Cosmic Technologies: August 2020

Monday, August 31, 2020

Academic Preparation Applied Engineer

A Bachelor’s Degree is required by employers to receive a job offer from a firm to work as an applied engineer. This course of study explores the application of principles regarding the design, and creation of products and systems within a manufacturing context. Programs delve into issues as quality control, project management, systems integration and manufacturing processes as well as strive to refine critical-thinking and problem-solving capacities. Students take classes in the basics of production planning, materials science and personnel safety. To assume management positions with some firms, advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.D. may be required. Holders of advanced degrees also have the credentials to teach at the university level. From a business perspective, those seeking executive roles should work to develop their acumen in budget management and negotiation, as they will be asked to broker deals with suppliers and other assets. Superb oral and written communication skills as well as leadership abilities are highly coveted.

Additional Resources and Salary information

The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering has developed congresses and resources to enhance the visibility of the field and equip practitioners with the latest knowledge and best practices in the industry. Like this organization, the Technology Student Association (TSA) and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) offer resources and materials to candidates in the field, including a library of publications, news and technological innovations. These associations work to provide rich mentoring and networking opportunities for members and aspiring candidates to enter and/or advance in the field. At the university level, students capitalize on alumni networks and on-campus recruiting efforts made by leading firms to fulfill their talent needs. Companies such as IBM, Ingersoll Rand, General Mills and CoreComm are a sampling of the firms who have acquired new personnel through these avenues. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a gradual decline in the employment prospects for these types of professionals, as manufacturing activities fall within the United States. O*Net reports that these professionals earn a yearly salary of $60,560.

Friday, August 28, 2020

Masters of Agricultural Engineering

The master of agriculture gives students management-oriented graduate training. Emphasis is on problem solving through science and technology—not research. Problem-solving capabilities must be demonstrated, usually through an internship that provides practical experience. These candidates prepare a professional paper on a problem-solving accomplishment. Graduate degrees in food engineering/technology through distance learning are available as are online graduate programs and courses. Online studies for B.S. degrees are not possible due to the required laboratory studies and fieldwork.

Standard B.S. degrees in agricultural engineering take about four years to complete, but students who want to add to their major or minor studies can take extend the journey. A master's degree generally adds another 12-18 months—time well invested. Food will always be a growing commodity (no pun intended). Jobs for these engineers are found on farms, in manufacturing plants, equipment design, food production, animal production facilities, laboratories, construction, government systems that protect soil and water, and in biofuels engineering—worldwide (for the traveler in you) and just for starters.

These engineers are part of the leadership that help conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. These employees will provide engineering assistance to his or her team, field office personnel, and landowners with planning, developing, and constructing on-farm conservation practices and irrigation projects statewide.

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Academic Preparation for Transport Engineers

Academic Preparation for Transport Engineers

A Bachelor’s Degree is required by employers to secure a position in the industry. Undergraduate students complete classes in design, land development, traffic systems, safety analysis and mass transit, in addition to more general courses in physics and calculus. At the Master’s level, students undertake coursework in construction techniques, risk analysis, soil mechanics, risk modeling and facility design, while Ph.D. candidates perform work in demand forecasting, probability, freight design, and urban planning. Firms often require advanced degrees to undertake positions of senior management. Ph.D. students have the credentials to teach at the university level, while other advanced students may elect to start their own consulting firms to service larger institutions in the industry. Aspiring business executives should work to develop their negotiating, management and leadership capacities. Often, they will demonstrate superb written and oral communication skills in negotiating, making presentations, and directing human assets in an endeavor.

