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. The engineering market is expected to grow to USD 3.5 trillion in 2025 and grow to USD 5.8 trillion by 2034, registering a robust CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2034. 

The sector is being driven by several factors, such as the rise of the Internet of Things across the globe and the increase of engineering services and software products. Engineering has become more dynamic and innovative than ever before, with continued investment in the sector, which will no doubt pave the way for more job opportunities.

At AtkinsRéalis, we’re passionate about delivering premium solutions to our clients and working on the world’s most pressing challenges. As a global engineering and procurement firm, we have a strong understanding of the market and we strive to provide the best professional development opportunities. The engineering sector is currently undergoing rapid growth and change, so below, we’ve outlined some of the most in-demand jobs in the future.

Civil engineer

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 engineer

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. 

To us, digital is more than just a label. It’s fundamental to our way of working. It has the power to transform outcomes when combined with every element of the engineering process: our people, our data insights and our technology.

Geotechnical engineer

The global geotechnical engineering market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% from 2024 to 2030. 

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. 

Structural engineer

Structural engineers are indispensable to the built environment. From high-rise towers reshaping city skylines to the bridges and transport links connecting communities, their work underpins every major infrastructure project. 

As investment pours into new developments and the regeneration of existing assets, demand for structural engineers continues to rise — particularly those skilled in sustainable design and modern construction methods. 

With global urbanisation accelerating and infrastructure aging, structural engineering isn't just in demand — it's critical. 

Are you looking to grow your engineering career?

As the demand for engineering talent continues to surge across sectors — from infrastructure and energy to transportation and digital systems — opportunities at AtkinsRéalis are only expanding. 

We’re delivering complex, high-impact projects that shape the future, and we need engineers who are ready to think big, push boundaries, and solve real-world challenges. 

Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, there's never been a better time to explore where your expertise could take you at AtkinsRéalis. 

Explore engineering jobs with us today: 

• Mechanical engineering jobs
• Structural engineering jobs
• Geotechnical engineering jobs
• Civil engineering jobs