Engineering Doctorates: Job Outlook, Opportunities in Academia & National Labs

[Ritzycat]

Hello everyone. I have a few questions for people who have decided to go this path or know a bit about it. What is the job outlook for people that get PhDs in engineering? I understand that for most entry-level jobs, PhDs are deemed "overqualified". Are there sufficient openings in engineering (notably nuclear or chemical engineering) in academia? Or is it similar to the sciences where there is a glut of graduates and postdocs but a lack of faculty positions? Additionally, are there any other research positions at national labs for engineers that hire a decent amount of PhDs?

I really want to get a PhD in a STEM related-subject, but I am having a lot of trouble deciding what - I don't want to be locked in postdoc after postdoc for 10 years, but I'd really still like to do something that I love.

 

[R.Mesri]

The job outlook for engineers with a PhD varies depending on the field and specialization. Generally, engineers with PhDs are in high demand in industry, but competition is fierce and there are often fewer openings than applicants. In academia, there is a glut of graduates and postdocs, and competition for faculty positions can be very tough. However, there are some research positions at national labs that do hire PhD engineers, such as the National Renewable Energy Lab and the National Nuclear Security Administration. When it comes to deciding which field to pursue, it is important to consider which areas have the best job prospects. It is also important to do research on the different programs available and to speak with people who are already working in the field. This will help to ensure that you make an informed decision about which program to pursue.