8 Top Engineering Careers to Consider
Engineering is a broad field. It can mean designing bridges and flood defences, managing construction projects, developing electric vehicles or improving automated manufacturing systems.
The type of work you do can vary considerably depending on the discipline you choose. If you are considering a career in engineering but are not sure which direction to take, UCEN Manchester's construction and engineering courses provide part-time routes into several of the careers covered below.
Is engineering a good career?
Engineering is a major part of the UK economy, supporting millions of jobs across a wide range of industries. EngineeringUK estimates that 6.3 million people work in engineering and technology roles, representing around a fifth of the UK workforce.
The longer-term outlook is also encouraging. The government's Skills England annual skills report identifies engineering professions as areas expected to experience particularly strong growth. It also highlights the importance of qualifications at Level 4 and above, including higher technical qualifications, for many engineering roles.
Another advantage is the potential for progression. Engineers can move from technician-level positions into design, project management, specialist engineering or consultancy. Skills such as problem solving, technical drawing, project delivery and analytical thinking can also be applied across different industries.
The salary figures below are based on the National Careers Service and show typical earnings from starter to experienced level.
1. Civil engineer
Civil engineers are responsible for designing and managing much of the infrastructure people rely on every day. Their work can include bridges, roads, flood defences, drainage systems and public buildings.
Depending on their role, civil engineers may work for engineering consultancies, construction contractors, local authorities, utilities companies or other organisations involved in infrastructure projects.
The career suits people who enjoy combining mathematics and technical design with practical problem solving. Site work can also involve managing deadlines, contractors and competing priorities.
Many people begin with a Level 4 qualification such as an HNC in Civil Engineering before building their experience and working towards professional registration.
Typical earnings range from £29,000 for new starters to £63,000 for experienced engineers.
2. Construction manager
Construction managers oversee building projects from planning through to completion. Their responsibilities include keeping projects on schedule and within budget while maintaining appropriate health, safety and quality standards.
They can work across housing, commercial construction, infrastructure and refurbishment projects. The role often involves a mixture of site-based and office-based work. Construction managers coordinate teams, contractors, materials and project requirements.
Technical knowledge is important, but successful construction managers also need strong leadership, organisation and cost-control skills. Understanding building regulations and being able to make decisions under pressure are equally valuable.
There are several routes to becoming a construction manager, including progressing from a trade or site-based role. A qualification such as the Construction Management for England HNC can help formalise that progression into management.
Typical earnings range from £27,000 to £65,000, giving experienced construction managers one of the higher earning ceilings in this list.
3. Mechanical engineer
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, install and maintain machinery and mechanical systems. These are used in areas such as manufacturing, transport, power generation and heating.
That variety makes mechanical engineering a good option if you know you want to work in engineering but have not yet decided which specialist area suits you.
The role requires a good understanding of mathematics and mechanical principles, alongside skills such as computer-aided design (CAD) and technical problem solving. You will also need to understand how individual components work together within larger physical systems.
A broad qualification such as the Engineering for England HNC can provide a foundation in mechanical principles alongside other core engineering knowledge.
Typical earnings range from £28,000 to £60,000.
4. Electrical engineer
Electrical engineers design, develop, test and maintain electrical systems, equipment and machinery. Their expertise is needed across industries ranging from manufacturing and building services to rail, renewable energy and other parts of the energy sector.
The increasing focus on electrification and cleaner energy is also creating more opportunities for people with electrical engineering skills.
This career can suit people who enjoy precision, troubleshooting and understanding how complex electrical systems work. Safety is another major consideration, with engineers expected to work to strict technical standards and procedures.
Level 4 study can provide the electrical principles, design knowledge and testing skills needed to progress into the profession.
Typical earnings range from £27,000 to £58,000.
5. Automotive engineer
Automotive engineers work on the design, development, testing and manufacture of vehicles, including cars, vans, buses and heavy vehicles. The sector is changing rapidly as manufacturers develop electric and hybrid vehicles alongside other new technologies.
Opportunities are available with vehicle manufacturers, motorsport organisations, fleet operators and specialist automotive suppliers.
