Engineering remains a dynamic and ever-evolving field, demanding exceptionally skilled professionals who can navigate complex challenges and drive forward innovation. The demand for top-tier engineering talent continues to grow, and over the past year, we have successfully placed highly qualified individuals in pivotal roles across a variety of industries, including Power Generation, Power Delivery, Environmental, Architectural, Manufacturing, and Oil, Gas & Chemicals.
Our review of the past year’s placement data has yielded significant insights into the engineering sector. Alongside our findings, this report includes crucial information on the diversification of engineering jobs, the impacts of cybersecurity in the engineering space, engineering trends, and the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the sector, illustrating how these factors are shaping the future of engineering.
Growth and Diversification in Engineering Jobs
The engineering sector is projected to experience significant growth, particularly in the chemical engineering field. Employment of chemical engineers is expected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is “faster than the average for all occupations”. This growth is driven by increasing demand in areas such as nanotechnology, alternative energy, and biotechnology. Additionally, environmental and sustainability concerns are prompting companies to seek chemical engineers for developing eco-friendly products. About 1,300 job openings for chemical engineers are anticipated each year over the decade, mainly due to workforce replacements (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Cybersecurity in the Engineering Space
In 2024, cybersecurity remains a critical focus in the engineering space, driven by increasing digitalization and the integration of advanced technologies across various sectors. As engineering projects become more connected through IoT and other digital tools, the potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyber threats also rise. This necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to protect infrastructure, intellectual property, and data integrity.
Initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity include significant investments in sophisticated defense mechanisms and the development of comprehensive security protocols tailored to the engineering industry’s specific needs. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on regulatory compliance across global markets compels engineering firms to prioritize cybersecurity not just as a protective measure, but also as a fundamental aspect of their operational strategy. These efforts are supported by advancements in technology that provide enhanced monitoring, threat detection, and rapid response solutions, ensuring that engineering projects maintain high standards of security and resilience against cyber threats.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Engineering Sector
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the engineering sector is becoming increasingly influential, particularly through its integration in software engineering and the broader scope of model-based engineering practices. One of the prominent trends is the use of generative AI, which enhances the software development process by automating coding and enabling sophisticated model-driven developments (MDD). This approach not only speeds up the development process but also helps in maintaining large-scale systems more efficiently by reducing costs and addressing potential software vulnerabilities early on (SEI).
Key Findings
The average salary for engineering & architecture roles as of May 2024 is $91,420 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is 90% higher than the median annual wage across all occupations ($48,060)
A quick survey of our network revealed some key insights into what clients are saying are the biggest obstacles to hiring engineering talent. 38% said that finding candidates was their biggest obstacle. Followed by 32% say that a lack of funding or budgetary cuts are having the biggest impact. 15% said there’s a mismatch between the candidate skillset they need, and the skillset they’re finding in candidates they interview. Lastly, 15% reported that they are having a hard time meeting candidate demands.
53% of our engineering placements over the past year were contract, 34% were direct hires, and 13% were contract to hire.
Top Job Titles
- Project Engineer: Coordinates project elements from planning to completion, ensuring technical standards and timelines are met.
- Design Engineer: Specializes in crafting plans and specifications for products or structures, integrating functionality with aesthetics and safety.
- Civil Engineer: Focuses on designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and water systems.
- Electrical Engineer: Develops and tests electrical equipment and systems, including power generation, communications, and electronics.
- Environmental Engineer: Works on solutions to environmental problems, such as waste treatment and pollution control, to protect health and ecosystems.
- Mechanical Engineer: Designs and analyzes mechanical devices, such as engines and machines, to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Field Engineer/Field Services: Provides on-site technical support and services, ensuring the practical application of engineering solutions meets operational standards.
- Instrumentation & Controls Engineer: Designs and develops systems that monitor and control engineering processes and machinery.
- Controls Engineer: Specializes in creating and managing systems that control machinery and processes, ensuring stability, efficiency, and safety.
- Engineering Technologist: Applies engineering principles and technical skills to support the development, implementation, and maintenance of engineering projects.
Top 10 States Requesting Engineering Talent Across the US, Ranked by Demand
- North Carolina
- Michigan
- Virginia
- Ohio
- Wisconsin
- Kansas
- Illinois
- South Carolina
- Florida
- Missouri
This report underscores a dynamic year for the engineering sector, marked by a robust demand for skilled professionals and significant growth, particularly in specialties such as biomedical and civil engineering. Key trends shaping the industry include advancements in cybersecurity and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which enhance project security and efficiency. Employment trends reveal a competitive job market with a notable increase in salaries, reflecting the sector’s ongoing innovation and adaptation to technological and environmental challenges. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains well-prepared to tackle future demands with strategic investments and a focus on nurturing top-tier talent.
About Planet Forward
Planet Forward is your premier source for contract staffing, staff augmentation, contract to hire and direct hire needs in the Engineering field.
Our expertise lies in recruiting professionals within the engineering space. In today’s competitive market, our clients rely on our deep network of talent to decrease commercial downtime and complete projects on time.
Our team of specialized recruiters takes the time to understand our client’s specific needs to provide the perfect candidate. In an industry with a high demand for skilled talent, our global recruiting and delivery model is crucial.
Founded in 2009, we are an award-winning supplier and partner with a wide range of companies, both in scope and growth stage across North America.
Our Specialties:
- Civil/Structural Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- I&C Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Protection and Controls Engineers
- Relay Engineers
- Substation Engineers
- Transmission Line Engineers
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Landfill Engineers
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Engineering Managers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Controls Engineers
- Industrial/Manufacturing Engineers
- Quality Engineers/Managers
- Plant Engineers
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