Is Engineering mostly a corporate job? How's your day like?

Hi! I've always been interested in engineering because I thought I would be building and designing things. Until recently where I met someone who is a Civil Engineer (the field I'm thinking about) told me that she 98% work in an office-- in a cubicle-- and that its meetings after meetings. The reason why I'm interested in Engineering is because of the hands on and the variety of projects, I didn't expect to work in an office and I feel like I would die if I do. So how often are you using your hands and physically do something on your career?

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Jacquelyn Berry , Collins Aerospace

Answered Friday, October 17, 2025 at 1:33 PM

It really depends on the type of engineering role you get, and the industry. There are a lot of different job types for engineers - design, stress, test, manufacturing, research, specialty analysis (aero, thermal), quality, project. 

For example, a design engineer or a stress engineer will predominately be on the computer a lot - working on CAD or analysis software. If you want to do design, then you will be doing design work in an office. But a manufacturing engineer will be on the shop floor on their feet working with parts more, a test engineer will be operating test equipment and breaking things, a quality engineer may be inspecting parts, etc. "Engineer" is such a broad term, so I'd start looking at specific industries and job roles that interest you.

Amber Hall , City of Somersworth

Answered Monday, August 4, 2025 at 5:31 PM

Hello there!
Engineering is very broad, and there are all types of jobs! I spent my first 5 years in design, every day. As you progress in your career, you may choose to get more into project management than design all day! 
I found that I was losing my interest in daily design as I progressed. I am now an upper level engineer and do more project management. But there are career designers. You just have to find the right fit for you!