engineer.

As an engineer, specific responsibilities depend on your area of expertise. However, there are some common tasks that are typically part of most engineers' daily work:

• Creating plans with the help of drawings: as an engineer, you bring an idea to life by sketching the product design, which is then used to develop a prototype. Whether it's a machine or a product, during the design phase, you can showcase its features and detail them through drawings.
• Project specifications: after developing the product design, you need to create detailed specifications that define its functionality and efficiency. During the product specification process, you should also prepare material estimates and budgets for the manufacturing stages.
• Conducting engineering experiments: as an engineer, you need to research and test a product’s effectiveness. This involves evaluating the product under various conditions and finding ways to improve its performance. For example, a chemical engineer might perform experiments to determine the best formula or process for manufacturing consumer goods.
• Preparation of regulatory documents: before starting a project, you need to complete the technical and regulatory paperwork. These mainly involve health and safety-related documents.
• Development of maintenance procedures: the machines and equipment you design must be kept in top condition. Therefore, you need to outline the maintenance procedures that will meet the required standards. 
• Writing technical reports: an engineer prepares project reports and conducts cost analyses from the start to the finish of the project.

An engineer's work environment depends on their area of specialization. They may work in office buildings, manufacturing plants, or laboratories. Engineers working in laboratories might sometimes handle hazardous materials and often need to wear protective gear. Some engineers work in oil or gas fields, or on construction sites, while maritime engineers operate underwater or aboard submarines. The engineering profession can also involve a lot of travel, depending on the field. For example, construction engineers often commute regularly between the construction site and the office. Occasionally, lead engineers attend conferences or participate in larger international projects.

Depending on your area of expertise, if you work in manufacturing, your colleagues might include product designers, industrial designers, industrial electricians, production operators, assembly workers, pipefitters, maintenance supervisors, and quality assurance coordinators. As a civil engineer, you could be working closely alongside architects, site administrators, site managers, earthworks specialists, masons, and other construction professionals.

An engineer works full-time, typically 40 hours a week. During research phases or product testing, there may be instances where overtime is necessary as deadlines approach. Some engineering positions offer part-time or fixed-term contract options, but these are uncommon. In certain roles, shift work or night shifts may be required. For example, a member of a railway maintenance team might need to work overnight to ensure that the work minimally disrupts train schedules.

Engineers have promising career opportunities due to the diverse roles they can hold within the engineering field. They can work in any industry, from manufacturing and energy to IT. Starting from a junior position, it’s easy to advance to a senior engineer role with the right experience. Most engineers at the peak of their careers are seeking leadership positions or may choose to continue as university instructors.

There are several advantages to working with a Randstad consultant when searching for an engineering position:

• a consultant, well-versed in the technical-engineering sector of the labor market, supports the selection process
• you can find a wide range of job opportunities on our website
• whether you're looking for a fixed-term or permanent position, we help you find the job that best fits you

As an engineer, your primary responsibility is solving problems. That means you need to be curious and think critically to come up with ideas. If performance doesn't meet standards, you must identify the root cause and find a solution.

A small mistake can cause significant problems. For example, if you omit some ingredients, the product may not work properly or meet expectations. That's why paying attention to details is essential.

Engineers use mathematics for analysis, design, and problem-solving. A strong affinity for mathematics, natural sciences, and technology helps in solving problems and contributes to success in their work.

As an engineer, juggling multiple project components from design to testing and manufacturing. Strong leadership abilities help achieve goals within the expected budget.

Engineering is divided into six major branches: chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, geotechnical engineering, and aerospace engineering. Each of these fields has numerous sub-disciplines, offering exciting job opportunities and promising career prospects.

Engineers apply their in-depth knowledge of mathematics and natural sciences to solve global problems. They create products that make people's lives easier, such as machines and electronic devices, phones and computers. They also design vehicles, roads, and buildings, or work on developing new medicines.

An engineer's job is to find solutions to the world's problems, design them, and develop them. For example, civil engineers build railways from scratch, while chemical engineers develop processes for manufacturing products.

Our salary calculator allows you to explore pay ranges, so you can see what a starting or experienced engineer's salary looks like.

The highest salaries in the country are earned by oil and gas engineers, as well as engineers working in research and development. Additionally, energy engineers can also expect to earn high wages.

Applying for an engineering position is easy: create your Randstad profile and browse our job offers near you. Once logged in, you can apply with just one click for the opportunity that interests you on our website!