9 of the Most Unique Engineering Jobs You Never Knew Existed

January 8 2020 - Are you thinking about pursuing a degree in engineering but find yourself asking "what can you do with an engineering degree?" There are a variety of industries from entertainment to robotics that are looking for skilled people with a background in engineering that the options are almost endless.

Keep reading to learn more about the unique career options you have with an engineering degree. 

1. A Chocolate Engineer

If you love working with food then being a chocolate engineer might be right up your alley. There is a lot of science and engineering that goes into making candies and figuring out how to keep them fresh from production to the consumer.

There is also a lot of consideration that goes into creating a high volume of product and getting it assembled for packaging and shipping. A lot of technology that is needed in the production of creating candies and other foods requires skilled engineers to handle these processes. The food industry is a great option when considering what to do with your engineering continuing education.

2. Roller Coaster Engineer

Roller coasters require precise planning and design considerations to give guests a thrill safely. All over the world theme parks have several roller coasters as an option for their patrons and many people are needed to create each one as a one of a kind experience.

A team of structural, mechanical, civil and electrical engineers is needed to design every aspect of the roller coaster. Things that are considered in the design are the environment, placement of the track, the speed and weight of the cars with and without people in them. All of these aspects need to be engineered flawlessly to keep the passengers safe while having fun.

3. Skatepark Engineer

It may seem surprising at first, but there is a lot of creative engineering that goes into planning out skateparks. These concrete playgrounds are full of valleys, dips, drops, and angles.

Someone who is trained in math and physics is needed to create these skateparks so that skaters can enjoy the park with a degree of safety and keep the experience challenging but not impossible.

4. Landscape Engineer

Do you enjoy working with the environment, digging in the dirt and planting new plants? Maybe you enjoy designing cozy sitting spaces surrounded by potted plants on your porch. You might want to take this interest and build a career out of it by becoming a landscape engineer.

Landscape engineers create outdoor spaces that are eco-friendly and pleasant to spend time in. Some examples of these spaces are parks, golf courses, college or work campuses and can even help revive wetlands or national forests. Landscape engineers design these outdoor spaces by planning out the angles needed for pathways, the amount of soil that is needed to fill up space, and creating contoured maps.

5. Entertainment Engineer

When creating a blockbuster movie or a nationwide stage show there is a lot of mechanical and structural systems that need to be designed and created. When building theme parks and intricate sets for live shows it is made easier with someone who has a background in engineering.

While there are several different types of degrees that are applicable to this industry there are also specialized programs at some universities specifically with this industry in mind.

6. Race Engineer

Are you an adventurous type who also has a need for speed? Then you might want to consider a career as a race engineer and place yourself right on the race track. A race engineer is beneficial in making sure that the racer and race car achieve their best performance on the track.

A race engineer ensures that the car is perfectly aerodynamic, has the optimal weight, and analyzes tons of data from running lap simulations of the car and driver. You will be able to use various skills in mechanical engineering, physics and math, and automotive engineering. This career path is perfect for gear heads and those who have strong communication and collaboration skills.

7. Photonics Engineer

If you are interested in helping others then a career in photonic engineering might be perfect for you. Photonics is the science of using light to detect and transmit information and also creating energy.

Those that specialize in photonics can be found developing fiber optics to deliver information around the world or creating precise instruments used during heart surgeries. There are several different types of engineering degrees that can be acquired that will then lead you to a career in photonics.

8. Sports Engineer

A sports engineer is utilized in creating and improving the tools and technology that athletes use daily. This could mean anything from improving the design of swimsuits to make them have less resistance when gliding through water to creating an aerodynamic bicycle helmet.

The options are endless in the world of sports and technology and many different engineering backgrounds can lead you to a career in sports engineering. Once you figure out where your interests lie you can hone your skills in the area of your expertise.

9. Nanotechnology Engineer

Nanotechnology involves the environment, health, science and technology on a molecular level. This means that a nanotechnology engineer may find themselves working in a variety of different fields such as forensics, the medical field, or even an environmental job testing for pollutants.

Nanotechnology engineers have been involved in many scientific discoveries in recent years and many also have backgrounds in biophysics, chemical engineering, and bioengineering.

If you are pursuing nanotechnology as a career there are a variety of different fields you can work in from developing a new bulletproof suit that is still stylish to help protect national security or develop tiny particles that can travel throughout a patient's body to kill cancer cells. With enough imagination and ingenuity, anything is possible.

Are You Ready to Stop Asking "What Can You Do With an Engineering Degree?"

These are just some of the many options for career fields and industries you can pursue with your continuing education. So stop asking "what can you do with an engineering degree?" and get started today!

For more continuing education tips and ideas, visit our website daily! 

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