CAREER AS CAD TECHNICIAN

 

Introduction :

A CAD technician uses CAD software to create technical drawings and plans for products and parts used in the engineering, construction, and manufacturing industries. As a CAD technician, you work with architects and design engineers to know the requirements of their initial designs and turn them into accurate and detailed technical drawings in 2D and 3D models.

 A CAD technician’s job is to produce of electronic versions of the technical drawings which are drawn by draughtsman previously with pen and paper on a drawing board.

Initially, you’ll use surface modeling or 3D representation of the product, the designs are then verified by the Clients before engineers build and test a prototype. For example, to make a new car, the car model is first designed by using CAD, verified by clients, and build a test prototype of the car.

Career :

If you have experienced as a CAD Technician, you could register with the Engineering Council to gain EngTech status, which could help your professional development. You can also find work as a CAD Technician in many other industries like construction, aerospace, railways, electronics, broadcasting and telecommunications.

 Your options for career progression include promotion to team or section leader, project manager and site manager based on the postings in the company and your ability. With further training, you could improve your skills and also become a design engineer.

Initially, you’ll use surface modeling or 3D design representation of the product, the design is verified by the clients before engineers build and test a prototype.

Softwares you can use to work with :

• AutoCAD
• CATIA
• Creo
• Fusion 360
• Solidworks
•  ProE

The above listed are top CAD softwares used by CAD Technicians in industry levels. Other softwares can also be used  based on the company resources, project, and requirements.

Work Environment :

As a CAD Technician, one will be based in a design office, working at a CAD design workstation or on a PC. CAD technician’s job is mainly office-based and CAD technicians can spend long hours at a computer or drawing desk requiring periods of concentration.

For construction and engineering design work, you might be asked to work on site for a whole or a part of the project. Not all the work is individual and you could be working with a team of other technicians or architects, contractors, or design engineers of the project.

Depending on the industry and your role, you may be required to visit building sites or manufacturing facilities during the working hours. You could also be based in a construction site office along with other officers for the duration of a project.

You will also use your designs to help the engineers to prepare cost estimates of projects, and produce assembly instructions and maintenance manuals for installation, service and repair technicians.

Qualifications Required :

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Design.
• CAD Certification.
• Previous experience as a CAD Technician.

Skills :

• Advanced knowledge of CAD and AutoCAD software.
• One should be able to read and translate blueprints and technical drawings.
• A basic understanding of building design and mechanical processes.
• Ability to work as part of a team and individually based on the projects.
•  A keen eye for detail.
• Excellent time management skills.
•  Strong communication skills.
•  Basic knowledge of engineering principles and ability to create and read technical drawings.
• Attention to detail to create accurate and detailed drawings and work for accuracy and quality.
•  One should be able to work in a team as you'll be liaising with other CAD technicians and draughtsman on projects.
•   Organisation and time management skills to complete work within deadlines.
•  A flexible approach to decision making, to make changes to drawings at short notice of changes.
•   mathematical skills to complete calculations and estimates.

Responsibilities:

• Take part in Meeting with Engineers, Draftsmen, and Designers to review blueprints and design drawings.
•  Inputting design specifications into the CAD software.
•  Creating/modify surface and solid CAD models according to client specifications.
•  Work with a designing team and individually on CAD projects.
• Reviewing CAD models from the clients and making minor adjustments.
• Conducing final model rendering and delivering the final product to the clients.
• Completing job reports.
•  Prepare drawings of complex integrated security systems.
• Design and implementation of electrical systems, infrastructure, and security systems.
•  Redesign drawings according to markups and specifications.
• Translate and convert hand drawings by draughtsman and sketches into CAD systems.

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Career in Geotechnical Engineering

 Geotechnical engineering is also known as Geotechnics and it is one of the branches of Civil engineering which deals with the analysis, design, and construction of foundations, slopes, retaining structures, embankments, tunnels, levees, wharves, landfills, and other systems that are made up of or are supported by the soil or by the rock. It uses both the principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to investigate subsurface conditions and materials. It also determines the relevant physical/mechanical and chemical properties of these materials.

What is a Geotechnical Engineer?

Geotechnical engineers figure out the impact that geological formations may encounter while construction of projects. They use advanced knowledge and skills of scientific processes and mathematical calculations to examine the formation of the earth beneath residential, commercial, or industrial buildings and structures. Geotechnical engineers involve in works like drilling wells, storage facilities, constructing production, transporting petroleum products, and examining groundwater flow.

A career in geotechnical engineering has more possibilities, from marine operations to floating ice platforms in the Arctic, to mining operations.

