Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Engineer

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.


Job Description: Engineers use math and science principles to create economical solutions to technical problems. Engineers generally specialize in a field, such as the environment, electrical, health and safety, civil, mechanical or work environment engineering.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in the specialty field, plus graduate-level work or degrees are required.

Skills: The ability to link scientific discoveries and commercial applications to meet the needs of society and consumers.

Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “overall engineering employment is expected to grow by 11 percent over the 2008–18 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations. … Overall job opportunities in engineering are expected to be good, and, indeed, prospects will be excellent in certain specialties. In addition to openings from job growth, many openings will be created by the need to replace current engineers who retire; transfer to management, sales, or other occupations; or leave engineering for other reasons.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers: Companies, organizations and associations in your chosen field. Also, inquire about opportunities with local, state and federal governments, including agencies and departments.

Preparation: Make sure your certifications and licenses are up-to-date by checking with the appropriate federal or state agency or licensing board. Brush up on any new advances in your field by reading the applicable journals or attending conferences.

Get your foot in the door: If you previously worked in this field, reconnect with former colleagues and supervisors to see if any at-home work is available. Join the appropriate societies or associations and use the meetings and gatherings for networking.

Testimony: Sharon views her life as a an at-home mother and environmental engineer who consults from home as “having my cake and eating it, too.” From The Woodlands, Texas, she works between 10 and 20 hours weekly providing services to industrial and manufacturing clients to assist with air quality regulation compliance.

Until next time,

Sarah