Removing, processing and using raw materials such as coal and oil. Harvesting our natural resources and creating water, nuclear and solar power, which are used to supply our nation's energy needs. Engineers tend to specialize in a particular area. There are 25 major specialties that are recognized by professional societies. In addition, there are numerous subdivisions.
Engineers work in a variety of places.
The majority of engineers work in office buildings, laboratories or industrial plants. A few spend the bulk of their time in the great outdoors, often at construction sites, mines and oil and gas exploration locations. In 1996 engineers held roughly 1,382,000 jobs. Fifty percent of engineering jobs were in manufacturing. Examples include companies that design and produce electrical equipment, aircraft and aircraft parts, motor vehicles, chemicals, and military hardware.