Engineering is a secure career in a constantly evolving world. Unlike other professions, engineers embrace technological advancements and can continuously upgrade their skills. They also tend to have higher starting salaries than their peers in related fields, often being paid 20% more. Despite this, there needs to be more understanding that engineering jobs are dull. But six exciting and innovative career paths in engineering challenge this stereotype. 

Biomedical Engineers

Biomedical Engineers use engineering principles and techniques to design, develop, and improve medical equipment and devices. They work at the intersection of biology, medicine, and engineering, combining their knowledge and skills to create medical technology that improves patient care.

Some examples of the types of projects that Biomedical Engineers work on include:

1. Designing and developing prosthetics: Biomedical Engineers design and develop prosthetics for people who have lost limbs, such as legs, arms, or hands. They work to create prosthetics that are comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Developing diagnostic tools: Biomedical Engineers also design and develop diagnostic tools for medical imaging and testing, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI machines. They work to make these tools more accurate and effective while reducing the risk of harm to patients.
3. Improving medical devices: Biomedical Engineers work to improve existing medical devices, such as pacemakers, ventilators, and dialysis machines. They aim to make these devices more reliable, efficient, and effective.
4. Developing new medical technologies: Biomedical Engineers are also involved in developing new medical technologies and techniques. For example, they may be involved in developing new surgical tools, implantable medical devices, or drug delivery systems.

In addition to designing and developing medical equipment and devices, Biomedical Engineers are also responsible for testing and evaluating these products to ensure they are safe and effective. They may also commercialise these products, working with manufacturers and regulatory agencies to bring them to market.

Aerospace Engineer:

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They use their knowledge of aerodynamics, materials science, and propulsion systems to create safe, efficient, and effective air and space travel vehicles. Aerospace Engineers work on many projects, from designing small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to developing large commercial airliners.

Some of the tasks that Aerospace Engineers might perform include:

1. Designing aircraft and spacecraft components: Aerospace Engineers design the various components of aircraft and spacecraft, such as wings, fuselages, engines, and control systems.
2. Conducting simulations and tests: Aerospace Engineers use computer simulations and wind tunnel tests to evaluate the performance of aircraft and spacecraft designs. They use these results to improve the design and ensure that the vehicles meet safety and performance requirements.
3. Overseeing production: Aerospace Engineers may also oversee the production of aircraft and spacecraft, ensuring that the manufacturing process complies with design specifications and regulations.
4. Monitoring system performance: After a vehicle is built, Aerospace Engineers may monitor its performance and make any necessary modifications or repairs.

Aerospace Engineering is a challenging and rewarding field that requires a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering. Aerospace Engineers must work well in a team, communicate effectively, and have strong problem-solving skills. They also need to be able to adapt to new technologies and changing regulations as the aerospace industry evolves.

Software Engineer:

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They use programming languages and tools to create software applications that solve complex problems and meet specific user needs. Software Engineers work on a wide range of projects, from developing desktop applications to building cloud-based systems.

Some of the tasks that Software Engineers might perform include:

1. Designing software systems: Software Engineers work with stakeholders to understand their requirements and design software systems that meet their needs. They create software architecture, design user interfaces, and determine the most appropriate algorithms for a problem.
2. Writing code: Software Engineers write code in one or more programming languages to implement the software design. They also write tests and debug any issues that arise during development.
3. Maintaining software: Engineers maintain software systems by fixing bugs, adding new features, and optimising performance. They also work with users to understand any issues and improve the software.
4. Collaborating with teams: Software Engineers often work in teams, collaborating with other engineers, designers, product managers, and stakeholders to build and maintain software systems.

Software Engineering is a rapidly growing field that requires strong problem-solving skills, the ability to learn new technologies quickly, and excellent communication and teamwork skills. Software Engineers must also be able to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field and apply new technologies and techniques to their work.

