Architectural engineering

As an architectural engineer, you’ll help design buildings that are not only visually stunning but also safe, energy-efficient, and supportive of the health and well-being of those who occupy them.

Architectural engineers think about things like designing buildings with advanced ventilation systems to provide healthy air for those inside.

An architectural engineer must have a strong understanding of electrical, lighting, mechanical, and structural systems, as well as how these systems interact with one another.

That’s why Oregon State has spaces like the lighting lab, to help architectural engineering students learn how to control the spatial pattern, intensity, spectrum, and timing of lights to shape architectural engineering environments.

Architectural engineering career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as an architectural engineer are:

• Integrating energy-efficient solutions for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for buildings to provide optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
• Collaborating with architects and interior designers to develop lighting concepts that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of buildings. 
• Working on eco-friendly and sustainable building projects, incorporating green technologies, energy-efficient designs, and environmentally friendly materials to reduce the building’s environmental impact.

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Bioengineering

Bioengineers combine biology and engineering to create new materials, devices and processes for the medical and biotech industries. 

For example, Oregon State bioengineering graduate Paris Myers, now works at the MIT Media Lab’s biomechatronics team as a full-time researcher working with famed scientist Hugh Herr.

Bioengineers have a solid foundation of biology, chemistry, physics, and math and typically work in roles at the intersection of living systems and human design. 

For example, bioengineers pursue things like developing technology that allows people to remove their own tonsil stones at home. 

Bioengineering career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as a bioengineer are:

• Developing new technologies to prevent, diagnose, and treat life-limiting diseases such as cancer.
• Creating biocompatible materials for use in wound care, surgery, and surgical implants. 
• Designing new pharmaceutical treatments, medical devices, prostheses, or artificial organs.

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Chemical engineering

Chemical engineers turn raw materials into high-tech, high-value products — like biofuels, electronics, and biodegradable plastics. Their work spans industries including clean energy, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors.

Chemical engineers explore things like merging artificial intelligence and chemistry to speed up and reduce the cost of discovering materials and molecules, creating environmentally and economically sustainable materials and products, or designing and fabricating the semiconductor chips that power the world around us. 

Check out our resource, What Do Chemical Engineers Do?, to learn more about the career opportunities available in this field.

Chemical engineering career opportunities

Currently, chemical engineers are in high demand. Some examples of the projects you might work on as a chemical engineer are:

• Developing technologies for generating and storing renewable energy.
• Designing advanced materials, like smart surfaces and textiles for wearable electronics.
• Innovating materials and processes for the semiconductor and high-tech industries.

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Civil engineering

Civil engineers design and build the infrastructure that keeps our world moving. From highways and bridges to clean water systems and earthquake-ready buildings, they turn big ideas into the structures we rely on every day.

Civil engineers have the opportunity to work on projects around the globe that impact the everyday lives of millions of people. They also have a lot of field-based projects, so if spending more time outside as an engineer sounds fun to you, this might be a discipline worth checking out.

Civil engineering career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as a civil engineer are:

• Planning and designing major infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, public transportation and airports
• Conducting soil and rock analysis for construction projects, such as foundation design, slope stability assessment, and excavation planning. 
• Participating in urban development projects, including planning, zoning, land development, and redevelopment to create livable, sustainable, and healthy communities

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Computer science

Computer scientists use creativity and logic to write the software that powers today’s technology. From apps and AI to cybersecurity and video games, this field is full of innovation and impact.

Whether they are designing apps to solve common problems like helping students perform better in classes or developing an interface for working with underwater robots, computer scientists are sought after in nearly every industry. 

Which is why Oregon State’s computer science program offers students opportunities for hands-on experience, like working in the ORTSOC cybersecurity operations center and developing software solutions in the Center for Applied Systems and Software.

Computer science career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as a computer scientist are:

• Developing AI algorithms and machine learning models for future technology.
• Using data science to uncover insights, trends, and patterns.
• Designing security protocols and encryption to protect against cyber threats.
• Creating immersive VR and AR experiences for gaming, education, and simulations.
• Developing cutting-edge software technology systems with innovative user interactions.

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Construction engineering management

Construction engineering managers combine technical knowledge with leadership skills and industry engagement. They bring building projects to life, including homes, commercial buildings, highways, bridges, reservoirs, airports, and more. 

People like Tausha Smith became interested in this field of engineering because it allowed her to take her hands-on knowledge and apply it to managing projects and leading others. 

Some construction engineering managers get to work on large-scale stadium construction projects, like the reconstruction of Oregon State’s football stadium.

Construction engineering management career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as a construction engineering manager are:

• Guiding large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, airports, and rail systems.
• Managing construction projects that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, creating dynamic and self-sustaining communities.
• Working on projects involving stadiums, arenas, and entertainment venues, considering seating arrangements, acoustics, and advanced audiovisual systems.

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Ecological engineering

Ecological engineers design systems that work in harmony with nature. By applying ecological science and engineering, they help solve environmental problems and build a more sustainable future.

Ecological engineers engage in many activities geared to help humans flourish within the natural world, such as restoring rivers and wetlands, improving agricultural water quality, rehabilitating abandoned mines, and finding ways to address climate change.

Ecological engineers often have a sense of obligation to protect the natural world, like Katelin Godwin, who in her pursuit of an ecological engineering degree learned that what excites her is seeing how natural solutions like microbes and native plants are used to remove contaminants from water and to maintain healthy watersheds.

Curious what it’s like pursuing a degree in ecological engineering? See what a day in the life looks like as an ecological engineering student at Oregon State University.