The Institute of Transportation (ITE), American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) , and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) have dedicated their efforts to advancing the education of practitioners in the field. They work to promote awareness to the field as well as providing insight into best practices and industry trends. A library of publications, research findings and support organizations are available through the associations. Leading firms have made use of these channels when seeking to fulfill vacancies in their companies. In addition, mentoring networks are available to provide assistance for prospective candidates. According to research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field is expected to continue to experience robust job growth of 20 percent into the year 2020. The most bountiful opportunities are in the states California, Texas, New York, and Illinois. While exact statistics on the median salary of these professionals is unavailable, O*Net reports that professionals in this industry earn a yearly salary of $80,770.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Software Engineer Career Advancement

The job market for Software Engineers is incredibly broad. There are software components involved in virtually every modern development you can think of. Computers control everything from aircraft to medical imaging devices, and these systems are conceived and executed by Software Engineers.

Since it’s such a big part of our daily lives, most people think immediately of software running on the Internet when they envision a career in this arena. While there are a plethora of rewarding jobs developing software for use on the Internet, it’s a good thing to know that there are also rewarding jobs in areas like computer simulations, artificial intelligence, real-time systems, aerospace, and embedded systems.

Since a lot of the software work being done is on the Internet and mobile devices, studying Software Engineering online can be a flexible and effective method for pursuing your education. An undergraduate Software Engineering degree is normally a 4-year program. There are some colleges where this can be accelerated, and others that demand enough coursework to take up a fifth year. A Master’s in Software Engineering will usually take 2 years to complete if you’re able to go full time, and your doctorate degree will take as long as 3 years to finish due to the writing and research involved at that level.

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Nanoengineering Career Outlook

Nanoengineering encompasses the practice of the profession on a nanoscale, which stems from the nanometer unit of measure, equivalent to one billionth of a meter. Within the industry, nanoengineering is synonymous with practices of nanotechnology, whereby it focuses on the engineering component of a given technology rather than the scientific side. Nanotechnology professionals have become prized professionals in the current marketplace for their skills and training dealing with microscopic applications.

From the automobile and energy industry to healthcare and technology firms, companies around the world eagerly seek to attract and develop these professionals. Within these realms, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are the dominant techniques of the field used to solve problems and originate new technologies. Both techniques pivot on generating microscopic probes to manipulate and track the movement of atoms with the idea of capturing something significant to translate into real world applications such as revolutionary manufacturing materials or new pharmaceutical products.

To learn more about becoming a nanoengineer, contact the schools below to request more information. We recommend contacting multiple schools to compare programs.

Monday, August 24, 2020

Mechatronics Engineering Degree Education

Mechatronic engineers require at least a Bachelor’s degree, whereby most of these professionals have completed undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering. The field, though, transcends this traditional discipline into a variety of fields of study such as electronics, decision-making theories, and information technology, among others. With a Master’s degree in mechatronic engineering, an individual has the credentials to assume management and more advanced research posts. Graduate programs often feature traditional classroom instruction with practical industry experience. Coursework traditionally explore practices in automation theory, methodology, and analysis. An example mechatronic engineering class at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology , for example, instructs the design of mechatronic systems which integrate mechanical, electrical, and control systems engineering. For those seeking a less rigorous option of entering the field, an associate's degree in mechatronics can be attained at a community college or technical institution. These 2-year degree programs equip candidates with the skills to assume entry-level positions, whereby they troubleshoot maintenance processes. Classroom instruction typically entails course work in robotic design as well as training in engineering drawing.

Students of mechatronics have gone on to develop many of the “smart” devices that have transformed a medley of industries around the world. From robots and anti-lock brakes to photocopiers and computer drives, mechatronics professionals are changing the way people work and live, according to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The technology is also found in humidity sensitive clothes dryers and windshield wipers as well as in healthcare, agriculture, construction, entertainment, automobiles, and tools for the disabled and elderly communities. These technological innovations reflect the dedication these professionals have to becoming life-long learners. With a bevy of associations, professional organizations, societies and resources likes the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), the Technology Student Association (TSA), and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), among others, students and seasoned professionals have seamless access to the knowledge and resources necessary to bolster their education and skills as the industry evolves over time.

