Pro Technology: August 2020

Monday, August 31, 2020

Agricultural Engineers Salary & Job Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2011 show 2,650 employed agricultural engineers, employment rising by 6.5%, the lowest annual wages at $44,180 and the highest at $118,330. The median pay in this group is $74,630 per year.

The most visible association for agricultural engineers in the U.S. is the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). Based in St. Joseph, Michigan, this international professional society is devoted to agricultural and biological engineering. The organization has about 9,000 members in more than 100 countries. ASABE provides opportunities to share research findings through conferences, journals, and a magazine. It has developed professional standards of practice and given members opportunities to network.

In 2005, the name was modified to better reflect the profession. The increase in biological engineering has greatly affected today's global agriculture systems. For example, genetically modified organisms have introduced massive changes in food production, logistics and trade.

These engineers are part of the leadership that help conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. These employees will provide engineering assistance to his or her team, field office personnel, and landowners with planning, developing, and constructing on-farm conservation practices and irrigation projects statewide.

Friday, August 28, 2020

Aerospace Engineering Degree

They are essentially concerned with the aerodynamic properties of flight vehicles, such as airfoil, control surfaces, lift and drag. Aerospace engineer can specialize in areas such as structural design, propulsion, navigation, guidance and control systems, communications or defense systems.

They may also specialize in a particular type of equipment, including commercial and military planes and jets, helicopters, space shuttles, satellites, space vehicles, missiles or or combat aerial vehicles. Aerospace engineers can develop a special expertise in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, celestial mechanics, propulsion, acoustics, avionics or guidance and control systems.

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Real Life Impact of Thermal Engineers

Thermal engineers have been instrumental in changing the way people find and use energy throughout the world as well as in pushing space exploration into new realms. Most people think of Google as an Internet search engine company, but the firm has expanded its resources into creating better energy solutions for the planet. The firm actively recruits thermal engineers to work on its project for developing clean and affordable power grids. Their Energy Access team endeavors to recruit and nurture engineers to its efforts, underscoring its conviction in its identity as an engineering firm.

Moreover, the University College London (UCL) Mullard Space Science Laboratory considers the work of its thermal engineers as vital for enhancing space exploration initiatives. One of their professionals, Christine Brockley-Blatt, has exemplified the seamless transition these practitioners make from the classroom to real world applications. After completing her undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and Physics, Brockley-Blatt completed an internship with an aerospace firm, whereby she trained on a project dealing with the landing gear and propeller technology for a medley of aircraft models. She then applied more of her thermal engineering training to an automotive firm. With UCL she currently works as a project manager on cooling technology in outer space exploration solutions. On a daily basis, she employs calculations in mechanical and thermal capacities, performs project management duties, and demonstrates oral and written communications. Her rich educational background and professional experience illuminate the depth and versatility the field requires of its practitioners to excel.

If you want to learn what opportunities may be available to you as a thermal engineer, contact the schools in our directory to start planning your way forward!

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Petroleum Engineering Degree Career Outlook

Petroleum engineering deals with the production of hydrocarbons—the products of crude oil and natural gas. This above-ground field focuses on recovering fossil fuels from below ground in the most economical and environmentally friendly ways. Trained to understand the physical behavior of oil, water, and gas deep in porous rock and under high pressure, these skilled engineers make reliable estimations of the volume of a resource's reservoir.

They form teams with geologists to determine the best methods for depleting reservoirs. Related disciplines include drilling, reservoir simulation, well engineering, petroleum geology, and geophysics. Since the beginning of petroleum engineering, in the early 20th century, many easily accessed deposits have been depleted. Fuel harvesting has become more dependent on fresh technologies incorporating horizontal drilling and computer modeling.

Drilling in deserts and in deep waters requires today's engineers to have expertise in intelligent systems, geomechanics, and hydraulics, naming only a few things on their growing list of knowledge bases.

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Real Life of a Mining Engineer

The working and academic lives of a mining and geological engineer is one of constant problem solving, exploration, attention to detail and communication. As one of, if not the primary coordinator for digging and mining operations, the engineer is charged with the planning, logistics, safety assurance and contingency/emergency management of their projects. In addition to the technical engineering skills required for the surveying, planning, digging and extraction or study of materials, the project engineers are quite often also required to maintain strong lines of communication with the crews of professional miners or students they are working with. As such, and especially in respect to safety or emergency management, the numbers of women entering the fields has been steadily increasing.