Ecological engineering career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as an ecological engineer are:

• Working together with engineers, consultants, architects and construction firms to reduce or mitigate the environmental impacts of major projects.
• Leading efforts to restore riparian and wetland habitats and rehabilitate former mines and industrial sites.
• Developing green infrastructure solutions in urban areas, such as green roofs, permeable pavements, and urban forests.

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Electrical and computer engineering

Electrical and computer engineers have the ability to transform virtually any industry. These engineers design, build, and support new technologies while refining existing systems, processes, and products. From making smartphones to renewable energy grids to medical devices, this fast-evolving field is perfect for tech-minded problem solvers.

For example, Lesly Rojas, an electrical and computer engineering student, interned with Medtronic, where she worked on strengthening software communication protocols in the Hugo Robotic-Assisted Surgery System. She focused on minimizing data loss between components of the system by ensuring a communications simulator stores data properly.

Electrical and computer engineering career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as an electrical and computer engineer are:

• Designing and implementing renewable energy projects, such as solar power systems or wind farms.
• Optimizing electrical power distribution systems to make buildings, factories, or even cities greener.
• Develop control systems for robotic devices used in industrial automation, space exploration, or in-home assistance.

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Energy systems engineering

Energy systems engineers help the world transition to cleaner, smarter energy. They design and optimize systems for generating, storing, and distributing energy in efficient and sustainable ways.

Energy systems engineers design devices, processes and systems used to convert, distribute and store energy. Oregon State students majoring in energy systems engineering worked on a project with E::SPACE labs, designing affordable monitors to measure outdoor air quality in multiple locations around Central Oregon. 

Energy systems engineering career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as an energy systems engineer are:

• Improving energy efficiency in buildings and factories
• Designing advanced batteries and solar technologies
• Analyzing and optimizing wind, wave, or thermal systems
• Tackling climate challenges with real engineering solutions

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Environmental engineering

Environmental engineers develop new solutions to ensure clean water, air, and soil for the health of humans and the environment. Environmental engineers work in large corporations and small firms, everywhere from rural communities to cities. 

These engineers design drinking water and wastewater treatment plants, manage and treat stormwater, and come up with new ways to recycle lithium-ion batteries.

Environmental engineering career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as an environmental engineer are:

• Designing and optimizing facilities for removing pollutants from household and industrial wastewater, as well as facilities to produce high-quality drinking water, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
• Mitigating air pollution through emission reduction strategies and advanced pollution control technologies.
• Creating technologies to recover and recycle valuable products from waste streams.

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Industrial engineering

When you receive a next-day package delivery or read about billions of vaccines being manufactured, seemingly overnight, thank an industrial engineer. They are the puzzle solvers who keep the modern world moving.

Industrial engineers design, analyze and streamline complex systems, from manufacturing plants to healthcare facilities. Using math, statistics, engineering principles and knowledge of human needs, they solve problems that reduce waste and improve the quality of life for billions of people. As industries evolve, the demand for industrial engineering graduates who can tackle these challenges continues to grow.

A good example of the work an industrial engineer could do is looking at industrial engineering graduate Andy Balk, who is in charge of helping Amazon shift from gas to electric vehicles. Andy’s job is a central component of Amazon’s pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Still not sure about industrial engineering? Learn more about what they do with real-life examples from Oregon State industrial engineering graduates.

What do industrial engineers do?

Industrial engineering career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as an industrial engineer are:

• Designing and managing efficient supply chain systems to ensure the smooth flow of goods and materials from suppliers to customers.
• Evaluate and implement automation and robotic solutions to streamline manufacturing processes and improve efficiency.
• Analyze and design workstations and processes to enhance worker safety, comfort, and productivity.

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Mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineers design the products you see all around - from everyday items to one-of-a-kind technological wonders. Tablet computers, food delivery robots, insulin pens, and cars: all due in part to the ingenuity of mechanical engineers. 

Into aerospace? These engineers make airplanes, rockets, and develop components for projects like the James Webb Space Telescope.

Nearly every industry relies on mechanical engineers. For example, mechanical engineering graduate Wyatt Weaver designs and develops components used in Tektronix’s high-performance oscilloscopes. You could even help build drones for farmers in developing countries. 

Learn more about mechanical engineers and what they do:

What do mechanical engineers do?

Mechanical engineering options

Mechanical engineering career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as a mechanical engineer are:

• Designing wind turbines, solar panels, or other clean energy sources.
• Developing new materials for everything from sports equipment to the protective shells of spacecraft for human safety.
• Creating robots to explore underground, dark, or dangerous environments to better equip first responders.

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Nuclear engineering

Nuclear scientists and engineers explore and utilize nuclear power to provide carbon-free electricity and to produce and use radiation and radioactive materials. Nuclear engineers might research and develop new reactor designs, or could be involved in researching challenges of new and current nuclear reactor designs, or testing the performance and limits of nuclear fuel. 

Nuclear scientists are also interested in health and safety. They protect people from the hazardous effects of radiation and support policies for nuclear security and non-proliferation.

Learn more about nuclear engineers and what they do:

What do nuclear engineers do?

Are nuclear engineers in demand?

How to choose a nuclear engineering program

Nuclear engineering career opportunities

Some examples of the projects you might work on as a nuclear engineer are:

• Designing, maintaining, and operating nuclear fission reactors.
• Creating safer and more durable materials for the nuclear industry.
• Guiding policies around nuclear security and non-proliferation.
• Developing systems to make nuclear energy safer, sustainable, and affordable.

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