Friday, August 21, 2020

Computer Engineering Career Outlook

Most people own or have ready access to a personal computer. These marvels of modern technology have revolutionized everything from the way we get our news to how we communicate with friends and relatives to how we entertain ourselves. However, the traditional PC or laptop is only one type of computer. Virtually every modern machine and process is computer-controlled. Some computers are tiny, as in the smallest cell phones and MP3 players.

Other computers are actually massive networks of thinking machines, working on terabytes of data and cranking out billions of calculations per second. The common factor making these machines possible is the Computer Engineer. Computer Engineering differs from Software Engineering and Computer Science in that it focuses on the actual hardware that’s responsible for performing the work. Software is the set of instructions used by a computer to get work done.

Without Computer Engineers designing the hardware platform it runs on, software would be so many useless bits of data. While they need to know the principles of software operation, Computer Engineers are responsible for designing the components of a computing system. Whether that computer is in the Stealth Bomber or under your car’s hood, all computers have similar components and functions, varying mostly in size, shape and application.

Computer Engineers design everything from the Central Processing Unit to primary and secondary memory storage to input and output methods. Even if they are using off-the-shelf components, they’re responsible for making sure the integration works flawlessly.

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Jobs in Chemical Engineering

Through chemical processes, chemical engineers find new and creative ways of making those things that improve our lives. Their work ranges from developing better skin-care products to finding materials that are more fire-resistant. Chemical engineers can be part of an innovative team at a manufacturing facility or working in cutting-edge research.
As a chemical engineer, you might be a quality control specialist for a corporation that manufactures cleaning products or jet airplanes. You might be discovering less destructive and more sustainable ways to extract and use natural resources. You might be designing or discovering the latest sensation in the eye care industry, better aerosol propellants, more durable paints, and ways to preserve foods and medicines longer. The sky is not the limit; it is just another avenue for what you might discover. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show the median annual wage of chemical engineers was $90,300 in May of 2010.

You can gain access to membership in a generous list of professional organizations, associations, and societies through a degree in chemical engineering. These associations offer resources, research opportunities, networking avenues not readily available on the job, and much more.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Bachelor of Science in audio engineering

Both the Associate and Bachelor degrees require a minimum of a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or the equivalent. Different schools, particularly those offering Bachelor programs, may also have specific requirements for placement tests or minimum scores for standard college entrance tests, like the SAT or ACT. In addition to the school standards, strong math skills, a good grasp of music, and an understanding of technology are all beneficial skills in pursuing this course of study. Master's programs are available to those that desire to extend their education in very specific areas of the industry. These programs provide an intense study of a particular area of interest, like game design, music, acoustics, or recording.

Audio engineering degrees require a blend of music, business, and technical classes. Music fundamentals, acoustics, and theory are some of the music classes that are included in the degree. The technical and business courses encompass recording production, audio signal processing, mixing, editing, digital sound design, live sound production, and studio operations.

Audio engineering is a very hands-on profession because it involves the use of a variety of equipment and software. Due to the invaluable experience of actually using the equipment, online degrees are not feasible for the most part. The only exceptions are a few online Master's programs with a focus on acoustics, which does not intricately involve equipment.

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Education and Training for Associate Degree

Prospective engineering students should take as many classes as possible in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and pre-calculus, physics and chemistry because these subjects are critical to understanding the core concepts of aerospace engineering. Because engineers also need effective and written communications skills, students should not overlook language arts classes, such as writing and speech.Young aerospace engineering graduates have said that they took many Advanced Placement or college classes as in high school to prepare for university engineering coursework.

There are small number of schools that offer associate degrees in aerospace engineering, but they usually reserve those degrees for engineers who have degrees in related fields, such as mechanical, electrical or computer engineering. Generally, the aerospace industry prefers job seekers with four-year Bachelor of Science degrees.

