Science, Engineering and Technology
Description OES Code:00015
People who work in scientific, engineering, and technical services keep refrigerators humming and spacelabs (scientific laboratories in our atmosphere and in outer space) in the sky. They have a wide range of training and education. Yet they share a common talent for problem solving. The challenge might be using the right tools to cut a gemstone, figuring out why a cash register is jammed, or developing new ways of refining chemicals or packaging food. Each scientist, engineer, and technician brings knowledge to a problem and works towards a solution. The work can be microscopic. A biological scientist examines the tiniest elements of life, in order to find new ways of treating diseases.

Categories Within This Industry
Professionals and technicians develop new designs and make improvements to existing designs. Some also do basic aeronautical research. In the aerospace industry, for example, engineers are integral members of the teams that research, design, test, and produce aerospace vehicles. Some specialize in areas such as structural design, guidance, navigation and control, and instrumentation and communications. Electrical and electronics, industrial, and mechanical engineers also contribute to the research for and development and production of products in the aerospace and other high-tech industries. Mechanical engineers help design mechanical components and develop the specific tools and machines needed for production. Electrical and electronics engineers specialize in electronic equipment, such as radar and other transmission and communication equipment. Engineering technicians assist engineers, both in the research and development laboratory, and on the manufacturing floor. They may help build prototype versions of newly designed products, run tests and experiments, and perform a variety of other technical tasks. One of the earliest users of computer-aided design software, the aerospace and other industries continue use the latest computer technology. Systems analysts, computer scientists, and database administrators; computer software engineers; computer programmers; and computer support specialists and systems administrators are responsible for the design, testing, evaluation, and set-up of computer systems that are used throughout the industry for design and manufacturing purposes.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Categories Within This Industry (Cont'd)
The rapid pace of innovation in electronics technology makes for a constant demand for newer and faster products and applications. This demand puts a greater emphasis on research and development (R&D) than is typical in most manufacturing operations. Therefore, in the electronics manufacturing industry many employees are research scientists, engineers, and technicians, whose job it is to continually develop and improve products. Being the first firm to market a new or better product usually determines the success or failure of the product and, often, the company. Even for many relatively commonplace items, R&D continues to result in better, cheaper products with more desirable features. For example, a company that develops a new kind of computer chip to be used in many brands of computers can earn millions of dollars in sales until a competitor is able to copy the technology or develop a better chip.

Given the importance of R&D to the industry, it is not surprising that a large proportion—about 3 in 10—of all workers are in professional and related occupations (table 2). About 12 percent of these are engineers—mainly electrical and electronics engineers and computer hardware engineers. These workers develop new products and devise better, more efficient production methods. Engineers may coordinate and lead teams developing new products. Others may work with customers to help them make the best use of the products. Growing numbers of computer systems analysts and computer scientists are being employed throughout the industry as both development and production methods become more computerized. Other professionals include mathematical and physical scientists, and technical writers.

About 6 percent of workers are engineering technicians, many of whom work closely with engineers. They help develop new products, work in production areas, and sometimes help customers install, maintain, and repair equipment. They also may test new products or processes to make sure everything works correctly.