Archives for November 10, 2024

Geotechnical engineers deal with soil and rock-related work on diverse projects. It’s an arm of civil engineering where professionals deal with tasks such as dam designs, waste containment, and flood protection structures using scientific methods and technology. Geotechnical engineering opportunities are springing up worldwide, especially in cities such as California. These cities need their expertise to assess and interpret soil properties and participate in planning and design to ensure their construction projects’ success. 

What will geotechnical jobs look like?

Geotechnical engineering jobs are vital to the success of every construction project. No structure goes up without approval on the state of the ground. Analysis and approval determines whether the site is ideal for the structure and won’t be affected by floods, droughts, or other environmental factors. Their report also informs what materials are suitable for the foundation and design of the structure to ensure its safety for habitation. 

Some of the job responsibilities of a geotechnical engineer include the following:

• Collecting and organizing data 
• Consulting on construction materials sustainability 
• Designing analytical 3D and 2D models
• Examining sites for sensitive projects such as landfills
• Advising clients on best site selections using maps and aerial photos
• Analyzing geological hazard risks and ensuring they’re identified and managed   
• Drilling for and analysis of bedrock and deposits samples 
• Testing construction materials, such as bricks, gravel, sand, and clay 

What will the market look like?

Geotechnical engineering careers are highly competitive, although numerous companies are hiring. The industry is expected to grow by 6.5 percent by 2027 and continue to expand in the following years. This engineering field relies heavily on technology, and experts project the industry will keep getting stronger as scientists develop new technologies. There’s also a growing need for commercial and residential infrastructure globally using innovative construction materials. 

This is promising news for AEC professionals interested in a career in this field. According to salary.com, as of November 2024, the median salary for geotechnical engineers is $81,871 per annum. Engineers in the ninetieth percentile earn as much as $92,117.

How do you get hired? 

There are several ways to land a job as a geotechnical engineer. You can either gain relevant experience and skills or by getting an education in a related field. Here are three suggestions.

1. Get an undergraduate university or college degree in geotechnical engineering or a related course, such as geophysics, mining engineering, geology, or geo-technology. You can also obtain a postgraduate qualification in soil or rock science, hydrogeology, or geotechnical engineering. 

2. Internships and apprenticeships are also used to gain entry into this field. Completing an internship at a reputable Geotech firm can help you get hired by other companies or move higher in the same company. You’ll gain on-the-job experience and learn from working with seasoned professionals.

3. Getting certifications if you have some experience in a similar field, such as civil engineering, can also help you get hired. Examples include the Geotechnical Engineering Specialist Certificate, taking the Geotechnical Engineering exam and obtaining a license. Find all the information you need for other qualifications, such as the Certified Engineering Geologist, Certified Hydrogeologist, and Professional Geologist here. 

You’ll have the advantage if you’ve worked on projects, such as dikes and dams, and have design knowledge using software such as GeoStudio and Plaxis. You can also work as an assistant to or on a team of geotechnical engineers and learn from them.

Working with an engineering staffing agency such as Certis Solutions can help you find the right geotechnical engineering opportunities. We work with an extensive database of job openings to match our applicants with roles that fit their qualifications and skill set. Contact us today to get started. 

Electrical engineering jobs are a respected career choice worldwide. These professionals are responsible for numerous innovative technological developments so it remains an attractive choice for many. However, it’s not unusual to find yourself wondering just how lucrative a career in electrical engineering is.

Electrical engineering in California is in demand

There’s an increasing need for electrical engineers in California. Statistics from May 2023 show it has the highest demand for electrical engineers, followed by Texas and New York. It’s a great time to be an electrical engineer, especially if you’re interested in entry-level positions as a recent graduate or considering becoming an electrical engineer. 

There will be no shortage of jobs for California’s electrical engineers in the next few years. The state is home to Silicon Valley and other tech communities, such as Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, where electrical engineers thrive. These areas have a high demand for electrical engineers and pay more than the average salary in California.

The job outlook for 2024 and beyond

The electrical engineering industry hasn’t been hit with job loss as hard as others in the last few years. More companies are looking to employ electrical engineers for projects that require their expertise. The number of electrical engineers in California is projected to grow by 13.9 percent by 2030, which translates to 3,900 jobs.

The outlook for the coming years is good for those interested in this industry. The hourly median pay for electrical engineers in California is $72.98 in 2024, significantly higher than the national average.

Electrical engineering jobs: FAQ guide

Is it a good career choice?

Electrical engineering is considered a good career choice since there’s high demand for it. It offers a diverse range of specializations, and you can work in numerous sectors. The average annual pay for an electrical engineer is also good, with decent growth opportunities. 

What skills are essential for electrical engineering jobs?

You need to have various skills to excel as an electrical engineer. Some of the most sought-after skills in this industry include:

• Computer skills: almost all electrical engineers work with computers and use various software. You’re expected to be well versed in applications relevant to your field of engineering to do well on the job. It’s also essential to know programming languages, such as Python and C++.
• Communication skills: working well with others is necessary for every work environment. Communicating effectively will help you collaborate with teammates and deliver your best work.
• Problem-solving skills: you need critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and solve any problems as you test products you develop.

What basic qualifications are needed?

You need an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering or a related field to qualify for a job in engineering. Some related disciplines are electronics engineering and electrical engineering technology. Lacking a degree in these fields doesn’t mean you can’t get a job as an electrical engineer. 

You can opt to increase your qualifications for an electrical engineering job by furthering your education. One way to do this is by getting an advanced degree like a master’s in electrical engineering. You can also take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, although it’s not required in every industry. 

What should I include on my resume?

Your resume is the first contact you’ll make with a potential employer, so it’s essential to make it stand out. Your resume should include your name and contact information at the top of the page. It should also have your work experience, educational background, relevant skills, and licenses or certifications.

Where can I apply for electrical engineering jobs?

There are numerous websites where you can find electrical engineering jobs. Job websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are popular. There are also job search engines dedicated to posting engineering jobs only. You may also find an excellent electrical engineering job by signing up with an engineering staffing agency like Certis Solutions.

How do I know if the job is the right fit for me?

Deciding whether a job is right depends on what you consider important. You can start by writing down everything you want in a position and seeing if the job description matches it. You may include salary expectations, job responsibilities, growth opportunities, and work hours. You can rank their importance from high to low priorities. Most jobs won’t have all your requirements, so you might have to choose which one that meets most of your high-priority requirements. 

Benefits of working with an engineering staffing agency

Most electrical engineers will find that securing a good position isn’t always easy, although there are many job prospects. You’ll have no trouble finding a good place if you work with the right team. We advise most job seekers to sign up with and receive guidance from a qualified engineering staffing agency. 

The hiring process is often long and time-consuming. Finding a position with an agency will speed up the application process since they have all your information readily available. Their recruiters will match you with jobs available in their database and provide helpful tips for acing interviews. You’ll have no trouble finding work with their extensive resources of job vacancies in the AEC industry. Certis Solutions is a professional staffing agency that helps AEC professionals find their ideal jobs. Our team of skilled recruiters can help if you want to work as an electrical engineer. With an extensive list of contacts and connections with top engineering firms, we have access to jobs other candidates are not privy to. Contact us today to land your next job.