Types of Engineers - What are the Qualifications

There are different types of engineers. However, to become an engineer you have to meet certain requirements. A common requirement for all engineers is that they are knowledgeable about science, mathematics and information that is necessary to design, build and improve structures as well as infrastructures as well as functioning of different systems. The requirements needed to perform specific engineering jobs vary greatly on the basis of the nature of a project.

Most engineers have pursued graduate or even post-graduate degrees. There are countries where engineers can acquire licenses and certificate to enable them to practice engineering even without a degree. This brings in the question:  what are they main types of engineers – what are the qualifications?Among the main categories of engineers include the following:

Aerospace engineers
Aerospace engineers are professionally trained experts whose goal is to design airborne aircrafts. The aircrafts are launched to the outer space or atmosphere. Their work involves designing and constructing aircrafts, spacecrafts, missiles and satellites. An aerospace engineering degree is the main qualification for one to become an aerospace engineer. It is not a mandatory to have a license for aerospace engineers especially the entry level engineers. However, the license is required later in the career life of an aerospace engineer.

Civil engineers
A civil engineer is concerned with designing, developing and maintaining construction projects including buildings, bridges, roads, dams and other structures. A major qualification for a civil engineer is specialization in a specific area. This is because the work of a civil engineer is complex. Different states or countries have varying requirements or qualifications for civil engineers. Nevertheless, an undergraduate degree in civil engineering is a common requirement in most countries.

Chemical engineers
Chemical engineers work in laboratories, manufacturing plants, and monitoring facilities. They deal with different problems including drugs, food, fuel, fertilizers and complex chemical procedures or processes. Chemical engineering is a broad field and one of the qualifications for chemical engineers is specialization in a specific field. Another qualification to become a chemical engineering is knowledge and experience in working with the applied principles of various scientific discipline including physics, biology and chemistry in coming up with solutions that address technical problems.

Computer hardware engineers:
Computer hardware engineers are specialists who work in the robust computer technology field. The role of these engineers is to design, develop and even examine the computer hardware including the central processing unit, motherboards and storage devices among others. One must be a professional specialist in computer hardware to qualify to become a computer hardware engineer. Knowledge and experience in working with computer hardware is also a qualification for computer hardware engineers.

Electrical engineers
Electrical engineers are specialists who focus on development of equipment that helps in harnessing electricity including electric motors, radar systems, power transmission as well as other electrical systems and equipment. Electrical engineers are responsible for maintenance and improvement of products that use electrical power. They also develop electrical components and systems with consideration to various factors including sustainability, dependability, safety and practicality. A degree in electrical engineering and licensing are common qualifications for electrical engineers.

Biomedical engineers
Biomedical engineers use analytical skills and design skills in improving medical and patient care. Using engineering principles, they are able to come up with devices and equipment that helps in diagnosis as well as treatment of different disorders facing different patients. Solid background in the fields of medicine and engineering is a major qualification for biomedical engineers.

Engineering is a broad field but there are many disciplines that associate with the concept of engineering. This is why it is important to know the qualifications for different engineers.  Before venturing into engineering, ask the question; what are the types of engineers – what are the qualifications? This will enable you to make an informed career choice.