From traffic lights, to banking, to school work — most aspects of our daily lives rely upon functional software programs. It’s the job of a software quality assurance engineer to ensure that programs operate exactly as intended. They are involved in all aspects of the process – planning, developing and assessing progress. They closely monitor the development phase, conducting multiple testing phases to ensure program performance meets quality specifications and functions as expected.
Process engineers are critical thinkers and problem solvers – applying scientific principles and mathematics to improve processes that develop the products we enjoy every day. Whether turning milk into cheese or oil into gasoline, these professionals specialize in maximizing the efficiency of transforming raw materials into final products. These innovations keep overhead as low as possible for production companies and prices down for consumers.
Mechanical engineering technicians take theory and make it a reality. They take a plan, get hands-on with math, science and physics, and bring efficient and safe mechanical systems and equipment to life.
Mechanical engineers are true mathematical thinkers. They combine their knowledge of engineering, physics and math to create functional and efficient mechanical systems. From design to installation, maintenance and repair—these engineers keep the systems that operate our world running smoothly.
Manufacturing engineers use their prowess for efficiency to improve agricultural processes and systems. From manufacturing and industrial machines to entire greenhouse systems, they’re everyone’s go-to on making things work. And they know that the more efficiently and responsibly we use our resources, the greater impact we can have on the world.
There is a cyber-attack approximately every 40 seconds, nearly all of which target personal identifying information like names, social security numbers, bank account information and passport numbers. Thankfully, cybersecurity engineers are working to keep sensitive and classified information safe from threats by designing, developing and implementing advanced network solutions. As these IT professionals outsmart would-be hackers, they protect the privacy of consumers and the reputations of businesses and organizations
Environmental engineering technicians are the boots on the ground in the fight against pollution—working front lines to save our planet. These professionals collect and test water and soil samples, inspect worksites and assist in the development of new devices and practices that protect our natural resources and public health.
Modern industries provide us with convenience and comfort—but unfortunately there is potential for dangerous waste and pollutants as well. When these pollutants endanger the quality of our air, soil and water, environmental engineers strive to solve these pressing issues and improve conditions. They work to advance issues like waste disposal, unsafe drinking water, recycling and sustainability.
Our world is brighter because of electronics engineering technicians—they rely on an understanding of circuitry and electronic systems to build and maintain the electronic equipment that powers everything from laboratories to transportation. Electronics engineering technicians roll up their sleeves to convert engineers’ plans to working prototypes. Their work is essential to the improvement of equipment that powers every aspect of our daily lives.
Streamed your playlist through portable speaker lately? Then you’ve encountered the work of an electronics engineer. Electronics engineers look at the challenges present in the ever-advancing world of technology and say, “bring it on!” Armed with a deep understanding of mathematics and science, these experts draw up theoretical designs of new and improved electronic equipment in nearly every industry imaginable.
Flip on a light switch. Check the news on your smartphone. Stream a video. These everyday activities are made possible by the work of electrical engineers. They specialize in the technology of electricity—designing, developing, testing and producing electrical equipment and systems within a wide range of technologies. Do you like to create, solve and build? Electrical engineering might be right up your alley.
From Amazon’s servers crashing on Prime Day to Ellen DeGeneres’ famous Oscars selfie breaking Twitter, IT emergencies happen. Thankfully, devOps engineers are always thinking ahead and collaborating with developers and other IT staff to mitigate system downtimes and promote automation. Focused on system reliability, devOps engineers work behind the scenes – laying the groundwork that allow programs to run smoothly – writing code, and planning and executing maintenance, code deployments and migrations.
Do you see everyday products and find ways to improve them? Design engineers combine creativity with engineering principles; they research and develop ideas for new, more efficient products and seek ways to expand functionality in existing products – such as transferring a Fitbit to animals to help track health and productivity.
Ever peeked inside a laptop or cell phone and wondered how it was created? It was likely the work of a computer hardware engineer. Using design methods, problem-solving and logic skills, computer hardware engineers build computer systems and their related components. From processors to memory devices, 3-D printers to self-driving combines, computer hardware engineers shape the future of computer technology.