Former University of Arizona mining student and captain of the women’s mine rescue team, Allison Hagerman was interviewed by the school news site UANews.org in 2013, during one of its mining and geological engineering drilling competitions at the school’s San Xavier underground mine. Speaking about her experiences, she highlighted that safety in the field was not only paramount, but also presented a specialization. One which, following her graduation in May of 2013, inspired her to take the reigns as the captain of the women’s rescue team at the San Xavier Mining Laboratory. While talking to UANews about her studies of the mining and geological sciences, Hagerman eagerly pointed out that along with a 100% program graduation rate, her skills and studies allowed her to transition directly out of school into a stable, high paying position in the private sector.

Monday, August 24, 2020

Real Life Stories of Materials Science Engineers

Beyond these statistical realities and potential however, many within the fields of Materials Science and Engineering express substantial personal and professional satisfaction with their work and career. Bringing together the applicable skills of dynamic critical thinking and problems solving with those of analytical research and scientific endeavor, the challenges posed to the working professional often result in an enhanced satisfaction with successful end results in respect to projects and ventures undertaken. In seeing the final real world applications to their research, development and testing of new and existing materials, Material Engineers often find themselves on the cutting edge of scientific discovery and advancement.

Taking for example, the case of NASA engineer Clara Wright, the pliable skills learned while studying Material Science and Engineering have given Ms. Wright substantial personal fulfillment, in addition to her remarkable career. Being possessed since her youth with an interest in puzzles and problem solving, Wright gravitated naturally towards the field of material science and engineering. Upon completing her degree, Wright first entered the field of bio-medical research, assisting with the design and development of prosthetic limbs for amputees. Later, Wright took a position at NASA working as a materials engineer, studying materials in use by the space program. In July of 2014, Wright was profiled for NASA’s website, in an effort to highlight both her contributions to the space program, while also the interest and dedication to Material Science and Engineering which brought her to work there.

"I'm very passionate about being a materials engineer," Wright said. "It’s a very fulfilling career particularly at Kennedy because every investigation is unique. It is greatly gratifying to say that I am one of a handful of people in the world who get to work on hardware that is going to the International Space Station, has been in the vacuum of space or is part of the launch structures."

Friday, August 21, 2020

Master's Degrees in Electrical Engineering

Some B.S. graduates seek postgraduate degrees such as master's (M.Eng./M.Sc.) or doctorate degrees (Ph.D./Eng.D.) in engineering. B.S. and master's degrees consist largely of coursework and research. Doctorate degrees focus mainly on research and often open doors to university research and teaching. Universities with strong engineering departments offer graduate degrees and specialized certificates as well as teaching and research opportunities.

As with other engineering degrees, the bachelor's degree is based on laboratory and fieldwork not possible online. There is online access to master's degrees at some schools. Arizona State University's MSE in electrical engineering offers online studies in solid-state electronics, power electronics, mixed-signal integrated circuit design, communications, and signal processing. Online master's-level courses are also available from several other schools of engineering.

Electrical engineers find work in the laboratories of fabrication plants, in corporate consulting offices, or onsite at mines. They may supervise scientists, electricians, computer programmers, or other engineers.In effect, there is no mechanized field today in which these engineers do not play an integral part. Electrical Engineering jobs are projected to grow 6% between 2010-2020.

Electrical engineering has been at the forefront of every technological gain of the past century. This growth is perhaps most evident in the development of today's increasingly smaller transistors, as the number of components placed with an integrated circuit doubles continuously. Enabling all other technologies and far outpacing them in development speed, electrical engineering has increasing demand and positive career possibilities for qualified professionals.

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Automotive Engineering Degree

Automotive engineering is a branch of mechanical engineering that concerns the design, development and manufacture of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other motor vehicles. Automotive engineers also design and test the many subsystems or components that comprise a motorized vehicle.