There are only a handful of universities accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology in the United States that offer aerospace engineering degrees. Aerospace engineers take two years of calculus, differential equations, physics and chemistry and two years of engineering coursework. Aerospace engineering students can expect to see the following engineering courses in their university's curriculum:

Monday, August 17, 2020

Academic Requirements for Structural Engineering

Employers require structural engineers to have a college degree in the discipline or comparable areas such as civil engineering. Most professionals have acquired a Master’s Degree or even a Ph.D. to distinguish themselves in the marketplace. Undergraduate students complete coursework in materials, algorithms, design and mechanics, among other concepts. Advanced academic training in the field facilitates a candidate’s ability to receive management positions in the industry as well as university teaching roles. At the Master’s Degree level, students complete classwork in advanced materials design principles, structural mechanics and seismology. For Ph.D. students, coursework includes classes in computer modeling, advanced renovation and restoration as well as risk analysis.

Organizations such as Structural Engineers Association, the Structural Engineering Institute, and the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) are a few of the organizations dedicated to fostering the development of professionals in the field. They organized congresses throughout the world to educate and bring together professionals in the industry to trade knowledge and share opportunities and best practices, thereby expanding the breadth and awareness around the industry. Moreover, they feature digital libraries of materials, including journal publications and links to online resources that enhance the toolbox of practitioners.

Friday, August 14, 2020

Employer Requirements for Nanoengineers

Employers require these professionals to have completed at least a Bachelor’s Degree in nanoengineering or chemical engineering to assume a job in the industry. Undergraduate students explore coursework that prepares them for making contributions in the fields of medicine, energy and environmental applications, among others. Students take classes that integrate a medley of math, science and engineering courses that prepare them for the versatile field. Acquiring a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in the field may be required to qualify for some executive positions with a given company. Advanced education also enables these professionals to undertake teaching roles at universities. For those seeking business-based positions, a candidate should focus on developing leadership and management skills, as they will be asked to spearhead a team of engineers. In addition, they will be asked to communicate and negotiate with suppliers. In this setting, superb oral and written communication skills will prove essential.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has organized conferences to expand the discourse and awareness around the field of nanoengineering. In addition, they provide a digital library of resources, including publications, news, and best practices in the field that are vital to practitioners in the industry.

Though the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide exact data on job prospects for nano engineers, chemical engineers, a comparable field, expect to see job growth prospects of 6 percent through 2020. The states of California, Texas, New York, Illinois and Michigan feature the most bountiful opportunities for professionals. While exact statistics on the median salary of these professionals is unavailable, O*Net reports that chemical engineers of the same background command a yearly salary of $95, 730.

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Industrial Engineering Degree Courses

The typical undergraduate degree needed to become an Industrial Engineer is the Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Science and Engineering (BSE) in Industrial Engineering (IE). Some Industrial Engineers hold degrees in Industrial & Operations Engineering (IOE), or Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE).

Similarly to other undergraduate engineering programs, the typical curriculum is built on a foundation of broad math and science courses. Examples include courses in chemistry, physics, mechanics, materials science, computer science, electronics/circuits, and engineering design. In addition several engineering mathematics courses, such as calculus, differential equations, and statistics, are required. These courses are required by virtually all accredited undergraduate engineering programs and prepare students for most engineering licensure exams.

Following the foundational courses, students take courses specific to IE. These specialized courses are in areas such as systems theory, design or analysis, ergonomics/safety, stochastics, optimization, advanced mathematics, computation or modeling, and/or engineering economics. Other subjects typically studied by IE students include management, finance, strategy and other business-oriented course, and social science courses such as psychology or public policy. Some business schools offer programs that overlap with IE, but the engineering programs tend to be more quantitative as well as more rigorous in the basic sciences and mathematics. Bachelor’s degree programs typically include both classroom and laboratory experiences.

