Although working in engineering can be rewarding, you might find that you grow disinterested in it over time or wish to pursue other opportunities to expand your horizons. Fortunately, an engineering degree gives you a useful background and frequently qualifies you to work in a variety of fields in various roles. The difficulty of earning an engineering degree can serve as a testament to one’s commitment and hard work to hiring managers.
Many industries require the services of technical writers to produce written descriptions or instructions for products and procedures. For instance, instruction or troubleshooting manuals for high-tech items like computers or electronics require a specialist to record the product’s specifics. Technical writing is one of the more obvious alternative careers for mechanical engineers and other engineers because, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it requires experience in computer science, web design, or engineering.
What are non-engineering jobs for engineers?
Engineers can use their knowledge and skills to transition into non-engineering roles through certain types of jobs. Engineers may pursue these opportunities if they want to continue working but change careers or if they want to retire from engineering. Engineers may need to complete certification programs or obtain additional education depending on the position to improve their employability.
22 types of non-engineering jobs that engineers can pursue
When engineers are prepared for a career change, they can pursue the following 22 non-engineering job categories:
Product testers’ main responsibilities are to assist businesses in assessing the caliber and functionality of their products before they are released for sale to consumers. Having a bachelor’s degree in a field like software development, marketing, or another relevant field like engineering can help people land a job as a product tester. Former engineers who are interested in working as product testers can increase their employability by using their engineering training and experience.
Primary responsibilities: Tradespeople may specialize in masonry, plumbing, electrical work, landscaping, or welding. Depending on their engineering background, people may have knowledge of one or more trades and know how to measure things, make blueprints, and build things. As a result, engineers may decide to switch to a career in a specialized trade and work for a trades company, a construction contractor, or on their own.
Primary responsibilities: Graphic designers create logos, website layouts, infographics, brochures, magazine layouts, and other marketing materials using innovative software. Software developers and other engineers might find a career in graphic design fulfilling, particularly if they have a creative mindset and have used software to create blueprints. There is no need for engineers who want to switch careers to become graphic designers to return to school. Instead, they can practice with creative software programs and take online graphic design courses.
Run blogs, write articles, use social media platforms, and create videos for consumers to enjoy as their main responsibilities. Engineers can share their expertise about the engineering industry and entertaining engineering projects thanks to content creator jobs. After working in engineering, one should have excellent writing abilities, an understanding of SEO, and proficiency with video and photography equipment.
Property managers’ main responsibilities are to supervise the day-to-day activities of any residential or commercial properties, such as apartment complexes, office buildings, or business parks. They schedule routine maintenance for the building’s facilities and outdoor areas, hire and train staff who work there, screen prospective tenants’ applications, and collect rent from tenants. Engineers can improve their employability when applying for property manager positions by obtaining a property management certification, though it is not necessary.
The main responsibilities of purchasing agents are to supervise business dealings with product wholesalers for a variety of corporations. They maintain relationships with suppliers, bargain product prices, and buy the best products they can afford within their purchasing budget. Applying to businesses that buy machinery or tech equipment from suppliers can help engineers make the transition into a purchasing agent role.
Technical recruiters’ main responsibilities are found in the HR division of tech companies or engineering firms. Their duties include creating job postings, contacting qualified applicants, holding technical interviews, and choosing the best candidates for open positions. Engineers should emphasize their professional experience to employers and apply with businesses that hire for engineering positions if they want to become technical recruiters.
Marketing professionals’ main responsibilities include creating marketing campaigns, conducting market research, producing campaign content, and managing brand initiatives or product launches. The first step for former engineers who want to work in marketing is to look for entry-level marketing positions with technology companies, engineering agencies, or construction firms. This is crucial because they can market their technical expertise for in-depth marketing campaigns using their understanding of engineering practices.
Primary responsibilities: Landscape designers transform outdoor spaces into aesthetically pleasing and useful spaces while working for landscaping firms or on their own. Former civil engineers who have experience creating blueprints and designing structures for various types of infrastructure may find this to be a good career choice.
Writing articles about a variety of scientific, mechanical, or technological topics is one of the main responsibilities of technical writers. Writing an instruction manual to assist assembly line workers assemble new equipment on their own is one instance of this. For engineers with in-depth understanding of engineering or technological terms and strong writing abilities, a career in technical writing is a fantastic transitional option.
