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What Are the Different Types of Engineers and Which Should You Hire?

“Engineering” is a broad term that refers to anything about design and the use of machines and systems. There are over 300 different types of engineering degrees. Every day, engineers create the items and properties we rely on to live our lives.

It’s no surprise that the demand for engineers is increasing. Job sites predict over 145,000 new engineering jobs will arrive between now and 2030. Engineers are problem-solvers and doers of all things technical.

Each type has its specialties, which can help you determine what projects they will work best. Read on to learn more about the types of engineers and which might be right for you.

What are The Different Types of Engineers?

Engineering careers vary. Some engineers work with manufacturing details, while others handle construction or food processing. Assessing how to choose an engineer will depend on the job you need. Below are descriptions of the five basic types of engineers.

Civil Engineers

Civil engineering is one of the oldest types of engineers. A civil engineer handles city and country infrastructure. Civil engineers work with the government to construct roads, bridges, dams, and buildings.

Their job is to ensure buildings withstand environmental hazards like hurricanes or earthquakes. A civil engineer will also oversee things like water usage and subway construction. Without them, our cities would not exist.

Mechanical Engineers

The difference between a civil vs. mechanical engineer is that mechanical engineers focus on a specific product. A mechanical engineer deal with the creation and development of an item. They also oversee and work with the machines that make the products. 

It is one of the most diverse branches of engineering. Mechanical engineers work in fields including: aerospace, robotics, automotive, nanotech, and computer-aided design.  It takes creativity, analytical, and problem-solving skills to make a mechanical engineer.

If you have a design idea for a product, you need a strong team of mechanical engineers to make it happen.

Electrical Engineers

The electrical engineer deals with all things related to electric-powered technology. Electrical engineers work with electrical components, devices, and systems. You can tip your hat to their craft whenever you listen to the radio or watch tv.

Electrical engineers are the modern Thomas Edison’s of the world. They develop equipment like power generators, batteries, motors, and other electronics. Without them, our world would be dark.

Industrial Engineers

Industrial engineers combine science and mathematics to make buildings, equipment, and information systems. These engineers assist businesses by deciding the factors of a project. The factors include: how many workers it needs, the duration, and the processes required.

Industrial engineers test and improve production by eliminating waste and improving efficiency. These engineers work with vendors and staff to understand the ins and outs of a project. The best part about industrial engineers is that they can work in almost any field.

Industrial engineers can work in healthcare, finance, technology, or even entertainment.

Chemical Engineers

Chemical engineers work in architecture, pharmaceuticals, biologicals, and energy sectors. They can also work with fuel or food production. Because of their name, a chemical engineer must be able to work with chemical elements in a lab.

These engineers apply their knowledge to the commercial production of products. It’s their job to ensure and develop safety protocols, while adhering to environmental and state regulations. A chemical engineer will also test, assess, and troubleshoot any existing equipment.

Other Types of Engineers

While those are the main five types of engineers, there are many more in the industry. Here are more specific types of engineers.

  • Biomedical
  • Computer Hardware
  • Environmental
  • Marine
  • Materials
  • Mining and Geological
  • Nuclear
  • Petroleum

The more specific the branch of engineering, the more specific the engineers set of skills will be. With so many options, you are bound to find the one you need for your project.

What Type of Engineer Should I Hire?

Because there are so many types of engineers, find the right one for your next project can be challenging. Each type of engineer has a unique set of skills to provide for your company. Use this guide to help you decide.

Know the Type of Work You Need

To ensure you hire the right engineer, you need to understand the details of the job or project. An electrical engineer will not help you if you are on a construction site. Familiarize yourself the different types to help guide you in the right direction.

Narrow down what skills your project requires and find an engineer that has those skills. You may find that your project needs over one type of engineer to be successful. Be sure to recognize the multiple facets within your project.

It will help you find the best engineer for the job. There are also companies that help you determine the engineer best suited for your project.

Understand Salary Expectations

Consider an engineers degree, skill set, and experience to determine their pay. Engineers with more experience will want more compensation. Have knowledge of the starting salary of the types of engineers you hire.

The average salaries for the main engineering disciplines in the United States are:

  • Civil: $88,000
  • Mechanical: $90,000
  • Electrical: $103,000
  • Industrial: $106,000
  • Chemical: $108,000

You can opt to look for contract-to-hire candidates if you want to save on the company budget. These engineers will fill short-term positions where you need them on a project. Plus, you can save money by not having to pay for long-term employment.

Find the Best Types of Engineers for Your Next Project

There are several types of engineers ready to help make your project successful. Hire the right one without the hassle of working with PEforHire. We’ll save you time and money by finding you the perfect professional engineer you need for your long or short-term project.

Contact us today to fill out a request form and get a free quote!

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