machines, robots, tools, power generating equipment such as steam and gas turbines, heating,
cooling, and refrigerating equipment, and internal combustion engines. The major branches of
mechanical engineering include thermal /fluid systems and structural /solid systems. The job
outlook for mechanical engineers is also good, as more efficient machines and power generat-
ing equipment and alternative energy-producing devices are needed. You will find mechanical
engineers working for the federal government, consulting firms, various manufacturing sectors,
the automotive industry, and other transportation companies.
The other common disciplines in engineering include aerospace engineering, biomedical,
chemical engineering, environmental engineering, petroleum engineering, nuclear engineer-
ing, and materials engineering.Aerospace Engineering Aerospace engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufac-
ture of commercial and military aircraft, helicopters, spacecraft, and missiles. They may work
on projects dealing with research and development of guidance, navigation, and control systems.
Most aerospace engineers work for aircraft and missile manufacturers, the Department of
Defense, and NASA. If you decide to pursue an aerospace engineering career, you should expect
to live in California, Washington, Texas, or Florida, because these are the states with large aero-
space manufacturing companies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook
for aerospace engineers is expected to grow not as fast through the year 2010. One reason for
this slower job growth is the decline in Department of Defense expenditures. However, because
of population growth and the need to meet the demand for more passenger air traffic, com-
mercial airplane manufacturers are expected to do well.Biomedical Engineering Biomedical engineering is a new discipline that combines biology,
chemistry, medicine, and engineering to solve a wide range of medical and health-related prob-
lems. They apply the laws and the principles of chemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering
to design artificial limbs, organs, imaging systems, and devices used in medical procedures.
They also perform research alongside of medical doctors, chemists, and biologists to better
understand various aspects of biological systems and the human body. In addition to their train-
ing in biology and chemistry, biomedical engineers have a strong background in either
mechanical or electrical engineering.
There are a number of specializations within biomedical engineering, including: biome-
chanics, biomaterials, tissue engineering, medical imaging, and rehabilitation. Computer-assisted
surgery and tissue engineering are among the fastest growing areas of research in biomedical
engineering. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for graduates of bio-
medical engineering is very good, because of the focus on health issues and the aging population.Chemical Engineering As the name implies, chemical engineers use the principles of chemistry
and basic engineering sciences to solve a variety of problems related to the production of chem-
icals and their use in various industries, including the pharmaceutical, electronic, and photo-
graphic industries. Most chemical engineers are employed by chemical, petroleum refining,
film, paper, plastic, paint, and other related industries. Chemical engineers also work in met-
allurgical, food processing, biotechnology and fermentation industries. They usually specialize
in certain areas such as polymers, oxidation, fertilizers, or pollution control. To meet the needs
of the growing population, the job outlook for chemical engineers is also good, according to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics.18 Chapter 1 Introduction to the Engineering Profession
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