what is an engineer?
As an engineer, you apply the principles of science and mathematics to find practical solutions to technical problems. Your work leads to useful solutions in commercial applications that meet the needs of society and consumers.
Engineers develop new products using proven designs and processes. When creating a product, an engineer often specifies the requirements and assembles the components. They also test the functionality to ensure the products are effective and reliable. Design, analysis, and testing processes are used to produce a wide range of items, from computers to chemical products and automobiles.
what does an engineer do?
As an engineer, your work involves product design, as well as manufacturing and maintaining various products. For example, you will be responsible for overseeing factories to ensure equipment is handled properly. You will also identify the causes of machine failures and perform the necessary repairs. Additionally, you’ll be involved in maintenance to ensure that equipment meets high-quality production standards.
As an engineer, you work in various industries depending on your field of study. Some engineers work in construction or industrial environments, while others are employed in the energy or pharmaceutical sectors.
Would a career in engineering suit your talent for science and mathematics? Keep reading to find out what skills and qualifications you'll need to succeed in an engineering role.
find jobsthe average salary of an engineer.
Based on Paylab data and internal resources from Randstad Romania, the average salary for an engineer ranges from 8,000 - 10,000 RON net per month. However, salaries vary depending on the engineering sector and level of seniority. The highest-paying engineering sectors include construction and infrastructure, driven by numerous ongoing projects nationwide, with an average salary of 9,000 - 12,000 RON net per month. Junior engineers typically earn around 4,000 RON net per month, while senior engineers in management positions can earn up to 18,000 - 20,000 RON net per month. Engineering directors can even reach salaries of 30,000 - 35,000 RON net per month. In addition to the base salary, employees may receive bonuses, overtime pay, and various benefits.
what factors affect an engineer's salary?
Your salary as an engineer depends on your level of education and qualifications. Some companies offer higher wages to engineers with postgraduate credentials. A graduate with a master's degree will have a higher starting salary and better chances for advancement. Besides academic degrees, completing an internship or practical training also enhances your compensation package. Additionally, the size of the company and the complexity of the project influence your earnings. For example, an engineer working at a nuclear power plant is paid more than one working in the construction industry. Large companies also have extensive resources and tend to pay more because they handle complex projects and require higher levels of experience.
types of engineers.
As an engineer, you need to specialize in a specific field of study. Some of the types of engineers include:
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mechanical engineers
As a mechanical engineer, you assist in designing and developing machines and equipment used in industrial processes. You may work in the production of industrial IT systems, trains, and various types of equipment.
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chemical engineer
As a chemical engineer, you solve problems by transforming chemical substances into valuable products. For example, you research and develop medical products from chemical components derived from various ingredients. You also formulate recipes and procedures for creating multiple products.
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civil engineer
Your work as a civil engineer involves working on building construction to ensure that structures are solid and safe.
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CFDP engineer
Your work involves building and constructing structures such as highways, national roads, bridges, tunnels, and railway lines.
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electrical engineer
Your work involves dealing with electricity, electronic devices, or green/renewable energy. You might install power lines in commercial and residential areas or manufacture electronic products.
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installation engineer
Your work involves the execution or maintenance area for various types of installations. These include gas systems, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
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petroleum and gas engineer
As a petroleum and gas engineer, you design pipelines for transporting oil and gas while ensuring the environment is protected.
working as an engineer.
Engineering is a career that inspires and allows you to explore your creativity and solve problems in society. Let's take a look at the daily tasks and work environment of an engineer.
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job description of an engineer
As an engineer, your specific responsibilities depend on your field of study and specialization. However, some of your tasks include:
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Creating plans using drawings: as an engineer, you bring an idea to life by sketching the design of a product, which is then used to develop a prototype. Whether it's a car or a consumer product, you visualize its features and detail them in your drawings during the planning phase.
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Providing project specifications: After developing a project design, you need to create its specifications, which define its functionality and effectiveness. During the product specification phase, you should also prepare material estimates and budgets for the production stages.
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Conducting engineering experiments: as an engineer, you should research and test the effectiveness of a product. This includes evaluating the product under various conditions and identifying ways to improve its performance. In chemical engineering, you'll perform experiments to determine the best formulation or process for manufacturing consumer goods.
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Completing the regulatory documents: Before starting a project, you need to fill out the technical and regulatory documentation. Some of these documents address health and safety considerations.
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Creating maintenance procedures: the machines and equipment you design need to be kept in perfect condition. Therefore, you should outline maintenance procedures that will ensure they meet the required standards.
- Writing technical reports: As an engineer, you prepare project reports and provide a comprehensive cost analysis from start to finish.
