Top Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and commercial applications.
Engineers design products, machinery to build those products, factories in which those products are made, and the systems that ensure the quality of the product and efficiency of the workforce and manufacturing process.
Engineers design, plan, and supervise the construction of buildings, highways, and transit systems. They develop and implement improved ways to extract, process, and use raw materials, such as petroleum and natural gas.
They develop new materials that both improve the performance of products and help implement advances in technology. They harness the power of the sun, the Earth, atoms, and electricity for use in supplying the a country’s power needs, and create millions of products using power.
Engineering knowledge is applied to improving many things, including the quality of health care, the safety of food products, and the efficient operation of financial systems.
Many engineering graduates today, enhance their career prospects by going in for a management course after the completion of their engineering studies. This gives them a tremendous advantage when entering industry to take up production, finance, or even marketing careers.
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An engineer's work begins at the desk or drawing board, planning, sketching and drawing technical outlines of projects. At the stage of conceptualisation, some imagination combined with technical knowledge is needed. Often engineers work in a team in order to conceive and plan a project. Once the plan is approved, they organise and supervise the implementing of the project.
Field or factory or site work is part of an engineer's life in most branches of engineering. Those who are engaged in research and development, however, spend most of their working hours in conceiving new methods, processes and techniques at their desks or boards. These engineers have to use their imagination and technical knowledge to solve practical problems and provide a better standard of life to mankind.
The main work an engineer does, however, is to design and develop economical and efficient products. They design and test components and fit them in an integrated pattern. They also have to determine the overall effectiveness, cost, reliability and safety.
Engineers qualify and specialise in different branches of engineering and involve themselves in the work exclusive to their area of specialisation.
Engineers also work in maintenance, production, or testing. They test products for quality control and supervise production units. Today, however, many engineers opt for engineering management or sales where their engineering background facilitates the marketing process and installation planning.
Some engineers design industrial machinery and equipment, while others may be involved in consumer goods, electrical, electronic equipment or construction of highways, buildings, dams and bridges.
Engineers in defence design equipment and weapon systems, while a bio-medical engineer works to apply engineering techniques for the manufacture of medical equipment.
Many engineering graduates, after a basic degree, may pursue post-graduate programmes in specialised fields followed by research; begin enterpreneurial ventures or study business management.
Engineers consider many factors when developing a new product. For example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers determine precisely what function the robot needs to perform; design and test the robot’s components; fit the components together in an integrated plan; and evaluate the design’s overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. This process applies to many different products, such as chemicals, computers, gas turbines, helicopters, and toys.
In addition to design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance. These engineers supervise production in factories, determine the cause of breakdowns, and test manufactured products to maintain quality. They also estimate the time and cost to complete projects.
Some work in engineering management or in sales, where an engineering background enables them to discuss technical aspects and assist in product planning, installation, and use.
Most engineers specialise. More than 25 major specialities are recognised by professional societies, and the major branches have numerous subdivisions. Some examples include structural, environmental and transportation engineering, which are subdivisions of civil engineering; and ceramic, metallurgical, and polymer engineering, which are subdivisions of materials engineering. Engineers may also specialise in one industry such as motor vehicles or in one field of technology, such as jet engines or semiconductor materials.