Forensic Engineers

Engineers usually have a central office from which they base their work, and these offices are typically quite pleasant, clean, and climate-controlled. Engineers often have clerical, research, and technical staffs working for them at these offices.

Most engineers, however, are required to spend at least part of their time on a specific work site, and these sites may be noisy, dusty, dirty, and unpleasant. They often travel to disaster or accident sites to gather information and interview witnesses. Aspiring engineers should be flexible about work sites and be able to adjust easily to different types of environments.

While it is fun to solve problems and develop innovations, engineering is a serious job. People rely on engineers in some way for their safety and well-being. They want to be sure that their houses and offices are sturdy, their cars safe, and their food is processed and packaged properly. Because technology has become so omnipresent in society, people have become accustomed to trusting engineers with their safety. A good engineer must work to be deserving of this trust.

Eighty-six percent of forensic engineers who were surveyed by PayScale.com in 2024 reported that they were "highly satisfied" with their careers.