Low-Stress Engineering Jobs

Materials Engineer

As a materials engineer, you might enjoy the technical nature and minimal stress of this position. You may work for aerospace product and parts manufacturing companies or engineering services firms. Materials engineers specialize in creating and testing components utilized in a variety of products. You will do so by developing and analyzing new projects, creating and overseeing testing procedures, and analyzing reasons for product failures and designing methods to improve performance. This career requires a bachelor's degree in materials science or a related field. Those interested in working in research and development or as a postsecondary teacher will need a graduate degree.

Biomedical Engineer

Those interested in a low-stress engineering job might be well-suited for a career as a biomedical engineer because it requires technical creativity and offers job security, with the BLS reporting a 23% growth. As a biomedical engineer, you will utilize engineering and medical science knowledge to build products, such as computer systems, for the healthcare industry. Your job responsibilities can include installing and maintaining equipment, educating medical personnel on proper equipment use, and collaborating with colleagues to analyze the engineering parts of humans' and animals' biological systems. Biomedical engineers can choose from a variety of specialties, including rehabilitation engineering or biomaterials. You may work in a hospital, laboratory, or manufacturing setting and will need a bachelor's degree for this career.

Civil Engineer

If you are interested in a low-stress career, you could consider working as a civil engineer because you may enjoy being able to work outside. Civil engineers conduct design work in an office, but often work outside to assess structures. As a civil engineer, you will specialize in designing and overseeing the implementation of construction projects like buildings and dams. Job duties will involve analyzing various factors like the environmental impact during the feasibility stage of projects, utilizing software programs to create plans for hydraulic or transportation systems, and filing appropriate compliance paperwork with government agencies. Civil engineers primarily work for engineering services firms. You will need a bachelor's degree, with a graduate degree and licensure required for advanced positions.

Chemical Engineer

A chemical engineer may be a good choice for people who desire minimal stress because you primarily work in a low-key office or lab environment. As a chemical engineer, you will specialize in utilizing scientific and mathematical knowledge to improve the production of items like food or chemicals. You will do so by creating work processes for personnel handling hazardous chemicals, designing ways to separate different components of gases and liquids, and monitoring equipment to ensure safe operation. You will need a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. A graduate degree is required if you want to work in research and development or as a postsecondary teacher.

Marine Engineer

Marine engineering may be an excellent choice because you will work in an office, often working independently during design work. You may also travel to ships for maintenance or testing purposes. As a marine engineer, you will work with the internal components of ships, including refrigeration and propulsion. Job responsibilities include designing diagrams and schematics, performing functionality and safety tests on equipment, and interfacing with vendors to ensure that work is completed accurately and timely. Marine engineers will need a bachelor's degree in marine engineering or a related field.