At the postgraduate level, the most commonly-earned degree is the Master of Science (MS) or Master of Science and Engineering (MSE) in IE. Typical coursework at this level tends to be focused on operations research and optimization techniques, engineering economics, supply chain management and logistics, facilities and work-space design, quality engineering, reliability engineering, human factors engineering and ergonomics, robotics, productivity improvement, operations management, time and motion studies, computer aided manufacturing, and others.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Computer Engineering Education Requirements

Computer Engineering degrees are available at all education levels: undergraduate, master’s and doctorate (PhD). Most undergraduate Computer Engineering programs allow you to specialize along one of several tracks because the entire career field is simply too broad to cover in an undergraduate program. As you progress in your Computer Engineering career, you’ll be able to study increasingly complex topics in hardware and software systems. Occupying the top tier of Computer Engineering jobs are professionals with vast experience designing the overall system to control things like a passenger airliner, the International Space Station, or a nuclear power plant.

Computer Engineering requires a combination of skills from other engineering disciplines, and most colleges will require the same courses as prerequisites for their degrees. You’ll likely study mathematics up through Calculus, basic software programming, physics and electronic or electrical engineering basics.

Once your prerequisite courses are completed, you start the heart of the curriculum in Computer Engineering. In your upper level courses, you’ll learn how computer-controlled systems are designed from the bottom up. Microprocessor design, firmware creation and circuit boards are just a few of the topics you’ll study. The creation of a single computer is just the beginning. Advanced courses in Computer Engineering teach the techniques for integrating large numbers of computers into complex networks capable of solving massive computational problems.

There are many delivery methods for studying Computer Engineering. There are over 150 universities that offer an undergraduate program, and most top-tier state and private colleges offer Master’s and PhD programs also. You might also pursue a Computer Engineering degree with any of the reputable online colleges. An undergraduate Computer Engineering degree typically takes four to five years to complete. A Computer Engineering Master’s Degree will normally be completed in two years on a full-time basis, and a doctorate can easily take three years to complete.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Automotive Engineering Degrees

Engineering students should choose a college or university that is recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). In evaluating an automotive engineer job applicant, some employers consider the reputation of the engineering school that the undergraduate attended more than any other factor. However, most employers focus more on the undergraduate's grades and amount of his or her hands-on experience. Consequently, any college or university that promotes national design and racing competitions in which the student gains hands-on experience would be a good choice. Students should also look for internships or other opportunities that will force them to apply coursework to real-life situations. Over time, the school will not be as important as the experience and skills the engineering the undergraduate offers.

Bachelor’s Degree

Because not many schools offer a bachelor’s degree program in automotive engineering, most aspiring automotive students enter a mechanical engineering program. This is because automotive engineering is an offshoot of mechanical engineering and therefore, many of the classes are the same. However, some schools offer mechanical engineering programs that include automotive engineering courses such as:

Automobile dynamics
Automotive electronics
Engine parts
Diesel engine theory
Alternative energy sources
Fuel cell systems
Powertrain dynamics

Monday, August 10, 2020

Acoustic Engineering Degree Requirements

These types of professionals may be asked to perform a variety of duties based on the industry they choose to employ their skills and knowledge. In the construction industry, engineers may execute sound and environmental evaluations on a building to ensure it meets codes and regulations. They may examine how alterations in the design of a structure may impact sound quality. In an industrial setting, these professionals utilize digital hardware and software to determine means for lessening sound disruptions in a work facility, while inquiring into how vibrations impact factory equipment or transportation structures such as a bridge or automobile. In the entertainment sphere, these professionals often work to optimize sound quality in recording studios and in live performance venues, evaluating how structures, materials and digital equipment and software enhance sound quality. Often, bioengineering firms seek these professionals to address how ultrasound and other forms of technology provide the best treatment options for patients under a medical professional’s care. Firms across the world like Sony, LA Live, the NFL, Bose, and Honda are a few of the huge companies seeking the services of these acoustic experts.

