How To Become An Engineering Scientist: What It Is and Career Path

What is an engineering scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Brian Talbot

As an engineering scientist, you will be responsible for researching, developing, and designing new materials, devices, sensors, and processes for a diverse range of applications. You will also be involved in providing creative and practical solutions to any technical issues in the required industry. Engineering scientists work in diverse industrial fields such as biotechnology, chemistry, construction, environmental science, manufacturing, etc.

An engineering scientist's responsibilities include actively participating in designing and developing computer-based models and performing research experiments. You might also have to supervise project execution, analyze collected data from various resources, and coordinate with clients. Some other roles you'll take on will include providing proper training to juniors, planning the working of research projects, and developing test plans for the research and development department.

The basic educational requirement is a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field, though a master's degree is preferred. Additional knowledge of software packages like MatLab, ArcGIS, AutoCAD is also recommended. The average hourly salary for working in this capacity is $39.50, which amounts to $82,155 annually. The career is projected to grow in the near future, resulting in various job opportunities across the United States.

What general advice would you give to an engineering scientist?

Brian Talbot

Senior Director, AIAA

Entering the aerospace workforce now is different in the COVID environment. It's important to find more avenues to get connected and expand your knowledge beyond the classroom. AIAA has hosted virtual recruiting events for our student members with companies like SpaceX, Ball Aerospace, and Lockheed Martin. We've created an online-based mentor-mentee matching program. We've also created new online educational opportunities that can differentiate candidates with both technical and soft skills. There are many opportunities out there, so look for new ways that you can find connections at the companies whose missions excite you. It's important for graduates to be proactive and take advantage of options available. It's through these channels that you can actively shape your career journey, even during challenging times.

ScoreEngineering ScientistUS Average

Salary

7.0

Avg. Salary $90,138

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.4

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

7.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.30%

Asian 14.60%

Black or African American 4.06%

Hispanic or Latino 10.36%

Unknown 4.39%

White 66.29%

Gender

female 19.81%

male 80.19%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

5.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an engineering scientist

Explore engineering scientist education requirements

Most common engineering scientist degrees

Bachelor's

71.7 %

Master's

15.9 %

Associate

5.8 %

Start to develop specific engineering scientist skills

Skills	Percentages
C++	11.07%
Python	10.76%
Data Analysis	8.69%
DOD	6.20%
Project Management	4.46%

Complete relevant engineering scientist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New engineering scientists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an engineering scientist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real engineering scientist resumes.

Research engineering scientist duties and responsibilities

Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
Work as a team member building PowerPoint presentations.
Determine socket port connections using Linux tools and research TCP errors.
Support design and prototyping of a small, portable numerical control drill tool.

Prepare your engineering scientist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your engineering scientist resume.

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