5 Engineering Jobs That Will Never Be Automated
As automation and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to transform various industries, the concerns about rising unemployment looms large especially in the field of engineering. However, certain fields have withstood full automation. Civil engineering, aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, robotics engineering, and environmental engineering are disciplines that are less likely to be fully automated in the near future.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why these engineering streams need human skills and problem-solving capabilities unique to mankind. By delving into the unique characteristics of these disciplines, let’s understand why these fields are immune to full automation and remain promising career paths for aspiring engineers.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineering deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and public works. It involves the planning, design, and execution of projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, dams, airports, water supply systems, and sewage systems etc. Civil engineers play a significant role in shaping, building and ensuring the safety, functionality, and sustainability of structures. This field requires a combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and on-site management.
Civil engineering is not likely to be automated in the near future as it involves a wide range of tasks that require human qualities such as judgement, creativity, and problem-solving. Engineers in this field deal with intricate design considerations, construction challenges, and the need for on-site decision-making. Additionally, civil engineering projects often involve working with various stakeholders, considering environmental factors, and adapting to unforeseen circumstances. These aspects make civil engineering highly reliant on human expertise, making it less susceptible to complete automation.
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering deals with the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and other related systems. It involves the study of aerodynamics, propulsion, materials science, structural analysis, and control systems to create and improve aerospace vehicles and technologies. Aerospace engineers play a crucial role in advancing the field of aviation and space exploration by developing new technologies, improving existing designs, and solving complex engineering problems.
The level of precision and safety that is required in this field necessitates human expertise and decision-making. Aerospace systems often operate in unpredictable and dynamic ways. Human intervention is essential to handle unforeseen circumstances, make real-time decisions, and ensure the safety of the vehicle and its occupants. Aerospace projects involve multidisciplinary teams working together, including engineers, designers, technicians, and pilots. Effective communication, coordination, and collaboration among team members are essential for successful project execution, which is difficult to achieve through complete automation. Additionally, this field requires continuous research and development to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance safety. Human creativity and problem-solving skills are crucial for such advancements.
While automation and artificial intelligence may play a role in certain aspects of aerospace engineering, such as data analysis and simulations etc, the overall nature of the field relies on human skills, experience, and decision-making, making it less likely to be fully automated in the near future.
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Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering combines principles of engineering and medical sciences to develop innovative solutions and technologies for healthcare. It involves the design, development, and implementation of medical devices, equipment, and procedures to improve patient care and medical diagnostics.
Biomedical engineering is less likely to be fully automated in the near future due to the following reasons:
Interdisciplinary Nature: It involves a combination of engineering, biology, and medicine. The complex and diverse nature of medical problems requires interdisciplinary collaboration and expertise. Human involvement is necessary to understand the specific needs of patients, design customised solutions, and adapt to rapidly evolving medical advancements.
Regulatory and Safety Standards: The development and implementation of medical devices and procedures involve stringent regulatory and safety standards. Extensive testing, validation, and adherence to ethical guidelines are crucial to ensure patient safety and efficacy. Human oversight and expertise are necessary to navigate through these regulations and ensure compliance.
Patient-Centric Approach: Biomedical engineering focuses on improving patient care and quality of life. It requires understanding patient needs, preferences, and individual variations. Human interaction and empathy are vital for effective communication, patient engagement, and relevant solutions to meet specific healthcare requirements.
Ethical Considerations: Biomedical engineering involves ethical considerations regarding patient privacy, consent, and the responsible use of medical technologies. Human judgement and ethical decision-making are necessary to address these complex issues and ensure the responsible application of biomedical engineering solutions.
Innovation and Research: Biomedical engineering is an innovative field that continually evolves with advancements in technology and medical knowledge. It requires ongoing research and development to address new challenges and emerging healthcare needs. Human creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential for driving innovation in this field.
Automation and artificial intelligence may play a role in specific applications within biomedical engineering, but the field's multidisciplinary nature, ethical considerations, patient-centric approach, and need for innovation make it less likely to be fully automated in the near future. Human expertise and involvement will continue to be crucial for ensuring the effective and responsible application of biomedical engineering in healthcare.
Robotics Engineering
Robotics engineering involves the design, development, and application of robots and automated systems. It encompasses various areas such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence to create robots capable of performing tasks autonomously or with human interaction.
While it may seem odd as the field of robotics engineering is highly involved in automation itself, there are a few reasons why robotics engineering is less likely to be fully automated in the near future:
Dealing with Unpredictable Situations: The real world is full of unpredictable scenarios and situations that robots may encounter. Dealing with uncertainties, unexpected obstacles, and new environments will require human intelligence and decision-making capabilities as humans are better equipped to handle these uncertainties and can provide necessary guidance and intervention whenever needed.
