Career Options for Engineering Jobs with Travel Opportunities
Just because you become an engineer does not necessarily mean you will spend every working hour in a lab or manufacturing facility. Many different types of engineers will see extensive travel, for a number of different reasons dependent on their engineering field. The list below gives you an idea of what to expect for engineers whose careers involve a fair amount of traveling opportunities.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2020)* | Job Growth (2019-2029)* |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Engineer | $95,640 | 2% |
| Environmental Engineer | $92,120 | 3% |
| Mechanical Engineer | $90,160 | 4% |
| Civil Engineer | $88,570 | 2% |
| Chemical Engineer | $108,540 | 4% |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineer | $103,390 | 3% |
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Information for Engineering Jobs with Travel Opportunities
Materials Engineer
Materials engineers design a number of products, ranging from biomedical devices and computer chips to aircraft wings and plastics. As part of a management team, materials engineers will have to visit different locations in order to evaluate the operations of their designed products, and report on the success or failure of their use. A bachelor's degree is vital to starting a job as a materials engineer, and obtaining internships or cooperative programs in school can be a huge help.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers can expect plenty of travel, as part of their position involves project design for facilities that may include water reclamation, air pollution control, or the conversion of waste to energy. They will also need to monitor the progress of their projects, so frequent site visits will be necessary. Aspiring engineers should obtain a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, or a related engineering field.
Mechanical Engineer
The job duties for a mechanical engineer may vary depending on what they design, which could include thermal sensors, engines, and other kinds of machines. If one of their products malfunctions, worksite visits will be necessary to perform diagnostics. Bachelor's degrees are required for those looking to become a mechanical engineer, and studies should be focused in either engineering or engineering technology.
Civil Engineer
Engineers in this capacity design a number of projects in the public and private sectors, including projects like tunnels, airports, water and sewage systems, and roads. Frequent visits to job sites are necessary for engineers to supervise the design, and solve any problems that occur during the construction phase. They may even travel to other countries for international contracts. A minimum of a bachelor's degree is needed to work as a civil engineer, and those looking for supervisory and senior positions will want to pursue graduate degrees and check their state's license requirements.
Chemical Engineer
The job duties of a chemical engineer vary widely; they conduct research, and they also troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes, along with safety procedure development for the use of dangerous chemicals. Chemical engineers might find themselves traveling domestically as well as abroad to various plants and worksites. Those interested in a career as a chemical engineer should earn a bachelor's degree in the same field, and while in school, internships and cooperative engineering programs will improve a resume.
Electrical and Electronics Engineer
Development, testing, and supervision of the manufacture of motors, radars, and power generators are just some of the job duties involved with electrical and electronics engineers. To oversee a complicated project or troubleshoot problems, electrical or electronics engineers will have to visit sites all over. A bachelor's degree is required for a career in this engineering field, and obtaining a Professional Engineer license may increase the chances of securing employment.
