Engineering Technology Pathways Career Opportunity: Professional Engineer
My Story
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-Taylor Fields
CAD/CAM
Description
Professional engineers solve problems that allow ideas to be safely and economically manufactured or built. All engineers specialize in a particular field such as civil, mechanical, electrical, computer or other areas. Common projects include planning and designing structures, transportation systems, dams, power plants, electrical components, computer hardware, rockets, engines, airplanes and cars. A Professional Engineering License (PE) is required in some positions.
Working environment
Professional engineers usually work in an office environment, with frequent visits to manufacturing or construction sites. Most engineering positions are full-time, working a standard 40 hours a week. Engineers’ work day usually runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with occasional overtime. Depending on the company, engineers may be allowed to work flexible hours or work from home. Travel requirements also depend on the company; some engineers travel extensively, while others travel rarely if at all.
Job duties
Professional engineers blend education, analysis and creativity to solve problems, design products and develop processes.
Meet with clients and other design professionals to define project requirements
Develop creative and economical solutions to difficult problems
Research regulations, specifications, material properties and other aspects of a project
Provide calculations and technical support for design projects
Oversee technicians, drafters and construction or manufacturing staff
Wage range
Average starting salary: $39,000-$53,000 (depending on specialty)
Median annual salary: $72,000
Average annual income: $74,000-$103,000 (with PE license)
Employment outlook
Current employment: Larger than statewide average
Employment growth: About statewide average
Job opening projection: Somewhat higher than statewide average
Links
Oregon State Board of Examiners: Regulates the practices of engineering and of land surveying in Oregon to protect public welfare and property.
American Society of Civil Engineers: Represents more than 140,000 members of the civil engineering profession worldwide with an emphasis on leadership, technology and lifelong learning.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers: Represents 120,000 professionals focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and technology community.
Chemeketa Community College: Provides pre-engineering coursework for transfer at the junior level into engineering programs at OSU, PSU or other institutions.
Oregon State University: The OSU College of Engineering is committed to developing extraordinary engineers, creating powerful new ideas, and fueling visionary innovation.
Portland State University: The Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science integrates education and research with a hands-on, industry-connected curriculum.
