what is an engineer?

As an engineer, you belong to the scientifically trained professionals. Your unique selling point in this profession is your creative mindset. You are always on the lookout for innovative products and processes. To do so, you bring a broad general knowledge in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering (MINT). All significant inventions and achievements of our time are based on the visions of engineers. As an engineer, you play a central role in areas such as energy, information systems, climate protection, medical technology, mobility, and the environment. Thanks to your scientific insights and creativity, you are helping to change the world. As a modern engineer, you are no longer just the solitary tinkerer. Today, you work with advanced systems in a multidisciplinary environment. Your expertise is no longer limited to technology alone. Business know-how, such as efficiency and profitability, is also familiar to you. In practice, you are almost always specialized, whether as an automotive engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, or software engineer.

engineer jobs
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working as an engineer.

As an engineer, you're a true innovator. Wherever you go, your creative mind and technical know-how make life easier for clients and those around you. Here's what that means in practice.

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types of engineers.

Engineers come with a wide range of specialisations. We'll introduce you to different types of engineering. See for yourself which one appeals to you the most:

  • Construction: As a civil engineer, you're involved in the planning, construction, and improvement of infrastructure. You're responsible for ensuring that all bridges, roads, pipelines, and tunnels are in good condition.
  • Mechanical engineering: If you work as a mechanical engineer, you develop, design, and optimise machines and systems. Additionally, you analyse and modernise manufacturing processes. The range is broad: you might be involved in oil extraction at a large corporation or designing high-performance engines.
  • Software engineer: As a software engineer, you're a true computer scientist or electrical engineer. You leverage your digital affinity to develop and improve software concepts. You're responsible for troubleshooting and refining solutions. Additionally, you develop software for control and automation technology, robotics, and everything related to the Internet of Things (IoT). If complex algorithms are your world, you'll feel right at home in this profession.
  • Automobile: The broad field of mobility is your area of responsibility as an automotive engineer. Whether it's trains, buses, agricultural machinery, commercial vehicles, or special-purpose vehicles, you research alternative drive technologies. Essentially, you're responsible for optimizing vehicles. In doing so, you work closely with other departments such as product design, marketing, legal, and environmental affairs.
Two men working together in an office
Two men working together in an office
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salary as an engineer.

Engineers are in high demand. This is reflected clearly in your annual salary. How much you earn on average depends on your education, specialization, and industry. Civil engineers tend to earn less than chemical engineers. Some engineers also receive bonuses in addition to their base annual salary.

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education and further training as an engineer.

Once you've got your degree in hand, you'll typically start by gaining some work experience. If you're aiming for a career in engineering, it's a good idea to continue developing professionally. For example, the swiss engineering Association offers various advanced training courses for managers. You'll expand your technical knowledge, boost your personal skills, and learn about the right methodologies.

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positions as an engineer.

As an engineer, you're in demand across many fields. Due to the shortage of skilled professionals in engineering, numerous companies from various industries are vying for your expertise. One of the major topics of our time is a secure and stable energy supply. Primarily, efficient storage of renewable energies is crucial. This still requires many technological advancements, which presents a great opportunity for you. Equally important is addressing the environmental impact of mobility and transportation. Here, your creative problem-solving skills are needed to minimise CO2 emissions. Modern residential and urban areas with dense populations demand rational resource use. This is where advanced building technology comes into play, requiring clever engineers like you. The complexity continues to grow and calls for highly trained technical specialists. As an engineer, you are well-equipped for this. Are you looking for a varied role as an engineer where you can make a real difference? You can find interesting engineering positions on this page.

 lächelnder männlicher Nahaufnahme industrieller Hintergrund
 lächelnder männlicher Nahaufnahme industrieller Hintergrund
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job positions for career changers as engineers.

Engineers are highly qualified and in great demand. However, due to the shortage of skilled workers, a career change is also possible. The best prospects are for certified mechanical engineers (EFZ) and computer scientists with a university degree. Skilled workers with technical training, such as technicians, also have good chances. For example, automation technicians, electromechanical technicians, or polymechanics can qualify for engineering positions through further studies. Investing in additional education is worthwhile, as the demand for engineers is expected to grow.

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career opportunities and development potential as an engineer.

As an engineer, you have various paths you can take. You can choose to deepen your technical expertise and become a recognised specialist in your field. If you want to take on more responsibility, you can start your career as a project manager. If you prove yourself and deliver good results, there’s nothing stopping you from moving up into management. Besides technical knowledge, soft skills are also essential. You already possess social competence and can strengthen it through courses or coaching. Are you looking for an engineering position with leadership responsibilities? You’ll find open roles with us.

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skills as an engineer.

Engineers are tinkerers and inventors. In this profession, you apply your technical flair and all your knowledge to develop innovative technologies, machines, and structures. Besides a strong technical interest, the following skills are also helpful:

  • Communication skills: As an engineer, you deal with complex topics. Thanks to your training, you understand what it's all about. To help experts grasp complicated issues, you translate the technical language and provide appropriate guidance.
  • Creative: You are a creative mind with many new ideas and thoughts. You’re looking for a solution to a problem and at the same time want to improve things. You come up with innovative solutions that haven’t existed before.
  • Exactly: For a plan to work, you need to work very precisely and consider every detail. It's better to check twice to catch even the smallest mistake in the system.
  • Customer-oriented: As an engineer, you are the creative mind who turns the customer's wishes into reality. In doing so, you take into account the goals and specifications of your project. You find a solution for the customer that excites them.
Womale wearing a red overall writing on a paper in a production site/factory.
Womale wearing a red overall writing on a paper in a production site/factory.
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benefits of working as an engineer at randstad.

There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as an engineer:

✓ exciting jobs with well-known companies
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice really matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ continuing education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s a chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.

your professional development budget as an engineer at randstad.

If you work as an engineer for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTraining program from swissstaffing, you can attend various training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad advisor is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job-specific knowledge, all during your working hours as an engineer.

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application tips for data analysts at randstad.

Have you found your dream job as an engineer? Not only qualifications and certificates determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalized documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances:

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frequently asked questions.

Here you'll find frequently asked questions about working as an engineer.

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