Exploring Architecture
& Engineering Careers

From Aerospace to Surveying, Careers & Jobs Guide – Skills, Salary, Outlook + MAPP Fit | Assessment.com

Why This Category Matters


Architecture & Engineering (A&E) careers shape the world we live in literally. From designing city skylines to optimizing renewable-energy grids, professionals in this field convert creative ideas and mathematical rigor into bridges, hospitals, smartphones, and satellites. If you’re a student, career-changer, or house manager eyeing a technically driven future, understanding the sub-disciplines within A&E is the first step. The next is confirming whether your natural motivations align with these roles demand, something a free MAPP career assessment can help you uncover in minutes.

Complete List of Architecture & Engineering Sub-Areas

Sub-Area Core Focus Typical Employers
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians Aircraft systems testing, prototype evaluation NASA, aerospace manufacturers
Aerospace Engineers Aircraft, spacecraft, satellites Boeing, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin
Agricultural Engineers Farming tech, irrigation, bio-systems John Deere, USDA
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Building design, structural planning Architecture firms, real estate developers
Architectural Drafters Blueprint creation, CAD drawings Architectural design studios
Automotive Engineers Vehicle design, safety, performance Ford, Tesla, Toyota
Biochemical Engineers Biotech processes, pharmaceuticals Pfizer, biotech startups
Calibration and Instrumentation Technicians Instrument testing, measurement accuracy Manufacturing plants, labs
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists GIS mapping, aerial imagery Google Maps, NOAA
Chemical Engineers Chemical processes, materials Dow, ExxonMobil
Civil Drafters Infrastructure blueprints, road layouts Engineering firms, DOTs
Civil Engineering Technicians Construction site surveys, structural support Municipal engineering departments
Civil Engineers Roads, bridges, infrastructure Construction companies, government agencies
Computer Hardware Engineers Microchips, circuit boards Intel, AMD, Apple
Electrical Drafters Wiring diagrams, electrical plans Engineering consultants, utilities
Electrical Engineering Technicians Circuit assembly, testing Manufacturing plants, electronics companies
Electrical Engineering Technologists Power systems, control systems Utility companies, tech firms
Electrical Engineers Circuits, power generation Siemens, GE, Tesla
Electro-Mechanical Technicians Robotics, automation systems Automation firms, aerospace
Electromechanical Engineering Technologists Mechanical-electrical integration Manufacturing, robotics companies
Electronic Drafters PCB layouts, electronic schematics Electronics firms, R&D labs
Electronics Engineering Technicians Electronics testing, repair Consumer electronics companies
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer Control systems, communications Telecoms, defense contractors
Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers Fire safety systems, hazard analysis Construction companies, safety consultants
Fuel Cell Engineers Hydrogen fuel systems, energy storage Renewable energy firms
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists User experience, workplace safety Tech companies, manufacturing
Industrial Engineering Technicians Production optimization Factories, logistics firms
Industrial Engineering Technologists Systems improvement, workflow analysis Automotive, electronics industries
Industrial Engineers Process efficiency, logistics Amazon, Toyota
Industrial Safety and Health Engineers Workplace safety, compliance OSHA, industrial plants
Landscape Architects Parks, outdoor space design Municipalities, resorts
Mapping Technicians Survey data conversion, mapping GIS firms, government agencies
Marine Architects Ship design, marine structures Shipyards, naval contractors
Marine Engineers Ship propulsion, onboard systems Shipping companies, navy
Materials Engineers Polymers, composites, nanomaterials 3M, aerospace suppliers
Mechanical Drafters Mechanical component drawings Engineering consultancies
Mechanical Engineering Technicians Prototyping, mechanical testing Manufacturers, R&D labs
Mechanical Engineering Technologists Mechanical systems integration Industrial equipment firms
Mechanical Engineers HVAC, robotics, machinery GE, automotive companies
Mechatronics Engineers Automation, robotics integration Robotics firms, manufacturing
Mining and Geological Engineers Mineral extraction, mine safety Rio Tinto, consulting
Nanosystems Engineers Nanotechnology, microfabrication Nanotech startups, R&D labs
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists Material integrity testing Aerospace, oil & gas industries
Nuclear Engineers Reactor design, safety protocols DOE, energy utilities
Petroleum Engineers Oil & gas drilling, reservoirs Chevron, Halliburton
Photonics Technicians Optical systems, laser tech Telecoms, research labs
Product Safety Engineers Product compliance, risk reduction Consumer goods manufacturers
RFID Device Specialists RFID technology, inventory tracking Retail, logistics companies
Robotics Technicians Robot installation, repair Automation firms, manufacturers
Surveying Technicians Field measurements, land surveys Survey companies, engineering firms
Surveyors Boundary mapping, legal land description Survey firms, government
Transportation Engineers Highways, traffic systems DOTs, transportation consultants
Water Wastewater Engineers Water treatment, distribution systems Municipal utilities, engineering firms
Wind Energy Engineers Turbine design, renewable energy Wind farm operators, renewable firms

Is Architecture & Engineering Right for You?

Success in A&E often requires:

  1. Analytical Reasoning - translating physics and calculus into real-world applications.
  2. Spatial Visualization - picturing three-dimensional solutions before they exist.
  3. Persistent Problem-Solving - iterative testing, failure analysis, and refinement.
  4. Team Collaboration - coordinating with planners, contractors, and regulators.
  5. Ethical Responsibility - public safety hinges on your calculations.

If these bullet points excite you, take the Free MAPP Career Assessment on Assessment.com. The MAPP measures your motivational profile against thousands of careers including every A&E sub-discipline so you’ll see exactly where you align (or don’t). No “right or wrong” answers, just a data-driven reading of your fit.

How MAPP Enhances Your Decision

  • Fast: 15 minutes online, instant results.
  • Personalized: Compares your profile to each engineering and architecture role above.
  • Action-Ready: Offers a ranked list of best-fit jobs plus training suggestions.

Tip: If your top MAPP matches cluster around problem-solving and technical creativity, A&E could be your ideal path. If not, you’ll save years of misaligned study.

Next Steps for Aspiring A&E Professionals

  1. Review the Sub-Area List - shortlist 3-5 roles that intrigue you.
  2. Take the Free MAPP Assessment - validate your interest with motivation data.
  3. Explore Education Paths - ABET-accredited programs, CAD/BIM certificates, or apprenticeships (for drafters, surveyors).
  4. Shadow a Professional - many firms welcome high-school or college observers.
  5. Build a Project Portfolio - CAD models, robotics comps, or STEM fair builds signal aptitude to universities and employers.

Architecture & Engineering is broad, rewarding, and intellectually demanding. But the key to thriving is matching who you are with what the job truly requires before you invest in years of schooling. Let Assessment.com’s Free MAPP Career Assessment be your data-driven first step.

How to use this library

This career library is your one-stop resource for exploring a wide range of professions. Start by browsing the categories to discover roles that match your interests. For each role, review details like salary, job outlook, and education requirements to compare options. Use the MAPP assessment to get a personalized list of career matches tailored to your strengths. Bookmark careers that catch your eye so you can revisit them later. Share your saved list with a teacher, parent, or mentor to discuss your next steps. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career change, this library will guide you toward informed choices.

  • Browse a career category to explore roles.

  • Scan salary & outlook to compare options.

  • Take MAPP for a personalized match list.

  • Bookmark favorites and share with a coach, parent, or mentor.

Ready for a shortcut?

Get your personalized career matches in minutes with the free MAPP career assessment.