Ethical and Legal Considerations: Robotics engineering raises ethical and legal questions regarding the use and impact of robots in various domains. Questions related to privacy, safety, accountability, and responsibility require human judgement and decision-making. Human oversight is necessary to ensure that robots are used ethically and responsibly, taking into account societal values and legal frameworks.
Innovation and Advancement: Robotics engineering is a rapidly evolving field with ongoing innovation and advancements. It requires continuous research and development to improve robot capabilities, enhance safety features, and explore new applications. Human ingenuity and creativity play a significant role in pushing the boundaries of robotics and driving technological progress.
Automation does play a big role in certain aspects of robotics engineering, but the complex nature of tasks, unpredictable situations, collaboration requirements, ethical considerations, and the need for continuous innovation make it less likely for the field to be fully automated in the near future. Human expertise and involvement will always be vital in designing, programming, and supervising robots to ensure their safe and effective operation.
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Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering focuses on applying scientific and engineering principles to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. It involves the design, development, and implementation of solutions to protect and improve the natural environment, manage waste, and ensure the availability of clean air, water, and land resources.
There are several reasons why environmental engineering is less likely to be fully automated in the near future:
Complexity of Environmental Systems: Environmental systems are highly complex and interconnected. They involve intricate biological, chemical, and physical processes that interact with each other and with human activities. Understanding and managing these complex systems require a deep understanding of environmental science and engineering principles, as well as human judgement and decision-making.
Context-Specific Challenges: Environmental challenges vary widely depending on the location, climate, and specific environmental conditions. Solutions and strategies need to be tailored to specific contexts and consider local regulations, cultural factors, and community needs. This requires human expertise to assess and address unique challenges and develop relevant solutions.
Regulatory Compliance and Policy Development: Environmental engineering involves working closely with regulatory bodies and government agencies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and policies. Developing and implementing effective environmental policies and guidelines requires human involvement to consider diverse perspectives, scientific research, and societal factors.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Effective engagement, communication, and collaboration with diverse groups are essential for addressing environmental challenges and ensuring public participation in decision-making processes. Human interaction and social skills are critical in fostering meaningful dialogue and consensus-building.
Ethical Considerations and Value Judgments: Environmental engineering involves making decisions that balance environmental sustainability with societal and economic considerations. Determining the optimal solutions often involves ethical judgments, trade-offs, and value assessments. Human values, cultural aspects, and ethical frameworks play a significant role in shaping environmental policies and strategies.
Innovation and Adaptability: The field of environmental engineering is continuously evolving, driven by new scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and changing environmental concerns. Innovation and adaptability are crucial to develop sustainable solutions and address emerging challenges. Human creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are vital in driving innovation and adapting to evolving environmental conditions.
While automation can assist in certain aspects of environmental engineering, the complex and context-specific nature of environmental challenges, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, ethical considerations, and the need for innovation make it less likely for the field to be fully automated. Human expertise, creativity, and decision-making capabilities will remain essential in addressing complex environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.
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Streams such as civil engineering, aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, robotics engineering, and environmental engineering are immune to full automation. These disciplines rely on a blend of technical expertise, critical thinking, problem-solving, and human judgement that machines cannot replicate. The complexity, context-specific challenges, and demand for innovation in these fields necessitate human involvement. While technology may augment these professions, human capabilities and the ability to address ethical, social, and environmental concerns will remain crucial, ensuring the enduring significance of these careers.
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Flight Attendant
A flight attendant is a professional whose primary duty is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers during an airline flight. An individual who is pursuing a career as a flight attendant is part of the cabin crew for the plane, a team of personnel who operate a commercial, business, or even military aircraft while travelling domestically or internationally.
An individual pursuing a career as a flight attendant is specially trained for the aircraft in which he or she works since passenger safety is their foremost concern. In this article, we will discuss how to become a flight attendant in India or how to become a flight attendant after graduation.
Aerospace Engineer
An aerospace engineer is an individual who develops new ideas and technologies that can be used in defence systems, aviation, and spacecraft. He or she not only designs aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles but also creates test vehicles to ensure optimum functionality. Aerospace engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the study, design, and development of aerial vehicles such as aircraft and spacecraft.
Aerospace engineering jobs deal with employees who design or build missiles and aircraft for national defence, or spacecraft. Aerospace engineering or aircraft engineering is often referred to as rocket science. The bottom line is that the person who is pursuing a career in aerospace engineering has to deal with multiple teams at different levels and work across various technologies.
Flight Engineer
A career in the aviation industry always sounds exciting. But, there is no scope for the slightest error as it may cost the lives of many people. A Flight Engineer role comes with the responsibility of monitoring the aircraft engine and control systems while in flight. Whenever the aircraft is away from the home station, he or she is required to perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections
Aircrew officer
An aircrew officer or airline commanders fly aircraft to provide transportation to passengers or cargo. The aircrew officer operates the engines of aircraft and controls to navigate and fly the airplane. The ability to learn new technologies every time and to stay up-to-date with the changes in the industry is what the aircrew officer should possess.
