Electrical Engineers design, build and test all types of electrical equipment and machinery, and review the design of existing parts or machinery in order to improve their efficiency. They carry out research to see if new ideas are attainable and in line with customer requirements, and draw up plans using computer aided engineering software. These are presented to their manager and/or customers. They manage the whole project including recording costs, timings and liaising with technicians and other professionals. They can work for power generation and distribution companies, in transportation, construction or in the manufacturing industry. Electrical Engineers are analytical, practical and good at problem solving. Normal colour vision may be required for these careers.
Your day-to-day tasks will depend on the industry you're in. You could
carry out feasibility studies for new technical developments
draw up project plans and circuit diagrams using computer-assisted engineering and design software
estimate costs and project timings
coordinate the work of technicians and craftspeople
test installations and systems, and analyse test data
make sure projects meet safety regulations
oversee inspection and maintenance programmes
attend meetings, write reports and give presentations
Chemical engineers work on the design, development and management of a wide range of industrial processes designed to turn raw materials into products. They can work in a range of industries, such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, energy, oil and gas, food and drink. The work can include the design and development of new processes and improvement of existing ones, deciding on the type of reaction to use and ensuring safety. They have to decide what by-products will be formed as a result of the process and what can be done with them. Other work is to do with the design of future process plants and how to make them environmentally safe and efficient; they continually look at the development of new products, or how to improve the manufacture of existing ones. People who do this work are analytical, observant and good at problem solving; they work with an awareness of health and safety.
If you work in research and development, you’ll
test new ways to develop products in the lab
use computer models to work out the safest and most cost-effective production methods
plan how to move lab tests into a pilot production phase, then on to large-scale industrial processing
develop methods to deal with by-products and waste materials in a safe way
Mechanical engineers design, build and develop mechanical machinery, equipment and systems. These are found in a whole range of industries including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing and construction. Other work can include research and development, testing new products and looking at ways in which existing machinery can be improved. Sometimes mechanical engineers are asked to help solve a production problem; this may mean adapting existing machinery or designing a new piece of equipment. They discuss with their clients the processes that need to be included and may work with other professionals to come up with a solution. People who do this work are logical and well organised. They have excellent technical and problem solving skills.
Your duties could include
turning research ideas into technical plans, using computer aided design/modelling (CAD/CAM)
carrying out surveys of mechanical systems and equipment
researching and assessing new products and innovations
presenting design plans and data to managers and clients
producing other technical documents
supporting the contract team when bidding for new work
overseeing maintenance programmes and quality control
managing and leading a project team of technicians, designers and other engineering professionals
Aeronautical engineers design, develop and build civil and military aircraft, helicopters, satellites and space vehicles. The type of work they do depends on the company that they work for. Work is usually specialised, such as infrastructure and airframe of the craft or the electrical/electronic systems (avionics). Engineers work to improve safety, speed, fuel intake and also look at the how new technologies that will improve the way the craft works can be added. They research new designs and experiment with and test new materials; to do this, they use a range of computer-aided design systems to help them with their work. Engineers are logical, creative and good at problem solving. Strong IT and number skills are essential.
Your day-to-day duties will depend on your role but may include
developing navigation, communications or weapons systems
researching ways to make fuel-efficient parts, such as wings, fuselage and engines
using CAD software for design
testing prototypes
collecting and analysing test data
planning and supervising the fitting of aircraft and components
signing off projects under strict industry regulations
scheduling and supervising maintenance
Automotive engineers are involved in the design, manufacture and operation of all types of automotive vehicle, such as cars, motorcycles, buses and lorries. Generally they work in teams in one of three main areas: design, where they design new products or update existing ones; research and development, investigating engineering problems and finding solutions; or production, where they plan and design new production processes. A design team works on an initial design, selecting and testing the best materials to use, and building prototypes for testing. In research and development they may be involved in the engine and other systems, researching new technologies and how they can improve the way the vehicle works. Production engineers oversee the installation of a new or upgraded process and test it before it is ready to go. Once new cars are built, the engineer investigates any faults that may occur and decides on ways to make improvements. People in this career are logical and analytical; they are aware of the need to keep up-to-date with the development of new technologies.
You might work on
body, chassis and engine systems
electrical and electronic instrumentation and control systems
thermodynamics, aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
fuel technology and emissions
Requirements?
an IB diploma including maths
an IB diploma including chemistry/Physics