Very few universities offer a bachelor's degree in automotive engineering. Consequently, many prospective automotive engineers earn a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from a university that also offers specialized courses in automotive engineering. However, there are plenty of universities offer master's degrees in automotive engineering.

High school students aspiring to become automotive engineers should develop a solid foundation in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and pre-calculus, physics and chemistry. These subjects are central to understanding the core concepts of any engineering discipline. Automotive engineering students need effective oral and written communications skills. Therefore, high school students should strive to do well in language arts classes, such as writing and speech. High school students should take available advanced placement or college classes to help prepare them for university engineering coursework and get a head start on building college credits.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Real Life of an Applied Engineer

As a project engineer for Applied Engineering, Mike Jamieson daily exhibits the range of skills a practitioner in the field must master to excel. He interfaces with internal and external team members and associates in-person and over e-mail every morning. He then focusses on business activities such as speaking with various suppliers on product inventory, consulting with clients on budget requirements and researching options on the internet. In the afternoon, he often leaves the office to visit clients and ongoing projects. He enjoys the opportunity to get out of the office and into the field to interact live with people. For example, on one project he consulted with one of the managers on an HVAC system for a residential structure, specifically the ductwork and air flow systems. Later in the afternoon, he returns to the office to revisit projects he initially tacked in the morning.

He may attend more meetings to deliver presentations on status or negotiate with suppliers to acquire the best pricing for a client project. Demonstrating his commitment to continuous education, Jamieson in the evenings attends functions featuring industry thought leaders who make presentations on recent development in technology and best practices. In the past he attended a dinner featuring a presentation by a professor at Purdue University who presented a talk on refrigeration concepts and developing compressor innovations. Ultimately, each day presents him with a range of challenges and learning experiences that enrich him.

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Vehicle Engineering Work Nature

Ford Motor Company is one of many companies that value and actively recruit vehicle engineering professionals to their organization. In a Detroit News profile of Alana Strager, a Ford program manager with a background in the field, the executive illuminated the various duties and responsibilities she performs daily in their work producing the Ford F-150 truck. Her background enabled her to seamlessly lead a team of engineers and product developers in refining a product that served their customers’ needs while featuring the latest technological features. Known as the “Queen of Innovation”, Strager helped assemble a team of insightful marketers, astute engineers, and expert designers in developing a product coveted by a range of consumers. Her work on the truck’s BoxLink technology particularly illustrated the medley of skills demanded and refined by the engineering profession. The system consists of four slots located in the interior of the truck’s bed that enable users to fasten supplies, materials, and other objects to the truck. Though the bed features fixed mounting slots, the metallic cleats may be removed, enabling the feature to be customized based on the flexible needs of customers. In Strager’s view, people purchase vehicles like the Ford F-150 to help each other, thereby underscoring not only the practical utility of the truck but its social community component as well. Her career at Ford illuminates the importance in vehicle engineering of developing well-rounded skills to execute technological initiatives that address consumer needs in the global marketplace.

Monday, August 17, 2020

Real Life Impact of Thermal Engineers

Friday, August 14, 2020

Nuclear Engineering Career

Nuclear engineering is the most integrated of the engineering disciplines. The many components of nuclear systems (medical imaging, nuclear fission reactors, ultrasensitive contraband detectors, and fusion reactors) must all be understood as well as how they relate to one another. Nuclear engineers must be experts in their primary field, as well as knowledgeable in other fields such as electronics, thermodynamics, physics, and materials science. The fundamentals of one science are often the same tools used in solving problems in the other disciplines.

An undergraduate degree in nuclear science and engineering develops the fundamentals of nuclear processes—their production, interactions, and radiation measurements. These studies bring the student all the way to the design phase of nuclear-based systems, stressing social, health, and energy and security impacts. Studies also incorporate computer methods, thermal-fluid engineering, and electronics—critical tools for a nuclear engineering career.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Science and Engineering prepares students for careers in the application and engineering of low-energy nuclear physics. This includes design, analysis, and operation of radiation systems and their applications, such as fission reactors and accelerators, and biomedical uses. Students are also prepared for graduate study in a wide range of engineering and physical sciences. A five-year program offers an opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nuclear Science and Engineering simultaneously.

