05 Sep

"Engineering is the closest thing to magic that exists in the world" - Elon Musk

In the rapidly evolving job market, when jobs in the tech industry reign supreme, people often overlook the booming opportunities in other fields. One such field is Engineering. Tech careers are booming yes, but the reality is that core engineering is not just surviving; it’s thriving! The number of opportunities for practicing engineers proves that engineers in the core domains are in demand as much as their tech counterparts.

Before we dive into the nitty gritty of careers in core engineering domains and the growing number of opportunities, I would like to address a misconception -- Opportunities in core engineering domains are stagnant or often unattractive. This misconception can be attributed to factors including the attention given to IT and management careers, which has skewed perceptions of the job market. Moreover, the cyclical nature of some engineering sectors can give the impression of volatility and unpredictability. The steady pace of progress in core engineering, impressive as it is, can often be overshadowed by the flashier advancements in other fields. 

These perspectives are uninformed and fail to recognize the dynamic and flourishing landscape of core engineering disciplines. From mechanical and electrical to civil, automotive, aviation, mining, chemical, biomedical engineering, and much more, the opportunities are vast and growing, especially in countries like India.

“With rapid advancements in technology, the need for CAD/CAM skilled engineers with skills in advanced computing and related platforms like AI will be required to design, build, and maintain critical infrastructure and systems, is only growing. Everyday we receive multiple requests from companies looking for engineers with specializations in mechanical, civil, and even electrical, with the above skill sets. I think that 2025 onwards a strong uptick in engineering sector jobs is anticipated, in core engineering fields,” says Kush Bhargava, Managing Partner, Nibhandana Human Resources & Consulting LLP.

Over the next few weeks, Look Ahead Now will publish a series of articles, interviews and other content aimed at encouraging and motivating professionals working in core-engineering fields to look at the lucrative prospects that global trends, digital transformation, and Industry 4.0 are creating. 

By highlighting emerging trends, compensation and benefits benchmarks, and industry demands, interviews with inspiring engineering professionals, and more, we aim to inspire engineers to seize the dynamic roles and leadership positions available. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting out in your career, the series will provide you with insights, opinions, and hopefully the inspiration needed to navigate engineering careers.

A Global Perspective  

Globally, the demand for skilled engineers is soaring. Rapid advancements in technology, coupled with the urgent need for sustainable solutions, has once again brought the spotlight on core engineering fields like mechanical, chemical, electrical, etc. 

The constant push for innovation in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and smart infrastructure is creating a demand for engineers who can design, build, and maintain the complex systems that underpin modern society. 

Economic growth all over the world, especially in emerging economies, is powering massive demand for engineers to support nation-building and transformation across industries. Nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America are investing heavily in infrastructure, healthcare, and energy sectors. A WEF report suggests that global investments in infrastructure are expected to be $79 trillion by 2040 with a massive unfulfilled gap of $18 trillion. Building most of this investment will drive employment in engineering sectors in areas such as road, power and renewable energy, telecom, transportation, goods and material handling, ports, airports and healthcare

This global trend underscores the universality of engineering skills and the endless possibilities for those equipped with them.

Core Engineering in India: Why the future looks brighter than ever!

Core-engineering domains have formed the foundation of India’s progress since its independence. Hence the idea that core engineering careers in India are not viable is plain wrong. Infact, careers in the core engineering domains are not just viable, they are downright thriving. 

Here are some phenomenal reasons why core engineering will be the smart career choice in India of the future:

• Massive Infrastructure boom: India's ongoing ambitious infrastructure development plans are going to create a flood of jobs for engineers. The Indian Government’s 2024 budget allocates a staggering Rs. 11.11 lac crore (3.4% of GDP) for capital expenditure. This will translate to a massive demand for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, among others, to design, build, and maintain roads, bridges, power plants, and more. 
• India as the future manufacturing powerhouse: India is rapidly transforming into a global manufacturing hub. The "Make in India" initiative and the global China+1 opportunity aims to increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP to 25% by 2022 creating a surge in demand for mechanical, chemical, and industrial engineers to design, develop, and manage production processes. 

According to the staffing leader Team Lease, in the past 5 years, 5 out of 8 manufacturing industries have experienced a notable salary growth of at least 10%, underscoring the robust demand and value placed on skilled engineers.

• Renewable energy push: India is a leader in the renewable energy sector, targeting 500 GW of renewable, non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030 as per the Indian Power Ministry’s target. According to an authoritative report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, India can add 3.4 million jobs in the clean energy space by 2030. This translates to opportunities for electrical, mechanical, and even chemical engineers specializing in areas like solar, wind, and biofuels.
• Global Supply Chain derisking-Demand for Chemicals and Petrochemicals in India is expected to triple from current and reach US$ 1 trillion by 2040. The China derisking strategy of global markets will be powering the growth of the Indian industry. This is expected to create 33 lac jobs going forward. One can only imagine the demand for qualified engineers across domains- chemical, mechanical, and civil, among others.
• Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation: This is another big one. The digital transformation of industry, branded as Industry 4.0, is creating unprecedented career growth and opportunities for core engineers. The integration of technologies like AI, IoT, automation, and big data into traditional engineering processes is driving demand for engineers skilled in bridging digital and incumbent systems. For example, mechanical, electrical, electronics, civil, and process engineering disciplines are essential in developing smart infrastructure, automated manufacturing systems, and sustainable energy solutions. This technological shift requires engineers to build digital skills and also the understanding to apply them in their existing frameworks, thereby creating a new paradigm. These processes will lead to roles in cutting-edge projects and pave the way to highly remunerative and fulfilling positions. 

On the supply side of the Digital transformation agenda, engineering roles are increasingly sought after by tech consulting and product companies that are delivering these solutions to the industry. Tech consulting firms need engineers to help clients integrate advanced technologies and drive digital transformation initiatives. Product companies developing smart devices, autonomous systems, and advanced manufacturing equipment require engineers to innovate and refine their products. Traditional industries like automotive, aerospace, and construction are also leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, requiring skilled engineers to lead these efforts. As a result, core engineers are finding diverse and lucrative opportunities across the product and services sectors powering digital transformation, further expanding their career horizons.

Commenting on the salary prospects for engineers in the core domains, Kush Bhargava said, ”Another misconception that core engineers earn less, simply does not hold water.  Inputs from various sources suggest that junior engineers in core engineering disciplines can expect starting salaries of ₹10-12 lakh per annum, with experienced mid-career professionals earning upwards of ₹60-80  lakh. Reports suggest that junior and mid-career engineers can look forward to salary jumps of between 28-38%, with high demand in sectors like pharma, chemical, renewables, FMCG and automotive.”

Also read: Unleashing India’s manufacturing potential: seize the career opportunity

Beyond Money: The Engineer's Legacy

The true reward of an engineering career lies in the tangible impact you make on the nation. An engineer is at the forefront of building a better future for India, designing sustainable infrastructure, developing innovative manufacturing processes, and creating solutions for clean energy needs. Their work will not only be intellectually stimulating but will also leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.  We are reminded of what the guru of modern engineering, Henry Petroski said,  “As engineers, we were going to be in a position to change the world – not just study it.”

This special feature dives deeper into the world of core engineering careers in India. We'll explore exciting opportunities across various sectors, address industry trends, and equip you with the knowledge to navigate a successful and fulfilling career journey. 

Step into the future of engineering to unlock your potential, with confidence and ambition. 

Stay tuned as we uncover the paths to success and the thrilling prospects awaiting you in the heart of the global engineering revolution!