Engineers are at the forefront of innovation, helping advance society and solve some of our biggest problems. Every day, they push the boundaries of what's possible in technology, construction, manufacturing, medicine, and beyond. As new technologies emerge and industry standards shift, the demand for skilled engineers in various fields grows.
If you're a current or aspiring engineer, understanding the future of engineering jobs can aid in your career decision-making. Industry trends can highlight in-demand engineering skills and career opportunities. Using these insights, you can strengthen your resume and work toward landing your dream role.
Read on to discover some current engineering industry trends you should be aware of, including the fast-growing jobs and the latest technology.
Engineering job market outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that the engineering job market may grow by 8.6% by 2033. This is a positive outlook for engineers, as it means more jobs may become available as demand grows. In fact, around 195,000 new job openings are expected each year. This growth makes engineering a desirable and relatively secure field to enter.
The predicted growth and median wage for some of the main engineering fields is as follows:
- Industrial engineering is expected to grow by 12% with a $99,380 median annual wage.
- Mechanical engineering is expected to grow by 11% with a $99,510 median annual wage.
- Chemical engineering is expected to grow by 10% with a $112,100 median annual wage.
- Electrical engineering is expected to grow by 9% with a $109,010 median annual wage.
Emerging technologies in engineering
Technological advancements are one key reason for the rapid growth of engineering employment opportunities. To capitalize on new technology, companies need to employ skilled engineers who can design, develop, and integrate them into business operations.
Some of the most in-demand technology skills for engineers include:
- Automation and robotics: Automated and robotic systems have revolutionized manufacturing processes. They use computer software and machinery to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
- AI and machine learning: Artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting nearly every industry. AI uses machine learning to process data and improve its accuracy over time.
- 3D printing: 3D printing or additive manufacturing creates objects layer by layer using computer programs and digital models. With recent material and technological innovations, 3D printing can now produce complex components.
- Digital twins: A digital twin is a virtual replica of physical objects, processes, and environments. It uses simulations, machine learning, and real-time data to allow engineers to understand how it works in real life. The insights gleaned from digital twins aid in decision-making regarding their physical counterparts.
- Nanotechnology: Nanotech is a combined field of science and engineering that focuses on manipulating matter on a nanoscale to create new materials and devices. The nanoscale involves dimensions of less than 100 nanometres.
- Internet of Things: The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical items connected to the internet. They contain sensors and software that allow them to exchange data with each other and the cloud. From smart household appliances and industrial equipment to health care monitors, IoT is growing in popularity.
Fast-Growing Engineering Jobs
The four main engineering fields are mechanical, chemical, electrical, and civil engineering. The exciting part about becoming an engineer is the vast amount of positions you can specialize in within these areas. New career paths emerge for engineers each year, bringing exciting opportunities and shedding light on the industry's current trends.
Some growing engineering career pathways include:
Biomedical Engineering
Bioengineers or biomedical engineers combine science and engineering to create biomedical equipment for the medical industry. Recent advancements in biotech and a growing need for health care solutions have contributed toward the predicted 7% employment growth rate for this field.
Environmental Engineering
Sustainability is a trend across numerous industries as companies look for ways to reduce their environmental impact and comply with new regulations. As a result, many sustainable engineering careers are showing growth and attracting top talent in this area.
One such career is environmental engineering, where professionals apply engineering principles to solve environmental issues and minimize industrial impact. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 7% in the next decade.
Renewable Energy Engineering
As a subset of environmental engineering, renewable energy engineering is another emerging field with a positive job outlook. Renewable engineers work to produce energy from renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. Their work contributes toward lowering air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels.
Automation Manufacturing Engineering
Automation is vital to the industrial sector, as it simplifies manufacturing processes and improves efficiency. These improvements often lead to significant cost savings for companies, resulting in increased demand for engineers specializing in automation manufacturing. Automation engineers look for ways to simplify manufacturing tasks with automated systems and often have software and mechanical engineering backgrounds.
AI and Machine Learning Engineering
As various industries begin integrating AI and machine learning, they need assistance from engineers specializing in this field. AI engineers develop complex algorithms to allow AI models to function. By 2033, this field's job growth rate is expected to reach 26%.
Robotics Engineering
Working with robotic systems requires multidisciplinary electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering skills. As the use of robotic systems in manufacturing and health care facilities increases, robotics engineering may continue to be a desirable career path.
Computer Hardware Engineering
Engineers in the computer hardware field design and develop computer systems. As society becomes more reliant on computers and technology, this position can become even more vital. The job outlook for this position is anticipated to grow 7% by 2033.
Apply to Become an Engineer at Intuitive
At Intuitive, we hire problem solvers to help us build the future of minimally invasive care. Our mission is to enable doctors to improve patients' lives worldwide. If you share our passion for health care technology and innovation, consider applying for an engineering position at Intuitive. We have various open roles in software, manufacturing, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
As part of our talented team of engineers, you'll work on complex robotic systems, software, or data solutions that directly impact patient lives worldwide. You'll be at the forefront of technology innovation in a highly creative, collaborative, and inclusive environment. All roles at Intuitive also come with extensive employee benefits to ensure you feel happy, healthy, and fulfilled.
What are you waiting for? Apply for an engineering position at Intuitive today! You can also join our Talent Community to receive new job alerts and company news.