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 jobsworking 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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your area of responsibility
- Research and development: As an engineer, you make practical use of key insights from scientific research. You consider how to implement the findings effectively. Through technical innovations and science, you address current challenges and develop innovative solutions such as new, energy-efficient machines. You also focus on societal issues and needs. This includes clean water, environmental remediation, climate-friendly mobility, medical supply systems, and successful construction projects.
- Project planning: Your task as an engineer is to implement a project efficiently. This could be a machine, a building, or a complex software system. In the initial phase, you create a basic framework together with all project stakeholders. You are primarily responsible for the standard components and methods. Together with your team, you define the objectives, set the deadlines, and plan the individual project steps. It’s up to you to successfully complete the project by coordinating and motivating the project team.
- Create a budget: For each project, you need to establish a budget. Usually, these involve substantial sums, such as in construction projects, renewable energy, and future-oriented technologies. Thanks to your technical understanding as an engineer, you determine how the budget should be invested wisely. It’s your responsibility to present and justify the arguments to the client.
- Making construction drawings understandable: As an engineer, you create initial hand-drawn sketches based on specifications. Once the direction is clear, three-dimensional CAD models are usually developed on the computer. It’s your responsibility as an engineer to ensure that the construction drawings are clear and comprehensible. This way, skilled workers know exactly what needs to be done.
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who are your colleagues?
Computer and artificial intelligence (AI) are important sparring partners for you. However, as an engineer, you also work in the real world with professionals from a variety of disciplines. You need to get along with generalists as a specialist and be able to communicate in different languages. Ethical and social aspects are becoming increasingly important, which is reflected in fields like biomedical engineering, ecological engineering, and social engineering. The colleagues you work with therefore depend on where you are employed. Variety and contact with a wide range of professions are guaranteed.
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.
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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how much do I earn as an engineer in a permanent position?
Your gross salary as an engineer is calculated based on several factors. The main influences are the industry, your education, and your age. The more work experience you have, the higher your salary. On average, your annual gross income for a 40-hour week ranges between 97,000 and 147,000 CHF. That translates to monthly between 8,000 and 12,250 CHF in your account. Some companies also pay a 13th salary. According to the Swiss Engineering Association (STV), many engineers receive additional benefits worth around 9,000 CHF per year. With a university degree, you earn roughly 10,000 CHF more than with a diploma from a Fachhochschule.
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in which industry do I earn the most as an engineer?
The highest-paid positions are found as an engineer in the financial sector. There, you can expect an average annual salary of 147,000 CHF or 12,250 CHF per month. The telecommunications industry, as well as the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, also offer attractive pay, with annual salaries around 132,000 CHF. software engineers have seen a significant jump, earning software engineers about 130,000 CHF annually, which translates to roughly 10,800 CHF per month in your account. Close behind is medical technology, with an annual salary of 128,000 CHF or approximately 10,600 CHF per month. In the construction industry, you can still earn around 120,000 CHF per year, equating to a monthly salary of about 10,000 CHF.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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1. find a position as an engineer
Search through the Randstad job offers. If you don’t find a position that’s exactly right for you, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation or to create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as an engineer
The job ad continues right away: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete:✓ CV with photo
✓ work references & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online template.
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3. preparing for a job interview as an engineer
Good preparation helps you stay calm during your interview as an engineer. Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you'll find frequently asked questions about working as an engineer.
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what does an engineer do?
As an engineer, you develop products, services, and technologies, continuously improving them along the way. For today’s challenges, you come up with innovative solutions. What exactly you do depends on the industry you work in. For example, in the chemical and medical technology sectors, you’re also involved in research. Additionally, you coordinate projects, and in some areas, you even handle technical sales. Find open engineering positions on this page.
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how much do I earn as an engineer?
Your gross salary as an engineer ranges between CHF 97,000 and CHF 147,000 per year. Your earnings depend on your education, experience, and the industry. Some companies offer additional benefits and a 13th salary. The highest earnings are in the finance sector. Find out more on this page.
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is engineering a good profession?
If you love tinkering passionately, have always been interested in technology, and are looking for an exciting career, becoming an engineer is just the right choice for you. Every day brings a new challenge, so boredom is out of the question. Engineering is one of the most important professions there is. Without you as an engineer, there would be no inventions or innovations that make life easier. Want to know what’s involved? Here’s the scoop.
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is engineering difficult?
Engineering is a highly demanding profession. It’s no coincidence that you need a university degree and a broad general knowledge in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering (STEM). In return, exciting tasks await you, which you can approach creatively, precisely, and with a focus on the customer. Want to find out what a career as an engineer has in store for you? Read on here.
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do you need experience to become an engineer?
As an engineer fresh out of university, you’ll first gain experience in your initial role and learn from knowledgeable colleagues. Some industries that offer demanding positions often require a few years of professional experience in similar fields. The more work experience you have, the higher your salary as an engineer. Find open positions on this page that match your profile.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become an engineer?
Engineers need a completed degree from a University of Applied Sciences (FH) or ETH. The chosen sub-discipline, such as electrical engineering or biotechnology, determines the industry in which you'll work. Career changers from related fields like design engineering have excellent prospects due to the skilled labour shortage. Additionally, skills such as creativity, precise work, and social competence are valuable. With the right competencies, you'll find a suitable position. Discover our offerings here.
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how do I apply for a job opening as an engineer?
We make it easy for you as an engineer to apply for a job: create a profile on Randstad and browse through our job portal. Just search for open positions in your area. Once you find a suitable job offer, the next step is simple: send us your cover letter along with your CV and certificates.