How Many Jobs Are Available in Engineering and Construction?

Have a passion for engineering and construction but not sure where the job market is heading? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these types of positions are going to continue to increase steadily over the next 8 years.

So, if you have a knack for problem-solving, believe in bettering your community, and are tech-savvy, these jobs may be the perfect fit.

In this article, we’ll share some of the top job opportunities in this field and what to consider as you’re looking for engineering and construction jobs in Canada and the U.S.

Education Needed for Engineering and Construction Jobs

One of the best parts about the construction world is that many positions don’t require advanced degrees to get your foot in the door. For example, some construction laborer positions only require a high school diploma or GED.

However, keep in mind if you are wanting to specialize in a specific area or become an engineer, you will likely need a Bachelor’s Degree or higher and a PE (Professional Engineer) license.

Each position will have its own set of requirements, so it’s important to do some research before setting your sights on a particular career path.

Types of Engineering and Construction Jobs

With all of this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the types of engineering and construction jobs you can strive for.

Engineering Jobs

Architectural Engineer

An architectural engineer applies theoretical and practical knowledge to the engineering design of building systems and buildings in general. They have a mission to engineer high-performance buildings that are resilient, economically viable, sustainable, that ensure the safety, health, comfort, and productivity of occupants.

Electrical Engineer

An electrical engineer will design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment. Some examples include electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment.

Mechanical Engineer

A mechanical engineer designs power-producing machines. Some examples include electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, escalators and elevators.

Structural Engineer

A structural engineer plays a key role in the construction world. They work alongside the project management team to ensure every part of the project — from initial design to final inspection — is constructed appropriately with the materials, terrain, and other infrastructure considerations in mind.

Geotechnical Engineer

These types of engineers specialize in soil and rock. Their expertise is crucial for building things like foundations, embankments, retaining walls, and tunnels. Most importantly, these engineers write the reports that help construction companies prepare for things like natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes or tornadoes) in specific areas.

Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers are concerned with the health of the earth as well as the people living on it. They help with planning things like waste disposal, pollution control, and recycling efforts by applying biology and soil science. These positions are essential to ensuring any new infrastructure is thinking about the planet and looking toward the future.

Design Engineer

This position is probably more closely in line with the “traditional” definition of an engineer. Design engineers develop blueprints and schematics and have a firm grasp of technology to test different design efforts.

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers help with more public projects, such as roads and bridges. They design, plan, test, and make sure all permitting is on the up and up with local jurisdictions.

Construction Jobs

Construction Worker

A construction worker is part of the crew that preps construction sites, uses equipment, and follows the procedures laid out before them for completing a job.

These positions can range from entry-level to highly specialized, such as the following:

• Glaze setter
• Flooring installer
• Tile setter
• Brick mason
• Roofer
• Concrete specialist
• Crane operator
• Plumber
• Painter
• Carpenter
• Electrician
• Much more!

Each position has different pay rates and the more specialized or technical your skills are, the more potential you have to earn a larger wage.

In addition, some of these positions are freelance, so depending on how fast you work, you could get more jobs and increase your earning potential.

Inspector

An inspector ensures that all work being done complies with building codes, safety regulations, and contract specifications.

Their stamp of approval is a pivotal part of any construction project.

Surveyor

Before you can start work, you need a surveyor to measure the site and collect the data you’ll need to be successful.

Their findings help determine whether the scope of a project is possible.

Where to Find Engineering and Construction Jobs in Canada and the U.S.

Now that you have a better understanding of the types of jobs out there for engineering and construction, you may be wondering, “How do I find the right position for me?”

There are numerous ways you can go about applying for these types of positions, but depending on your current skill level or objective, partnering with a company that has internships as well as full-time positions can help you land your dream gig.

For example, Milhouse offers the opportunity to be a part of a top-tier construction and engineering firm from the time you’re in school. Also, because there is such a need for people to work within the construction industry, you can count on relative job stability over the years.

Develop Your Skill Set

As you examine what you want your career to look like and search for engineering and construction jobs in Canada and the U.S., don’t be afraid to try something! You never know when you’ll fall in love with a specific sector of the industry and want to pursue that long-term.

At Milhouse, we believe in building long-term relationships and putting our employees’ health and well-being first. If you’re in the market for a job in this industry, we would love to have you become part of our teams.

Want more information? Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more!