This could be possible through membership with professional pilot associations. The aircrew officer is also one of the highest-paid professionals and the job is quite coveted. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about how to become aircrew officer.
You may also read career as Airline Pilot.
Air Hostess
An air hostess is a flight attendant also known as a cabin crew or steward. An air hostess undertakes several pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight duties and is responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers on both national and international flights. A career as an air hostess might be desirable for you if you are excited about a job in which you can help people and travel to exciting places.
Air hostesses play a crucial role in the flight crew, working closely with pilots and ground personnel to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience, even beyond their hospitality responsibilities. Being flexible, having strong communication skills, and being dedicated to the comfort of passengers are all necessary for their dynamic function, which makes them essential to the entire travel experience.
Aeronautical Engineer
An Aeronautical Engineer job comes with the responsibility of designing aircraft and thrust systems. He or she is employed in aviation, defence or civil aviation industries. Aeronautical Engineer is generally engaged in the design of aircraft and propulsion systems as well as the analysis of building materials and aircraft's aerodynamic performance. The role of an Aeronautical Engineer may involve assembling parts of aircraft, testing and maintaining them.
Safety Manager
A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
Airline Pilot
Are you searching for an 'airline pilot job description'? An airline pilot or airline commander flies aircraft and helicopters to provide transportation to passengers or cargo. The airline pilot operates the engines of the aircraft and controls them to navigate and fly the airplane. The ability to learn new technologies every time and to stay up-to-date with the changes in the industry is what aviators should possess. The career as airline pilot is also one of the highest-paid professionals and the job is quite coveted.
Welding Engineer
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
Transportation Planner
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
Environmental Engineer
Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems.
Safety Manager
A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
Conservation Architect
A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.
Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software.
Highway Engineer
Highway Engineer Job Description: A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.
Field Surveyor
Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials.
Geothermal Engineer
Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.
Geologist
A geologist attempts to comprehend the historical backdrop of the planet we live on, all the more likely to anticipate the future and clarify current events. He or she analyses the components, deployments, results, physical characteristics, and past of the planet. A geologist examines the landforms and landscapes of the earth in relation to the geology, climatic, and human processes that have shaped them.
A geologist studies earth procedures, for example, seismic tremors, avalanches, floods, and volcanic eruptions to review land and draw up safe structure plans. When he or she researches earth materials, explores metals and minerals, yet in addition search for oil, petroleum gas, water, and strategies to extricate these.
Energy Performance Engineer
Energy efficiency engineering is a broad field of engineering which deals with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, and sustainable energy resources. Energy efficiency engineering is one of the most recent engineering disciplines to emerge. The field combines the knowledge and understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with economic and environmental engineering practices. The main job of individuals who opt for a career as an energy performance engineer is to find the most efficient and sustainable path to operate buildings and manufacturing processes.
Individuals who opt for a career as energy performance engineers apply their understanding and knowledge to increase efficiency and further develop renewable sources of energy. The energy efficiency engineers also examine the use of energy in those procedures and suggest the ways in which systems can be improved.
Petroleum Engineer
A career as a Petroleum engineer is concerned with activities related to producing petroleum. These products can be in the form of either crude oil or natural gas. Petroleum engineering also requires the exploration and refinement of petroleum resources. Therefore, a career as a petroleum engineer comes up with oil and gas onshore jobs. There are also desk jobs in the petroleum industry. In layman’s terms, a petroleum engineer is a person who finds the best way to drill and extract oil from oil wells. Individuals who opt for a career as petroleum engineer also tries to find new ways to extract oil in an efficient manner.
Transportation Planner
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
Civil Engineer
A career as a civil engineer is of great importance for the infrastructural growth of the country. It is one of the most popular professions and there is great professional as well as personal growth in this civil engineering career path. There is job satisfaction in this civil engineering career path, but it also comes with a lot of stress, as there are multiple projects that need to be handled and have to be completed on time. Students should pursue physics, chemistry and mathematics in their 10+2 to become civil engineers.
Transportation Engineer
A career as a Transportation Engineer is someone who takes care of people's safety. He or she is responsible for designing, planning and constructing a safe and secure transportation system. The transportation sector has seen a huge transformation and is growing day by day and improving every day.
As a Transport Engineer, he or she needs to solve complex problems such as accidents, costs, traffic flow, and statistics. A Transport Engineer also collaborates for projects with some other companies.
Loco Pilot
A loco pilot or locomotive pilot is a professional responsible for operating trains. He or she starts, stops, or controls the speed of the train. A locomotive pilot ensures that the train operates according to time schedules and signals. These loco pilots are responsible for carrying people and products to distinct destinations.
A loco pilot has thorough knowledge and understanding of the railway operations, rules, regulations, protocols, and measures to take in times of emergency. Their role is crucial in ensuring passenger and freight trains' smooth and safe operation. Here, in this article, we will discuss everything on how to how to become a loco pilot.