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work environment
As an engineer, your work environment depends on your area of specialization. This means you could be working in office buildings, manufacturing plants, or laboratories. Engineers working in labs are sometimes exposed to hazardous materials and are often required to wear personal protective equipment. Some engineers work outdoors in oil and gas exploration or on construction sites, while marine engineers work underwater or aboard submarines. Engineering work also involves a lot of travel, depending on your field of study. For example, construction engineers need to travel between the job site and the office. Occasionally, senior engineers attend conferences or complete projects abroad.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, if you work in manufacturing, your colleagues might include product designers or industrial designers and industrial electricians, production operators, assembly workers, pipe fitters, maintenance supervisors, and quality assurance coordinators. As a civil engineer, you could work alongside architects, site managers, construction managers, ground workers, masons, and other construction specialists. In fact, a career as an engineer can lead you into nearly any industrial sector, including environmental consulting firms and information technology companies.
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work schedule
As an engineer, you typically work a standard schedule of 40 to 50 hours per week. During research or product testing phases, you may need to put in overtime as deadlines approach. Some engineering roles offer part-time opportunities or short-term contracts, but these are relatively rare. In certain positions, your work hours might include shift work or night shifts. For example, if you're part of a railway maintenance team, you may be required to work overnight to prevent disruptions to train schedules.
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employment outlook
Engineers have promising employment prospects due to the numerous roles available in the engineering field. You can work in any industrial sector, from manufacturing to energy and information technology. Starting from a junior position, it's easy to advance to a senior engineer role or become a consultant. Most engineers at the peak of their careers seek leadership positions or move into academia as university lecturers.
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the advantages of finding a job in engineering through randstad
Finding a job in engineering through Randstad offers significant advantages, such as:
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professional guidance and counseling to maximize your chances of success in the recruitment process
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a contact person with experience, available to provide assistance when needed.
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a variety of career opportunities in your area of expertise
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temporary and permanent contracts
Are you looking for a permanent contract? A temporary job as an engineer is often a stepping stone toward securing an attractive permanent position. Every year, thousands of people land permanent roles at top companies thanks to temporary jobs found through Randstad. Plus, many companies also recruit their permanent employees through Randstad!
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education and training required for an engineer.
Some of the educational qualifications you need include:
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license
Almost all entry-level engineering jobs require a bachelor's degree, though some may seek candidates with backgrounds in science and mathematics. Engineering degrees are offered in fields such as mechanical, electrical, chemical, and aerospace engineering. You can also specialize in one area and work in a related field. For example, mechanical engineers can work in aerospace or automotive engineering. This flexibility allows you to transition into other fields with better job prospects whenever you feel the need for a change.
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postgraduate studies
After completing an undergraduate degree, you can pursue further studies such as a master's and a PhD. While not mandatory, these programs deepen your knowledge and help you develop specific skills within the industry. Postgraduate studies are essential for entering research and product design fields.
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practice
If you pursue an internship, apprenticeship, or traineeship, you'll maximize your chances of landing an entry-level engineering position.
skills and competencies
In addition to technical skills, you also need interpersonal skills to succeed. Some of these include:
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critical thinking skills
As an engineer, your main role is to solve problems. Therefore, you need to be curious and think critically to come up with ideas. When performance doesn't meet standards, you should identify the root cause and find a solution.
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attention to detail
As an engineer, a small mistake can lead to significant issues. For example, if you overlook certain components, the product might not work properly or meet expectations. Your attention to detail will be helpful in this regard.
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project management skills
As an engineer, you juggle multiple project elements, from design to testing and production. Management skills help you achieve your goals within the expected budget.
frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Frequently asked questions about working as an engineer.
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what does it really mean to be an engineer?
Engineers apply their in-depth knowledge of mathematics and science to solve problems. They also develop products that improve people's lives. For example, they design machines and electronic devices such as phones and computers.
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what is the main role of an engineer?
The role of an engineer is to design and develop solutions for human problems. CFDP engineers build railway lines from scratch, while chemical engineers are involved in product testing in laboratories for various industries.
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what is an engineer's salary?
The salary of engineers depends on their field of work. However, the average net monthly salary for an engineer is between 8,000 and 10,000 RON, and it increases as you gain more experience.
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which engineer has the most attractive average salary in romania?
In Romania, engineers with the highest salaries work in the construction sector. Their average monthly net salary ranges from 9,000 - 12,000 RON. Energy engineers also earn a competitive salary, typically between 7,000 - 9,000 RON net per month.
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How do I apply for a vacant engineering position?
Applying for a job as an engineer is straightforward: create a Randstad profile and browse our available job openings in your area. Then, simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our career tips here! Want to stay updated on the latest trends and insights in the job market? Download the newest reports and research here.