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Materials Science Engineering Opportunities and Salary

In general, as a broadly applicable field of study with many avenues open to graduates and post-graduates throughout numerous professional sectors, Material Science and Engineering maintains a respectable average salary in terms of national averages. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2012, the mean salary for a Materials Engineer was $85,150 annually. In comparison, Onet.com reported a rise in this for 2013 with a reported mean salary of $87,330 per year, with these totals naturally varying between industries and according to educational and experiential backgrounds. Job growth in this particular sector is reported to be effectively flat between 2012 and 2022, according to the BLS, experiencing neither substantial losses nor gains in term of total net employment.

However within the state of California alone, numerous opportunities can be found consistently in the areas of aerospace and defense, medical device design and manufacturing, applied physics research and development (both commercial and academic,) as well as in general consumer products and electronics manufacturing. Additional opportunities in the energy, automotive and information technology sectors can also be found throughout the country and are themselves possessing of growth potential as each of these industries continues to evolve rapidly in light of technological advances.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Electrical Engineering Career

Electrical engineers study electronics, electromagnetism, and the application of electricity. The products they develop are used in medical technology, game systems, cell phones, robotics, cars, green technologies, and navigation systems, just touching lightly on the list.Nearly everything that defines modern civilization is linked to electrical engineering. These engineers work in labs, offices, and industries. They develop systems for power generation, transmission, and distribution—have you heard about "the grid?"

In addition to the subjects mentioned above (and still touching only briefly on the scope), this expertise covers power switches (solar, wind, geothermal), design of power systems, and architectural planning. Electrical engineering is behind the development of every electronic thing within your grasp. Electrical engineers focus on computer systems design, components, and processes. They incorporate research or management using specialized, hands-on knowledge and dealing with public, private, and academic sectors. They are dedicated to continuing education, on-the-job learning, leadership, and applying new techniques to new situations.

The sciences of physics and mathematics are fundamental to this profession, but technical focus accounts for only a fraction of this work. Making proposals to clients, preparing budgets, and calculating project schedules consumes much of these engineers' time. Senior-level engineers often manage a team, so project management skills and strong communication skills are vital.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Civil Engineering Degrees and Work Nature

"Civil engineering is the oldest and most diverse branch of engineering. In its broadest sense, the civil engineer adapts the physical features of the earth to the needs of society. According to the University of Florida, approximately one out of four engineers is engaged in civil engineering."

Civil engineers design, construct, maintain, and operate infrastructures, while simultaneously safeguarding public and environmental health and upgrading neglected structures and systems. Civil engineering reaches from the natural environment to the constructed environment, focusing on interactions between the two, with an emphasis on sustainability.

Combining atmospheric and energy sciences, civil-engineers study climate, air pollution, and weather, addressing problems which might be solved through renewable energy systems. They examine the availability of renewable resources (wind, hydropower and solar), and best practices for their combinations. These kinds of research brought about the first data based wind map and examine the effects of alternative fuels on air pollution..

Monday, August 10, 2020

Salary & Job Outlook for Aerospace Engineers

There are a few premier universities like Georgia Institute of Technology and Purdue University that offer online master's degrees in aerospace engineering. The graduate student can study at their convenience, apply classroom lessons at their job and satisfy the same academic standards as if they were on campus. In 2009, U.S. News and World Report rated Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Michigan as the top three U.S. universities that grant doctorates in aerospace engineering.

In 2010, those with a Bachelor's degree earned an average of $97,500 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Between 2010 and 2020, the BLS expects a five percent growth in jobs. Because some aerospace engineers work on projects connected to the United States’ national defense, they must pass a background check and qualify for security clearances. These requirements will serve to keep defense jobs in the United States.

There are no specific licenses required for aerospace engineers. Employers hire aerospace engineers based on their academic credentials. Licensing and certification is limited for equipment designed and developed by aerospace engineers. For the most part, these certifications are given by the Federal Aviation Administration or NASA.