Cloud computing is a necessity in today’s business landscape, and cloud engineers are the experts in all things cloud-based. “Should I take storage from my computer to the cloud?” “Is my data information secure?” These are problems and questions that cloud engineers solve through managing, planning, building and monitoring cloud systems.
Chemical engineers are in the business of making chemical manufacturing safe and efficient. They design chemical plant equipment and create processes for chemicals and products that are essential to everyday manufacturing—gasoline, rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper and more. And they do it all by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics and engineering.
How can we grow crops that resist disease, withstand droughts or yield larger produce? Bioengineers solve issues like these by enhancing or augmenting biological processes. This may mean working to develop a transgenic papaya that resists the ringspot virus, a strain of cotton plant that is able to tolerate herbicides or a type of popcorn that produces more kernels. In this way, bioengineers help improve the productivity of crops used for food, fiber and fuel.
If you’ve ever asked “Alexa, what’s the weather today?” then you’re familiar with the work of machine engineers. Machine engineers curate and program large data sets that ultimately function as the “brain” of artificial intelligence devices, allowing them to operate independently.
Feeding 8-billion people is no easy feat – and as the global population approaches this threshold, the demand for food and agricultural products only continues to increase. Agriculture technician support improved farm efficiency, productivity and sustainability by conducting experiments and coordinating the operation of farming fields. Agriculture technicians are problem solvers – they set up and maintain lab equipment, collect crop and/or animal samples, record data, research and analyze findings. To address the ongoing challenges both locally and globally, agricultural technicians’ ongoing research and implementation is critical.
Mechanical engineers are curious problem solvers who research, design, develop and test mechanical devices, with the goal of increased productivity and improved performance. Students interested in pursuing mechanical engineering degrees will examine the general laws of physics, mathematics as science as foundations to understand and apply to mechanical systems. Coursework will likely include motion, heat transfer, thermodynamics, thermo-fluid systems and solid mechanics. Graduates are able to pursue careers in a wide range of industries, including biotechnology, robotics, energy, aerospace, automotive and much more.
From our clothing, to our next meal and the car in the garage–manufacturing enables the production of the goods and products of which we depend. Optimizing manufacturing processes to meet consumer demand and reach ultimate business goals is the focus of industrial and manufacturing engineering programs. Students will study and research process improvement theories and techniques, while learning to address issues related to cost minimization, product quality and production timelines. Additional areas of study may include occupational safety, employee management, sourcing and data analysis.
Do you stay on the pulse of new technical advancements and how to integrate new developments into daily life? Engineering technology is often described as engineering’s practical applications arm, translating engineering concepts and theories into practical reality. Students pursuing this field of study are implementers—studying engineering fundamentals and learning how they can apply for ultimate productivity and efficiency—including testing, evaluation, production and technical analysis. Graduates can look forward to applying their skill set(s) to a variety of evolving industries such as rebuilding of infrastructure, renewable energy and robotics.
From tiny microchips to huge power station generators, electricity is an often silent but vital component to all aspects of everyday life. Electrical engineering students will study the ways in which electricity can be harnessed and applied to innovative technologies. Leveraging math and science skills, students will learn to design electrical systems, study electrical system operation, embedded systems and circuit analysis. Program graduates are able to pursue careers that enable emerging technologies in a variety of fields, including power generation, medical and scientific research, electrical component development, architecture and much more.
Modern society’s infrastructure is the craftsmanship of the civil engineer. A civil engineering degree prepares students with the skillset(s) to design, build and maintain our roads and bridges, water and energy systems, airports and railways. Students pursuing this degree often choose to specialize in concentrations ranging from architecture and transportation to environmental and hydraulics.
Technology makes a lot of our daily tasks easier, but reaching better solutions takes a creative mind that also understands how things work. Today’s modern agriculture needs individuals who can combine and use creativity and mechanical knowledge to solve agricultural problems concerning power supplies, the efficiency of machinery, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products.
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