Chemical engineering

As the name suggests, chemical engineers use chemistry, as well as biology and physics, to solve issues in industries, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and construction. Job duties include:

• Developing enhanced production processes
• Creating safety procedures for working with chemicals
• Ensuring products are safe for consumers
• Identifying and solving manufacturing problems

Many chemical engineers work in laboratory or office settings. However, they may also travel to production and manufacturing plants, where they oversee operations directly on-site.

Civil engineering

Civil engineers specialize in infrastructure. These engineers manage, create and build physical projects. They may work on anything from bridges and tunnels to dams and sewer systems. Job duties include:

• Repairing and maintaining private or public projects
• Organizing construction site layouts
• Working with federal officials to follow regulations
• Testing the quality of construction materials

While civil engineers may spend some time planning in an office, you can usually find them directly on a construction site.

Environmental engineering

Environmental engineers rely on science, namely chemistry and biology, to devise unique solutions for issues, such as air and water pollution, global warming and excess waste. Job duties include:

• Designing sustainable technology, such as pollution control devices
• Researching the environmental effects of prospective construction projects
• Providing sustainability advice to corporations
• Creating and observing governmental environment projects

When creating innovative solutions, most environmental engineers work in offices. However, if they’re monitoring a construction project, you can find them in the field.

Mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering focuses on forming, developing and testing machines, equipment and mechanical products. This is one of the broadest types of engineering jobs and can cover anything from refrigerators and heating systems to robotics and space technology. Job duties include:

• Increasing the speed and functionality of products
• Testing and adjusting mechanical designs
• Creating solutions for failed projects
• Managing manufacturing processes

Since this field is research-heavy, many mechanical engineers work in office or lab settings. They may also visit sites if their expertise is needed.

Health and safety engineering

Health and safety engineers create systems that protect the public from diseases, contamination and physical injury. They might focus on machinery safety, or they may create solutions to mitigate the spread of illness. Job duties include:

• Making sure corporations follow safety regulations
• Creating and sharing fire code recommendations
• Checking products before they’re distributed to consumers
• Promoting cleanliness in workplaces

Health and safety engineers are often required to travel to different sites. They also spend a fair amount of time crafting solutions behind a desk.

How to hire for different types of engineering jobs

Engineers can be found across several disciplines, from the food and beverage industry to the healthcare and manufacturing fields. No matter where they work or what they specialize in, the objective is always the same: create safer, more efficient solutions. If you’re interested in hiring an engineer, follow these tips.

Know what you’re looking for

With so many types of engineering jobs out there, it’s important to define what you’re looking for. Do you need someone who can develop software, or do you require assistance with a sustainability initiative? Narrowing this down will help you attract the most suitable candidates.

Ask the right questions

Engineering is about more than designing solutions. Since engineers typically work with others, you want to ensure your new hire can communicate, collaborate and thrive in team settings. In addition to reviewing work experience, inquire about the following:

• Their goals
• Their passion for engineering
• Their strengths and weaknesses

While interview questions won’t reveal everything about an applicant, they can help you determine whether they’re a good fit for your business.

Make your business stand out

While you’re trying to hire the right employee, the interviewee is searching for the best place to work. If you have a positive work culture, flexible schedules and happy employees, engineering candidates will be more interested in working with you.