The career can be particularly attractive if you enjoy combining engineering theory with practical, hands-on work and a love of vehicles. Diagnostic skills, problem solving and an understanding of vehicle systems are valuable alongside design and engineering knowledge.
For people already working in the motor trade, an Automotive Engineering HNC can provide a route towards engineering-level roles while building on existing industry experience.
Typical earnings range from £26,000 to £48,000.
6. Architectural technologist
Architectural technologists focus on the technical side of building design. They take architectural concepts and develop the detailed technical information needed to turn those ideas into buildings. This helps to ensure buildings can be constructed safely, efficiently and in accordance with regulations.
They can work for architectural practices, construction companies, property developers and other organisations involved in this space.
Technical accuracy is particularly important in this career. Employers typically value strong CAD and building information modelling (BIM) skills, as well as a detailed understanding of construction methods and building regulations.
An HNC in Architectural Technology for England provides the technical design foundation needed for this type of work.
Typical earnings range from £25,000 to £50,000.
7. Manufacturing systems engineer
Manufacturing systems engineers help design, develop and improve the systems used to manufacture products. This can involve production lines, machinery, automation and the processes that allow factories to operate efficiently.
The discipline is used across a wide range of industries, including food and drink, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and automotive manufacturing. Increasing automation and the adoption of new technologies are also changing the skills manufacturers need.
Manufacturing systems engineers need to understand how production processes work and identify where improvements can be made. Knowledge of automation and robotics can be particularly useful, alongside skills in process improvement and problem solving.
A broad Level 4 engineering qualification can provide a useful starting point before moving into a manufacturing specialism.
Typical earnings range from £26,000 to £50,000.
8. Aerospace engineer
Aerospace engineers work on the design, development, testing and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft and other aerospace systems. It is a highly specialised area of engineering, with opportunities across aircraft manufacturers, airlines, defence organisations and aerospace supply chains.
The work requires a very high level of accuracy and analytical thinking. Engineers also need to be comfortable working within strict technical, safety and regulatory requirements.
A common route is to develop a broad engineering foundation before specialising through higher-level study or workplace experience. Specialisation often takes place at Level 5 or degree level, depending on the role and career path.
Typical earnings range from £30,000 to £70,000, giving aerospace engineering the highest experienced-level salary figure on this list.
Which engineering careers pay the most?
Based on the National Careers Service figures used above, aerospace engineering has the highest experienced-level salary at £70,000. Construction management follows at £65,000, with civil engineering reaching £63,000.
However, salary should not be the only factor when choosing an engineering career. Different disciplines offer different working environments, entry routes and opportunities for progression that all fit different people.
For example, automotive engineering and architectural technology have lower maximum salary figures but can provide accessible routes into engineering for people with relevant practical or construction experience.
Your interests, existing skills and preferred type of work are just as important as salary when deciding which discipline to pursue.
How to get into engineering
There is no single route into engineering. The right option depends on your existing qualifications, experience and the type of engineering career you want to pursue.
School leavers may start with a Level 3 qualification such as a T Level, BTEC National or A Levels before progressing to higher-level study, an apprenticeship or employment.
For adults who are already working in construction, engineering or a related trade, part-time Level 4 study can provide a practical way to gain higher-level qualifications without necessarily leaving employment.
If you are deciding between higher technical qualifications, understanding the difference between an HNC and HND can help you work out which option is most appropriate for your career plans.
It is also worth looking beyond some of the common myths about construction and engineering courses. Engineering is not limited to one type of person or one type of career. There are routes into the sector for people with different backgrounds, interests and levels of experience.
Start your engineering career at UCEN Manchester
Engineering offers the opportunity to solve practical problems, develop valuable technical skills and build a career across a wide range of industries.
You do not necessarily have to choose between gaining a qualification and continuing to work. Studying part-time at Openshaw Campus can allow you to develop your skills while gaining experience in the workplace.
Explore the full range of construction and engineering courses at UCEN Manchester to compare subjects, start dates and study modes.
