Engineering Jobs That Allow You to Travel

Working a job that involves travel can open up new opportunities, offering the chance to step into the unknown while earning in unfamiliar environments. For instance, an embedded software engineer for a laboratory machinery company might travel to various laboratories around the globe. One week could be spent in Berlin, the next in Philadelphia, followed by trips to cities like Tokyo and beyond. It offers a dynamic and diverse work experience.

However, enjoying such a role often requires comfort in both working independently and spending time alone. Choosing a job solely for the travel aspect may lead to dissatisfaction if the work itself isn’t enjoyable. Instead, prioritizing a role of interest is crucial, and during the interview process, asking about travel opportunities or applying for travel-based roles after gaining experience could serve as a more balanced approach.

Engineering Consultant

The type of engineering degree you hold could open the door to starting your own consultancy, allowing you to collaborate with various companies. Many large organizations, including those in civil construction, often need engineers to travel to different locations to manage construction projects, oversee infrastructure development, or support operations.

By running your own consultancy, you gain the freedom to select the projects and destinations that align with your interests, giving you greater control over both your career and travel opportunities.

Mechanical Engineer

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering offers a diverse range of opportunities. This field focuses on the design, development, and application of machinery. It spans everything from household devices and vehicles to shipbuilding and even space exploration. Essentially, if it involves a machine, mechanical engineers can play a role in its creation or optimization.

By pursuing this profession, you open the door to a world of possibilities centered around anything with moving parts. Historically, innovations like the wheel, windmill, pulley, and gears were early representations of mechanical engineering and have shaped the foundation of modern technology, profoundly influencing the world as we know it.

Project Manager

You can earn your civil engineering degree online and qualify to work as a project manager for major construction companies. These companies handle large-scale projects within their state, relying on project managers to oversee operations from start to finish.

If you enjoy the idea of traveling throughout your state while building your career, this could be a great option after earning your degree. However, keep in mind that being a project manager often requires spending long periods on-site, which might involve extensive travel. If staying close to home and family is a priority for you, this role may not be the best fit.

Chemical Engineer

It probably won’t surprise you that a career in chemical engineering involves working with chemicals. However, this field goes far beyond just dealing with cleaning products or fertilizers. Chemical engineers play a key role in advancing the production of various materials like textiles, plastics, and pharmaceuticals on a large scale.

Their expertise is vital to countless industries. From the processed foods we consume to essentials like toothpaste and petroleum refining, the contributions of chemical engineers are everywhere.

The scope of the job isn’t limited to working with existing chemicals. It can also involve developing innovative methods for energy production, tackling pollution, or finding solutions to other environmental challenges.

Chemical engineers handle diverse tasks, including research, troubleshooting manufacturing issues, and developing safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals. Their work often involves domestic and international travel to plants and worksites. Aspiring chemical engineers should pursue a bachelor’s degree in the field, with internships or cooperative programs during school offering valuable experience to enhance their resumes.

Oil Rig Drill Engineers

As a Drilling Engineer on an oil rig, your expertise will guide the planning, development, and supervision of operations required to drill oil and gas wells. From the initial well design through testing, completion, and eventual abandonment, you’ll manage critical processes while maintaining responsibility for budgeting.

Though the salary can reach up to £45,000, this role offers significant opportunities for travel. Your work environment could span land, offshore platforms, or mobile drilling units, with employment through oil companies, drilling contractors, or service providers. Collaboration is key, working alongside geologists and geoscientists to track drilling progress, prioritize safety, and protect the environment throughout operations.

Petrochemical Companies

Petrochemical companies are often well-insulated from economic downturns, making the oil and gas industry a strong choice for those seeking roles that involve travel, thanks to the wide range of specialized positions available, including:

● Field service engineer

● HVAC specialist

● Jetting technician

● Mechanical engineer

● Instrumentation engineer

Large international petrochemical and engineering companies, in particular, often have programs that enable employees to work in different locations. However, these opportunities often require prior experience, so be prepared to take a strategic, long-term approach. Ensure your CV highlights any previous travel experience when applying for these roles.

It’s important to note that depending on the position, you may find yourself traveling to various locations without much time to explore or engage with the local culture. Additionally, some assignments might take you to challenging destinations that may not typically appeal to most travelers. When you reach the interview stage, make sure to inquire about who is responsible for managing travel arrangements and clarify the company’s policies surrounding travel.

Field Engineer

Being a field engineer often involves traveling as part of the job. The extent and destinations of your travel depend on the company you work for, but it’s safe to expect some degree of mobility. Pursuing a master’s degree in engineering is a valuable step toward qualifying for advanced roles and career progression, especially in specialized areas like occupational safety standards.

Civil Engineers

Civil engineering is a highly regarded profession. This is due to the diverse range of job opportunities it offers. Civil engineers are at the core of building the essential infrastructure we rely on every day, including:

● Tunnels

● Roads and airports

● Bridges

● Dams

● Irrigation systems

They are integral to the development of nearly anything that requires construction. The field also includes various specializations, such as water engineers who address challenges like dam management and coastal erosion and urban safeguards like stormwater systems to prevent flooding.

Meanwhile, construction engineers focus on designing and building complex structures such as bridges and office buildings, often working alongside geotechnical engineers who bring expertise in land-based projects, including roads and other foundational systems.

Endnote

If you are investing your time and resources into earning an online engineering degree or a master’s program, securing a role that aligns with your education and aspirations is naturally the aim. However, job availability can vary based on your location, and engineering positions may not always be plentiful in certain areas.