All the construction process takes place on the ground which makes it easier to see how geotechnical engineering plays a crucial role in all civil engineering projects. Before constructing any structure, it is vitally important to go for a site visit and investigation. Failure of this operation often has had negative and expensive consequences on construction projects. Geotechnical engineers also guard and maintain the earth's physical environment during the development of major public and private projects

Some of the works of Geotechnical Engineer within the framework of the following jobs:

• Geotechnical or Geological Engineers (General): Geotechnical or Geological Engineers analyze and perform mapping operations of technical results that are obtained from seismic surveys and investigate subsurface conditions and materials to determine their properties and risks involved.
• Geotechnical or Geological Engineer (Oil Sands Projects): Geotechnical or Geological Engineers design some of the elements like open-pit walls, mine waste dumps, and dam structures that are used in oil sands mining, and also analyze slope stability, seepage, and hydraulic separation on dam structures.
• Hydrogeological Engineer: Hydrogeological Engineer provides the design & analysis of the ponds which contain discarded oil sand materials, water extraction from soil and sand, and steam injection into wells and evaluates underground water layers trapped in rocks.
• Reservoir Geomechanics Engineer (Oil & Gas Operations): As a Reservoir Geomechanics Engineer, one needs to analyze the strength of soils, drill hole stability, stress constraints, permeability of the rock formations, and the degree of trapped hydrocarbons in underground reservoirs.
• Geomechanics Engineers (Marine Operations): As a Geomechanics Engineers, one must analyze the relationship between the physical structures and the marine geology, slope stability, marine geology, sediment erosion, foundations, and anchoring systems for coastal and offshore structures.

Have doubts about the workplace of Geotechnical Engineer? Take a look here!

Most Geotechnical engineers spend their time working in comfortable office settings. They occasionally visit the operation sites occasionally and are sometimes may be exposed to potentially hazardous conditions and inclement weather. Extended visits may occur and relocation may be required.

These engineers can be employed by the following types of organizations :

• Colleges & universities.
• Construction contractors.
• Electrical utility companies.
• Mining companies.
• Engineering consulting firms.
• public and private research organizations, etc.

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Career in Transportation Engineering

 

Transportation engineering is one of the branches of civil engineering that deals with the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of a safe and efficient transportation system which includes roadways, railways, waterways, and intermodal operations. Transportation engineers also have responsibility for operating and maintaining a good transportation system along with a good understanding of traffic control systems because every travel route relies on them to guide their way.

WHAT DOES TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERS DO?

• Transportation engineer takes the transport planning side where they investigate about the movement of people and applies design aspect to design the infrastructure that those people will use to travel on.
• Much of their planning and design work takes place in an office setting, they to create blueprints using drafting table and use computer software to form 3D models.
• In some cases, they may visit the construction site to check on the progress of the project or advise construction workers on the next phase.
• Transportation engineers are required to attend meetings at the government office or city hall meetings to advise on how new transportation system may impact the community.

HOW TO BECOME A TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER?

• A candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field.
• A candidates must pursue an internship with any transportation company or civil engineering firm to get experience in planning and designing of transportation projects, preparing estimates, and evaluating traffic patterns.
• They can use their civil engineering degree and internship experience to get jobs in higher projects.

SOME OF THE DUTIES FOLLOWED BY TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERS :

• Estimate project budgets, schedules, or specifications for labor or materials.
•  They supervise the maintenance or repair of transportation systems or system components.
• Participate in contract bidding, negotiation, or administration.
• Also Evaluate construction project materials for compliance with environmental standards.
• Transport engineer Investigate traffic problems and recommend methods to improve traffic flow and safety.
• Direct the team for surveying, staking, and laying-out of construction projects.
• Estimate transportation project costs.
• Analyze environmental impact statements for transportation projects.
• Review the development plans to determine potential traffic impact.
• Evaluate traffic controlling devices or traffic light systems to determine the need for modification or expansion.
• Prepare the final project layout drawings that include details such as stress calculations.
• Check for the errors in construction plans, design calculations, and cost estimations to ensure completeness, accuracy, and conformity to engineering standards.
• Design or engineer drainage  systems, erosion, or sedimentation control systems for transportation projects.

SKILLS REQUIRED :

• Complex problem-solving skills
• Confident speaker
• Active listener and critical thinker
• Leadership quality
• Time management skills
• Team working and good communication skills

SCOPE OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER :

As per the increase in daily population, there is a growing need for public transportation which creates a strong job outlook for transportation engineers. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects about 11% growth rate of employment for engineers in this field, higher than all other jobs monitored in the same time period. It is an attractive career for those who wish to provide a public service because its function is to reduce traffic and make communities run smoother.

