insights What will be the most in-demand engineering jobs in the future?

Engineering is a massive contributor to the global economy, which means there’s always a huge demand for different jobs in the sector. According to a Globe Newswire Report, the engineering market is expectedto grow to around $1383.41 billion in 2026, and the sector is being driven byseveral factors, such as the rise of the Internet of Things across the globeand the increase of engineering services and software products. Engineering hasbecome more dynamic and innovative than ever before, with continued investmentin the sector, which will no doubt pave the way for more job opportunities.

Most of today’s urban growth is a natural increase and the rise in the number of people living in our cities creates more opportunities for infrastructure and development. Therefore, there’s no doubt there will be an abundance of opportunities for civil engineers in the future. Also, in the future, it has been anticipated that smart cities will become more prominent, as industry players must adapt to the challenges that are facing many cities. For example, there are enormous climate pressures, infrastructure challenges, and adverse weather events, all of which means cities will need to become more sustainable. As a result, the built environment is only going to become more reliant on civil engineers, as these professionals are focused on maintaining, designing and building the systems and infrastructures within cities. Civil engineers will be essential for helping our structures cope with the impact of climate change.

Mechanical engineers play a critical role in society and it’s one of the most varied engineering disciplines because it encompasses a wide range of different areas. These professionals play a crucial role in developing and designing components and machinery – and as investments in technology continue to grow, there will likely be more opportunities for mechanical engineers. Also, the widespread adoption of 3D printing, IoT devices, and robotics have shifted work processes across engineering and created different production cycles – which means new roles will need to be filled in these areas. The growth of mechanical engineering is closely related to technology innovations and development.

Geotechnical engineer

According to research by the Globe News Wiregeotechnical engineering market is expected to grow at a 6.5% CAGR from 2020 to 2027. This growth is a direct result of technological advances and the increase in geotechnical engineering projects, as well as more demand for infrastructure projects across various parts of the world. Geotechnical engineers are responsible for carrying out analysis and testing of risks associated with the environment. The expertise and skills of geotechnical engineers make them hugely in demand, particularly as industry leaders are now more conscious of the natural environment. Geotechnical engineers are critical to the success of construction and infrastructure projects, so these professionals provide significant value to the built environment.

Working alongside architects and civil engineers, structural engineers will always have an important role to play in the construction sector. There continues to be a range of high-rise buildings, railways and bridges under construction, such as China’s Hyun Plaza Tower and the JP Morgan Chase Headquarters – which is a new skyscraper being built in New York. Structural engineers work on both existing and new structures, so as the number of projects around the world continues to grow, there’s no question that structural engineering jobs will remain high in demand in the future.

AtkinsRéalis has worked with some of the most talented engineers over the years and has helped professionals build and grow their careers. We have agile and collaborative teams and we have many opportunities across our project life cycle. We’re also committed to our journey to net-zero, as we have a strong belief in sustainability. Move your career forward today by taking a look at our civil engineering jobs or join the talent community.