Electrical Engineer:

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and components. They use their knowledge of electrical theory and materials properties to create and improve electrical systems that are safe, efficient, and reliable. Electrical Engineers work on various projects, from designing small electronic components to developing large-scale power systems.

Some of the tasks that Electrical Engineers might perform include:

1. Designing electrical systems: Electrical Engineers work with stakeholders to understand their requirements and electrical design systems that meet their needs. They create electrical schematics, design circuits, and select components for the system.
2. Developing prototypes: Electrical Engineers may build prototypes of their designs to test and evaluate their performance. They use this feedback to make improvements to the design.
3. Conducting simulations: Electrical Engineers use computer simulations to model and analyse the behaviour of electrical systems. They use these results to optimise the design and ensure that the system meets performance and safety requirements.
4. Overseeing production: Electrical Engineers may also oversee the production of electrical systems, ensuring that the manufacturing process complies with design specifications and regulations.
5. Monitoring system performance: After a system is built, Electrical Engineers may monitor its performance and make necessary modifications or repairs.

Electrical Engineering is a challenging and diverse field that requires a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering. Electrical Engineers must work well in a team, communicate effectively, and have strong problem-solving skills. They also need to be able to adapt to new technologies and changing regulations as the electrical engineering field evolves.

Environmental Engineer:

Environmental Engineers use their engineering skills to protect the environment and human health. They design solutions to environmental problems and work to prevent and remediate environmental harm caused by human activities. Environmental Engineers work in various settings, from consulting firms to government agencies, and on various projects, from cleaning up contaminated sites to designing sustainable water systems.

Some of the tasks that Environmental Engineers might perform include:

1. Assessing environmental impact: Environmental Engineers assess the potential impact of human activities on the environment and human health. They use this information to design strategies to minimise harm and protect the environment.
2. Designing environmental systems: Environmental Engineers design systems to prevent and remediate environmental harm. This may include designing wastewater treatment plants, developing air pollution control systems, or creating plans for cleaning up contaminated sites.
3. Conducting research: Environmental Engineers research to improve their understanding of environmental problems and develop new solutions. They may also collect and analyse data to evaluate the effectiveness of existing systems.
4. Regulating compliance: Environmental Engineers may also ensure that businesses and individuals comply with environmental regulations. They may conduct inspections, review permit applications, and enforce regulations.
5. Educating the public: Environmental Engineers may also work to educate the public about environmental issues and the role of environmental engineers in protecting the environment.

Environmental Engineering is a rapidly growing field that requires a strong foundation in science, engineering, and environmental studies. Environmental Engineers must have excellent problem-solving skills, work well in a team, and have strong communication and leadership skills. They must also be able to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in environmental science and technology.

Materials Engineer:

Materials Engineers work with materials science and engineering to design and develop new materials and improve existing ones. They use their knowledge of materials' properties to create stronger, lighter, more durable, and more sustainable materials. Materials Engineers work in various settings, from universities to research and development labs, and on various projects, from developing new types of steel to creating new materials for electronics.

Some of the tasks that Materials Engineers might perform include:

1. Developing new materials: Materials Engineers work to create new materials that meet specific performance requirements. This may involve designing new alloys, composites, or ceramics or improving the properties of existing materials.
2. Testing materials: Materials Engineers conduct experiments to test the performance of materials under various conditions. They use this information to evaluate the material's properties and make improvements.
3. Characterising materials: Materials Engineers use a variety of techniques to determine the properties of materials, such as their strength, toughness, and electrical conductivity.
4. Selecting materials: Materials Engineers work with other engineers to select the best materials for a particular application. They consider cost, availability, and performance factors to make the best selection.
5. Improving existing materials: Materials Engineers also work to improve existing materials to meet new performance requirements or to reduce their environmental impact.

Materials Engineering is a field that requires a strong foundation in science, mathematics, and engineering. Materials Engineers must have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, work well in a team, and have strong communication skills. They must also be able to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in materials science and engineering.