your location, industry, and experience level. For example, mechanical engineers in the U.S. earn a median yearly salary of $80,987. Architects make a median of $86,001 per year. To find out for yourself, simply enter your job type and location into Monster's Salary Tools. You'll also see a list of U.S. metro areas where engineers are in high demand, as well as salaries for similar positions.

Want to Learn More About a Company You're Interested In?

Want to find out more about a company before applying? Get a glimpse by searching Monster's company profiles. Here, you'll find the company's headquarters, locations, size, job openings, and benefits.

Sign Up With Monster to Engineer Your Job Search

Are you ready to start applying for engineering jobs? If so, join Monster to set up your profile and upload your resume. You'll also get free, customized job alerts whenever a new engineering position matches your profile.