Friday, August 7, 2020

Career Outlook for Thermal Engineers

Thermal engineering professionals have access to a medley of organizations and associates to bolster their careers. From the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), which features a library of resources for present and future practitioners, to the Technology Student Association (TSA), and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), students and seasoned thermal engineers access information and soil-building resources to buttress their daily learning. They specifically learn of the constantly evolving developments in technology and best practices that are transforming the industry. In addition, updates are provided on events, news and congresses within the field that endeavor to unite and strengthen the community. Young engineers have access to mentoring and networking opportunities that will facilitate their entry and rise into the profession. Moreover, prospective job candidates have access to recruiters from prestigious global firms like Intel, Sony and ConEd. As stated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job prospects for thermal engineers are predicted to continue to grow by 9 percent through 2020. The U.S. states of California and Texas are geographic locales featuring the most opportunities for these professionals. According to compensation statistics at O*Net salary data, these engineers earned a median salary of $82,100.

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Mining and Geological Engineering Career Outlook

Mining and geological engineering focuses primarily on the study and design of creating safe and effective means to extract metals and minerals for industrial, commercial and scientific purposes. Requiring education and understanding not only of mining principles and practices, engineers in this field are also expected to have an advanced and dynamic understanding of geological sciences, such as soil and mineral composition, surveying, prospecting and exploratory geological research. In addition to extracting the more conventional materials such as oil, precious and industrial metals and rarer gems and materials, many new advancements in information technology have expanded the role of geological engineering to search and mine for other materials, such as the dozens of special minerals and materials used in computer, tablet and smart phone construction.

At EducatingEngineers, we want you to understand the complexities of engineering careers and what it takes to succeed in your education. Please read the information below to learn more. And contact the schools in our directory to get started!
Working in the field

Employed by governments, major corporations, non-profit organizations and scientific/academic research institutions, geological engineers play pivotal roles in everything from industrial production of materials and energy, to advancing scientific understanding of the material composition of the Earth. Because of the numerous and varied functions for geological engineering and the substantial technological advancements made in the field itself, the role of the engineer in respect to mining and geological research continues to evolve, finding new and interesting applications for the science with each passing year.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Working Life of an Industrial Engineer

Depending upon the specific tasks they are performing, industrial engineers work both in offices and in the settings they are working to improve. If they are observing problems, for instance, they may watch workers assemble parts in a factory, or staff performing their functions in hospitals. When solving problems, industrial engineers may work in an office at a computer, where they examine data that they themselves, or others, have gathered. Industrial engineers may need to travel for work in order to observe processes and make assessments in various work settings. In 2012, the industries that employed the greatest number of industrial engineers were: aerospace product and parts manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, architectural, engineering, and related services, motor vehicle parts manufacturing, and management of companies and enterprises. Industrial engineers need good interpersonal skills to be able to work alongside other professionals and serve as a bridge between the technical and business sides of an organization.

Recently, the University of Chicago conducted a study to obtain information about job satisfaction in the United States. Although job and career are not the only determinants of overall happiness and life satisfaction, they do contribute substantially to an individual’s sense of well-being. According to the study, the occupation “industrial engineer” was among the top ten careers associated with general happiness. In fact, it ranked ninth. When compensation for these top-ten careers was examined, “industrial engineers” ranked third.
When looking at the reported reasons for happiness, i.e. creativity, use of expertise, helping others, it is easy to understand why industrial engineers ranked in the top ten careers for happiness. IEs are trained to use quantitative and non-quantitative expertise in creative was to improve processes and products while making jobs easier and more efficient.

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Aerospace Engineering Degrees

Aerospace engineers research, analyze, design, synthesize, develop and test aircraft, spacecraft and weapons. Aerospace engineers who focus on aircraft are called aeronautical engineers; those who concentrate on spacecraft are called astronautical engineers. They are essentially concerned with the aerodynamic properties of flight vehicles, such as airfoil, control surfaces, lift and drag. Aerospace engineer can specialize in areas such as structural design, propulsion, navigation, guidance and control systems, communications or defense systems.

Prospective engineering students should take as many classes as possible in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and pre-calculus, physics and chemistry because these subjects are critical to understanding the core concepts of aerospace engineering. Because engineers also need effective and written communications skills, students should not overlook language arts classes, such as writing and speech. Young aerospace engineering graduates have said that they took many Advanced Placement or college classes as in high school to prepare for university engineering coursework.