Not many U.S. universities offer official degrees in acoustic studies, so most professionals complete a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering or a comparable course of study. Most employers do require at least a Bachelor’s as a minimum qualification for entry into the workforce. Many students integrate related acoustic theory courses into their degrees by taking classes in statics, circuits, thermodynamics, sound control, and vibrations, among others. A Master’s Degree may be required to qualify for some positions with a given company. At this level, students complete classes in wave propagation, optics and nonlinear acoustics. The Ph.D. level opens further management opportunities in the field, whereby students will have completed a rigorous academic training rooted in statistical analysis. This level of training opens the door to teaching at universities as well. With an eye to business, students should seek to refine their interpersonal and communication skills as well as their leadership capacities in managing a team of engineers and professionals. They may be asked to negotiate and consult with outside suppliers in managing the lifecycle of a development project.

Friday, August 7, 2020

Transport Engineering Career Outlook

Transportation engineering focuses on the design and development of public transportation infrastructure and systems. As a discipline of civil engineering, practitioners endeavor to create roads, bridges, mass transit systems and other modes of transport to enhance society. In this capacity, these practitioners may design, operate and repair any of these assets with the aim of producing fast, efficient, safe, cost-effective, and sustainable forms of transport. Airport, highway, railroad and port engineering are all subsets of the discipline. Learn more about becoming a transport engineer by contacting the schools below to request information about their programs!

On a daily basis, transport engineers juggle a medley of tasks from interfacing with clients and suppliers in-person and over e-mail to meeting with their teams to receive project status updates and to address any complications in a project lifecycle. More business-oriented professionals may attend strategy sessions with their executive teams and/or meet with current and potential investors to discuss prospective opportunities in the market place. In the evenings, many professionals engage in continuing education initiatives, whereby they may take a course on new technological advances and/or attend a presentation by an academic or industry practitioner to receive insight on best practices or solutions to existing problems.
National and local governments as well as private firms seeks to employ these professionals for global projects, where they are given the responsibility to ensure safety and efficiency, whereby they are entrusted to ensure public safety by meeting building codes and standards through computer hardware and software applications.

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Employer Requirements & Salary for Nanoengineers

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Some of the Best Jobs for Civil Engineers

Civil Engineers focus on six basic infrastructure systems. The structural engineer focuses on design and analysis of buildings and bridges. The geotechnical engineer designs and builds tunnels, pipelines, embankments, and foundations. The environmental engineer analyzes and solves problems involving air and water quality and management of waste and hazardous materials.

Water resources engineers seek ways to improve water sources through hydrology, meteorology, and fluid dynamics. Construction engineers manage projects for erecting buildings, digging tunnels, and laying roads. Transportation engineers design, construct and maintain highways, railways, airfields and ports.

Graduates work for nongovernmental organizations, private companies, government agencies, public or private institutions, national research laboratories, or educational institutions. As for research, while masters-degree graduates can be involved through projects or assignments, it is primarily only those at the Ph.D. level who perform research in this field.

Bureau of Labor Statistics for Occupational Employment and Wages (BLS) show civil engineers as those who perform planning, designing of building structures and facilities, and overseeing their construction and maintenance. These structures include water and sewage systems, roads and railroads, airports and harbors, bridges and tunnels, channels and dams, irrigation projects and pipelines, and power plants. The Bureau's data include engineers for geo-technical, architectural, structural, traffic and ocean expertise. Hydrologists are not included.

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Acoustic Engineering Degree Requirements

Acoustic engineers focus their efforts on the shaping and control of sound. They work to manipulate and capture the vibration of sound by harnessing the best quality for hearing. These engineers work to manage noise control in a variety of industrial, commercial and domestic settings. Acoustic engineers develop noise buffers and sound barriers to optimize hearing as well as refine technology used in recording and live performance such as microphones and amplifiers. Moreover, they often work to develop solutions for transferring sound energy into electricity. Other professionals in the field design interiors by selecting specific construction materials and aesthetic products to customize the sound experience of a given living or work environment. Private enterprises in the fields of construction, architecture, and entertainment are a few of the employers seeking the expertise of these professionals. They often strive to perfect the sound experience in concert halls and recording studios, while others may employ their skills in the healthcare industry with work on equipment like hearing aids.