Occupation · SOC 17-2199
Engineers, All Other
All engineers not listed separately.
Median wage
$117,750
$62,840–$183,510
Projected growth
+2.1%
Slower than average
Annual openings
330
per year
Employed (US)
150,750
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
942 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingWritingJudgment and Decision MakingMathematics
Knowledge areas
Engineering and TechnologyMathematicsDesignComputers and ElectronicsEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Document management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareData base user interface and query softwareData base management system software
Representative tasks
Identify and recommend energy savings strategies to achieve more energy-efficient operation.Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.Conduct energy audits to evaluate energy use and to identify conservation and cost reduction measures.Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.Provide scientific or technical guidance or expertise to scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, or others, using knowledge of chemical, analytical, or biological processes as applied to micro and nanoscale systems.Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.Create mechanical design documents for parts, assemblies, or finished products.Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.Monitor and analyze energy consumption.Analyze system performance or operational requirements.Monitor energy related design or construction issues, such as energy engineering, energy management, or sustainable design.Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.Conduct research related to a range of nanotechnology topics, such as packaging, heat transfer, fluorescence detection, nanoparticle dispersion, hybrid systems, liquid systems, nanocomposites, nanofabrication, optoelectronics, or nanolithography.Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.Process or interpret signals or sensor data.Create schematics and physical layouts of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components or packaged assemblies consistent with process, functional, or package constraints.Inspect or monitor energy systems, including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or daylighting systems to determine energy use or potential energy savings.Synthesize, process, or characterize nanomaterials, using advanced tools or techniques.Design advanced precision equipment for accurate or controlled applications.Advise clients or colleagues on topics such as climate control systems, energy modeling, data logging, sustainable design, or energy auditing.Analyze, interpret, or create graphical representations of energy data, using engineering software.Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.Debug robotics programs.Collect data for energy conservation analyses, using jobsite observation, field inspections, or sub-metering.Verify energy bills and meter readings.Build, configure, or test robots or robotic applications.Design engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.Create or maintain wind farm layouts, schematics, or other visual documentation for wind farms.Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.Create back-ups of robot programs or parameters.Manage the development, design, or construction of energy conservation projects to ensure acceptability of budgets and time lines, conformance to federal and state laws, or adherence to approved specifications.Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.Implement or test design solutions.Perform energy modeling, measurement, verification, commissioning, or retro-commissioning.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Scale drawings and basic architectural layouts — produce using computer-aided design software under direct supervision on assigned project tasks.Technical specifications and material lists — compile from standard templates following established protocols on entry-level engineering assignments.Client functional requirements — document through structured interviews and note-taking under the guidance of a senior engineer.Construction plan components — identify and label correctly while assisting in the preparation of final documentation packages.Engineering mathematics — apply foundational calculations to verify dimensions and quantities on routine design tasks.Reading Comprehension — interpret technical specifications, codes, and project briefs to extract relevant design parameters on supervised assignments.Document management software — organize and store project files, drawings, and correspondence according to department filing standards.Aesthetic representations — draft preliminary visual elements of structures using graphics or desktop publishing software under direction.Engineering principles — recognize applicable physics and mechanical concepts when reviewing design details with a project team.Written reports — prepare structured summaries of design progress and basic cost estimates following provided formats for supervisor review.
developing
Final construction plans — develop and revise with integrated aesthetic representations using CAD tools on mid-complexity building projects with reduced oversight.Scale drawings and architectural designs — produce independently using computer-aided design software, incorporating client feedback and applicable building codes.Client consultations — conduct structured meetings to determine spatial and functional requirements, translating outcomes into design briefs with moderate supervision.Material and equipment specifications — prepare comprehensive documentation including color schedules and estimated costs for standard construction projects.Complex problem solving — analyze design conflicts between structural, mechanical, and aesthetic requirements and propose viable solutions in familiar project contexts.Database software — query and maintain project records, material libraries, and cost databases to support design decision-making on active assignments.Engineering mathematics — apply intermediate calculations for load, dimension, and material quantity estimation across routine and moderately complex designs.Technical writing — produce clear specifications, design rationale reports, and progress documentation suitable for client and contractor audiences.Interdisciplinary coordination — communicate design intent effectively to architects, contractors, and subcontractors during construction document phases.Judgment and decision making — evaluate design alternatives against cost, code, and client criteria to select preferred solutions on standard projects.
proficient
Final construction plans — autonomously develop complete packages including aesthetic representations, structural details, and annotated specifications for complex multi-discipline projects.Architectural and engineering designs — prepare and validate across full project scope using advanced CAD and BIM tools, ensuring compliance with all applicable standards.Client requirements — independently elicit, analyse, and reconcile conflicting functional, spatial, and budget constraints through expert-level consultation across diverse project types.Estimated costs and design specifications — produce detailed, defensible documentation covering materials, equipment, and construction methods for owner and regulatory review.Non-routine design challenges — resolve through systematic critical thinking, integrating physics, mechanical, and production-processing knowledge on high-stakes engineering problems.Deductive and inductive reasoning — apply to evaluate design assumptions, identify latent risks, and validate engineering solutions before construction documentation is finalized.Development environment and graphics software — leverage advanced tool capabilities to automate drawing production, improve accuracy, and reduce project delivery timelines.Cross-functional communication — articulate complex engineering concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders, regulators, and executives through written reports and oral presentations.Problem sensitivity — proactively identify emerging design, safety, or constructability issues during project reviews and recommend corrective action before they escalate.Quality assurance — conduct thorough peer reviews of drawings, specifications, and cost estimates to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory conformance on all deliverables.
advanced
Organizational design standards — establish and continuously improve firmwide CAD, documentation, and specification protocols that elevate quality across all engineering projects.Strategic client relationships — lead executive-level consultations to define program requirements, project vision, and long-term facility strategies for major institutional and commercial clients.Final construction plan frameworks — set methodological standards for plan development, aesthetic integration, and structural detailing adopted across multiple concurrent project teams.Talent development — mentor and assess engineers at all levels, designing structured learning pathways aligned to evolving industry tools, codes, and practice standards.Complex problem resolution — lead multi-disciplinary teams in diagnosing and resolving high-consequence engineering failures or design breakdowns under executive accountability.Innovation leadership — drive adoption of emerging design technologies, computational engineering tools, and sustainable material strategies across the practice.Organizational risk management — develop and enforce engineering judgment frameworks and decision-making governance to protect firm, client, and public interests on large-scale projects.Cross-sector knowledge integration — synthesize expertise across engineering and technology, physics, and production-processing domains to guide novel project typologies with no precedent.Thought leadership — author industry publications, present at professional conferences, and contribute to code development bodies to advance the engineering profession.Firmwide project delivery — oversee portfolio-level cost, schedule, and quality performance, accountable for the engineering integrity of all design and construction documentation produced by the organization.
Also known as
33 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Packaging EngineerBiomedical EngineerReliability EngineerDirector EngineeringCorrosion Control EngineerOrdnance EngineerBioengineerDistribution EngineerTraffic EngineerEngineerCoastal EngineerService EngineerOptical EngineerMaintainability EngineerCommercial EngineerConsulting EngineerOcean EngineerSalvage EngineerFull Stack EngineerEngineering ConsultantPhotographic EngineerPhotonics EngineerMetrologistHydrodynamicistApplication EngineerMathematical EngineerTechnical EngineerTechnical Testing EngineerTesting EngineerNanotechnologistEngineering AnalystStaff Field EngineerDesign Engineer