Logistics managers’ main responsibilities are to maintain product storage and deliveries for transportation firms, warehouses, or manufacturing facilities. They coordinate product orders and delivery times with wholesalers or other warehouses through communication They also oversee a team of warehouse staff. A logistic manager position can help engineers who previously worked in manufacturing or transportation transition out of engineering while maintaining a sense of familiarity with their job role and environment.
Professors’ main responsibilities are to assist students in acquiring the knowledge they need to pursue careers in colleges and universities. They design lesson plans, assign work, grade work, and instruct a class of students. Engineering departments or technical schools may hire engineers with extensive professional backgrounds as professors.
Primary responsibilities: Home renovation contractors supervise all remodeling projects for clients. They are responsible for employing construction firms, architects, and tradespeople to complete particular tasks. Additionally, they ensure that the project stays within the client’s budget and keep them informed of any changes. A job as a home renovation contractor enables civil engineers who have worked on residential construction projects to leave their engineering career while expanding their skill set.
To determine the amount of time, money, labor, and resources needed for a construction project to be successful, cost estimators collaborate with contractors and construction firms. Engineers can easily transition into this role without having to complete extensive training or education because cost estimators typically require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction.
Construction managers’ main responsibilities are to supervise all site activities. To determine deadlines and necessary workdays, they collaborate closely with the contractor. Additionally, they distribute tasks among construction workers and give supervisory roles to qualified construction experts. Engineers with experience in residential or commercial construction can excel in this position.
Working for technology companies or wholesalers, technical sales specialists’ main responsibilities are to maintain product sales and respond to customer inquiries about how to use or set up technical products. In order to become technical sales specialists, engineers typically only need to complete on-the-job training. This is because technical sales specialists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Primary duties: Manufacturing managers oversee daily operations in manufacturing plants. In order to maintain effective operations, they must also recruit and train supervisors, assembly-line workers, and maintenance specialists. Engineers with a focus on mechanical, environmental, or manufacturing engineering may be able to transition into this position without needing to complete additional training.
Primary responsibilities include assisting clients with the purchase or sale of commercial or residential properties. They look through listings for homes, conduct local market research, and manage pricing negotiations for their clients. Due to their prior experience designing and building infrastructure such as homes and commercial buildings, previous civil engineers may be able to succeed in this position. Individuals must obtain a real estate license for the state they intend to work in in order to become real estate agents.
Primary responsibilities: Procurement engineers oversee the acquisition of machinery and other technical products from distributors and suppliers on behalf of businesses, manufacturing facilities, and other industrial entities. Because they possess the technical knowledge to recognize high-quality products intended for manufacturing or construction, engineers can pursue this career path.
Principal responsibilities: Engineering consultants advise corporations, manufacturing facilities, and other businesses on how to maintain high standards for engineering practices. They could also assist clients by reviewing blueprints and pointing out ways to make their designs better.
Principal responsibilities: Occupational health and safety managers implement safety procedures, look into accidents, and make sure their organization complies with federal and state laws at manufacturing plants, warehouses, construction companies, or office settings. Engineers with prior experience working in potentially dangerous environments, such as construction sites, may find employment by obtaining a certification in occupational health and safety management.
Primary responsibilities: Budget coordinators supervise the distribution of budgets to various departments for a variety of corporations. To excel as budget coordinators, engineers can benefit from taking budgeting courses and obtaining certifications.
10 Alternative Jobs For Engineers (THE BEST Non-Engineering Jobs!)
FAQ
What non-engineering jobs can an engineer do?
- Product tester.
- Tradesperson.
- Graphic designer.
- Content creator.
- Property manager.
- Purchasing agent.
- Technical recruiter.
- Marketing specialist.
What else can I do with an engineering degree besides engineering?
- Skate park engineer. …
- Sports engineer. …
- Food engineer. …
- Preservation engineer. …
- Pyrotechnic engineer. …
- Fashion engineer. …
- Technical writer.
What other careers can you do with an engineering degree?
- Mechanical engineering technician. National average salary: $44,693 per year. …
- Electronics technician. National average salary: $57,073 per year. …
- Technical writer. …
- Industrial engineering technician. …
- Machinist. …
- IT consultant. …
- Chemical engineer. …
- Civil engineer.
What is a good second career for an engineer?
Common Second Careers for Engineers You can work as a project manager, patent attorney, technical writer, banker, realtor, professor, or landscape designer with your current level of education. All you have to do is make sure you meet any prerequisites for that position.
