Do you want to expand your career as an engineer? Whether you’re searching for full time or contract work, this page will tell you everything you need to know. This includes the different types of engineering jobs and the responsibilities they involve.
Engineering jobs available with our clients
There are many different types of industrial engineering jobs within the energy, process and infrastructure industries, each with their own set of responsibilities. The main types are:
Structural engineers
Structural engineers are responsible for considering the stability of all structures and planning for any external factors that could affect the construction of projects. They must decide on the correct structural and design components to use for a build and ensure the structure is resistant to outside forces.
A structural engineer needs to have the ability to fix problems on refineries, oil and gas platforms and other related structures. They perform lifting and load analyses and, for oil refineries, may design pipes and pipe racks to transport oil.
Electrical engineers
Electrical engineers work closely with engineering managers on activities such as designing, testing and supervising the use of electrical components for wind turbines. These may include motors, generators, machinery controls, transmission systems, wiring and lighting.
Chemical engineers
The role of a chemical engineer is to design and develop a varied range of products. They focus on changing the chemical, biophysical and physical state of substances into something else. An example would be changing oil into a plastic product.
Responsibilities for this role include setting up process plants, overseeing system development, establishing supply chains, developing plans and ensuring their execution, and developing new products and processes.
Process engineers
This field of engineering uses chemical or biochemical processes to turn raw materials into a finished product. They are responsible for developing, specifying, implementing and monitoring these processes in order to deliver successful manufacturing projects.
Process engineering is similar to chemical engineering, but with more of an emphasis on physics and mathematics than chemistry.
Civil engineers
The role of a civil engineer is to oversee construction projects and apply professional expertise when organising on-site resources. They work with project managers to manage scopes of work on projects, as well as working with site teams to identify any issues during the construction process.
Civil engineers may also assist design teams in altering previous designs when necessary.
Drilling engineers
Drilling engineers play an important role in upstream oil and gas production. Their role involves planning, developing and supervising the necessary operations for drilling oil and gas wells.
This type of engineering can take place on land or offshore, and professionals often work with geoscientists and geologists to monitor the progress of drilling operations.
What sectors are looking for experienced engineers?
Engineers are required in several sectors within the energy, process and infrastructure industries. These include:
Oil and gas
The oil and gas sector is an exciting area for engineering jobs. Engineering in this industry involves the research, location and extraction of natural gas and involves professionals from a variety of specialisms. However, the most important engineering role in oil and gas is that of the petroleum engineer. This job typically involves helping to locate reserves of oil and gas, removing them from the ground and processing them for use in the commercial sector. They may also be involved in the designing and building of new machinery to be used on projects.
Renewables
The renewable energy sector involves environmental engineers whose tasks include maximising the energy potential of clean energy sources such as hydropower, wind and solar power. Engineers in this sector may also help with monitoring and developing alternative energy outputs.
Mining and metals
Engineers in the mining and metals industry aid with the design of both underground and open-pit mines, as well as supervising the construction of mine structures and planning the transportation of minerals to processing plants.
What qualifications do I need to become an engineer?
The qualifications required will vary depending on the specific type of engineering role, but you’ll typically need a degree in an engineering or technology related field. However, some engineers have qualifications in other disciplines such as computer science, mathematics or physics.
Some organisations will accept qualifications in any discipline related to engineering, but those within sectors such mechanical, chemical or electrical engineering will require a specific degree.
There are also a range of professional qualifications that can help you develop and progress in your engineering career. These can usually be done during employment and are recognised by the following professional bodies:
- Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
- Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
- Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Institution of Engineering Designers (IED)
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
- Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
Candidates will also need experience in putting engineering principles into practice, as well as experience working within the energy, process and infrastructure industries.
How can Airswift help me find an engineering role?
Here at Airswift, we understand the demanding nature of the energy, process and infrastructure industries. Over the last 40 years, we have helped thousands of candidates find their perfect engineering jobs across the world.
We have a vast global presence, with head offices in Singapore, Houston and Manchester and over 60 regional offices across 57 countries. This presence means that we can help you find any type of engineering job worldwide.
If your new engineering job requires you to move overseas, we want to make that transition as smooth as possible. We can provide you with travel support, as well as assistance with documentation, housing and more.
Are you an employer looking for engineers to work on your projects?
If you are an employer or hiring manager looking for talent for engineering positions, we can help. We’ll take care of all HR responsibilities, such as background checks and contract negotiations. This means you’ll have more time to run your business.
Contact Airswift
Start your global engineering job search by uploading your CV on this page. We look forward to working with you!
