Engineering is a creative process towards problem solving. Thomas Edison invented electric light. Alexander Graham Bell created telephony. Ove Arup created the Sydney Opera House. Tim Berners-Lee created the web. Engineers bring ideas to life.

Engineers are creative both as initiators and implementers of new ideas. Virtually all areas of society depend on the work of engineers: car braking systems, water treatment, and mobile data networking, are just a few examples of continuous, creative innovation and improvement by engineers that keep us safe, drive the economy and support our modern lifestyles.

Engineers are creative problem solvers. It combines a knowledge of mathematics, science, research, prototypes, design, maintenance and production, which together play a critical role in shaping the future of society and advancements in technology.

See: Engineering jobs in Malta

Skills Needed

Generally, engineers must:

  • Have a strong analytical mind
  • Be creative and innovative
  • Be able to work in different teams
  • Have a strong desire for organization, improvement and efficiency
  • Be an excellent communicator
  • Have the ability to adapt in many environments, wear many hats and interact with a diverse group of individuals
  • Continuously desire to learn

Engineering Opportunities in Malta

Jeff Kauflin (2017) from Forbes listed the main industries engineering students want to enter. Software and Digital development (23%), followed by industrial engineering and manufacturing (21%), aerospace and defense (20%), automotive (17%) and energy (16%).

Engineering students also seem to care less about money than business students. Their top career preference is to work on innovation. Engineering salaries in Malta typically starts from around €18,000. For more information on salaries, visit www.salariesinmalta.com

Below are four of the most common engineering roles in Malta:

1. Quality Engineering

Quality engineering is one of the newer branches of engineering which is interlinked across different industries such as Manufacturing, IT, Pharmaceuticals and Automotive. It entails different spectrums of the industries which in today’s time is becoming intrinsically important since most organisations have realised the value of having quality induced in their system. Being able to ensure quality will help the business secure and robust whilst elevating the service offered.

A Quality Engineer will aim at facilitating immediate high product quality, which helps to reduce work and rework cycles, yielding to become more efficient both in time and costs. Quality Engineers must be able to demonstrate strong communication, planning and organisational skills, have excellent attention to detail, commercial awareness, and an ability to work well within a team. Attributes such as leadership and management skills can help quality engineers in their career progression, especially for those interested in progressing to a project management or consultancy role.

2. Process Engineering

Process engineering involves translating the needs of the customer into production facilities that convert raw materials into value-added components. Job responsibilities are normally involved with improving the lines of productivity of a company and monitoring work equipment. This includes tasks such as analysing and optimising process performance parameters, handling equipment modifications, as well as planning machinery maintenance and quality controls. Process engineers may also be required to train and motivate staff members to reach their objectives.

Process Engineers may come from either a mechanical or electrical engineering background. They must also demonstrate an excellent problem-solving approach, enjoy working within a team, and have strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.

3. Validation Engineering

Validation engineering involves the development and implementation of technical solutions related to specific manufacturing processes. This includes ensuring that production lines run in an efficient manner in order to maximise production, whilst reducing waste and ensuring that quality standards are met throughout this entire process. Validation engineers may also be required to document process instructions and procedures to make sure that they are in line with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Validation engineers must be driven, resilient and have excellent oral and written communication skills. They must also be capable of working well both on their own initiative and within a team.

4. R&D Engineering

Research and Development is the purposeful and systematic use of scientific knowledge to improve man’s lot. This department is essential when companies would like to discover new ways of developing new products or change and improve processes in order to enhance pre-existing products. The R&D Department plays an integral role in the product life cycle and Before a new product is developed, this department conducts a thorough study to support the project in different ways, including product specifications, an evaluation of the need of the product before the design stage, production costs and a production timeline.

Opportunities for Career Progression

There are several opportunities for career advancement in the field of engineering. Depending on the area of specialisation, this can include progression to a Leadership roles and even business development roles. Other areas of natural progress would include Project Management whereby one is responsible for planning and managing entire projects, whilst making sure they are completed on time and within the agreed budget.

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