Here are Some of the job profiles for Transportation Engineers are:

• Systems Engineer: Systems engineers focus on how to design integrate and manage complex systems over their life cycles. And also deal with work-processes, optimization methods, and risk management tools in projects.
• Transportation Innovation Analyst: Transport analysis collected data to influence future project decisions and planning. Transport analysis also work with current projects to evaluate their efficiency and social impact. These professionals are usually in project management roles, so experience and a college degree preparing them for this position are needed.
• Mechanical Quantity Survey and Bill Checking Engineer:  Their role in construction is about preparing bills for payments and performing the estimation of quantities along with an order of materials. So a billing engineer must be well skillful with the areas like planning, monitoring, analysis of all the work related to payments like Analysis of rates of Non-BOQ items.
• Transportation Planner: Transportation planner assess public, private, and commercial transportation needs and analyze and devise new road/transportation schemes. They can work both in the public and also private sectors. 
• Electrical   Engineer: Electrical engineers in construction field evaluate electrical systems, products, components, and also electrical applications by designing and conducting respective research programs by applying knowledge of electricity and materials. 
• Senior Transportation Modeler : Senior Transportation Modeler's work is to design how new road installations link to existing transport systems. Senior Transportation Modeler could be designing one-way systems or diversions, while the other roads are under repairing condition, or planning transport systems ahead of large events, such as festivals or protests.
• Civil Transportation Designer: Civil Transportation Designer focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of transport systems.

SALARY PAID TO TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER :

Transportation engineers can receive a salary of Rs.4,65,000 per annum in India. Based on the level of education and the projects they deal salary will be varies.

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STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND ITS CAREER SCOPE

Structural engineering deals with the design of building and other non-building structures such as the design of machinery, medical equipment, and vehicles, etc.

Thus, It is the specialty of civil engineering, where a structural engineer ensures that architectural components are structurally sound.

Educational requirements for a structural engineer:

• Bachelor degree or masters degree in structural engineering or civil engineering is a must to get in.

• Some candidates with HNDs in subjects including construction and civil engineering also become structural engineers.

• Many large engineering companies offer graduate trainning schemes and these are popular ways of getting entry in to industry.

Skills required :

• Creativity.

• Communication skills.

• Excellent computer skills.

• Analytical skills.

• Detail orientation.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of construction management.

• Up-to-date technical skills.

• Proficiency with CAD software application like AutoCAD and RISA.

Some of the responsibilities performed by structural engineer :

Structural engineer works closely with clients, architects,building contractors and other engineers. A structural engineer will have to perform the following duties :

• Assessing budget of the project.

• Liaising with construction contractors to ensure that newly erected buildings are structurally sound or not.

• Design models of structures using software.

• Perform accurate calculations about each elements of the building.

• Assessing the reaction of buildings to pressures and stress.

• Finalising the materials that would be suitable for the structure.

• And using computers and computer-aided design(CAD) technology for simulation purposes.

• Applying expert knowledge of the forces that act on various structures.

Workplace of structural engineer :

The major employers of structural engineers include:

• Engineering consultancies.

• Oil companies.

• The civil service.

• The armed forces.

• Local authorities.

• Railway operators.

• Civil engineering contractors.

• Public utility companies.

Earning of Structural Engineer :

• Newly qualified structural engineer can earn $18,000 to $25,000.

• An experienced structural engineer can earn between $40,000 to $50,000.

• In India, starting monthly salary in the private sector could be around Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 20,000. In government departments, initial income may range from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000.

• With experience and advanced degrees one can earn Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000 per month.

If you are interested in having degree in Structural Engineering but confused in selecting colleges. So, here are some top engineering colleges mentioned below, have a look:

Top Structural Engineering Colleges Abroad :

• University of Cambridge.

• University of California,Berkeley (UCB).

• The University of Tokyo.

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Top Structural Engineering colleges in India :

• SRM University, Chennai.

• IES Institute of Technology and Management,Bhopal.

• R.V College of Engineering, Bangalore.

• Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore.

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Role of civil engineer in the coastal engineering

 

Coastal engineering involves a range of disciplines related to the interaction of the sea with the land. In changing the way that we manage the shoreline, we must take heed of the natural processes at work in order to maximize the desired outcome at the project site and further ahead.

What is the role of civil engineer in the coastal engineering?

Coastal engineering not only involves construction in coastal areas and the project stages leading up to that, but ever increasingly it involves understanding the implications of letting nature take its course. Coastal engineers are usually qualified in civil engineering, and must also understand the principles of oceanography, geology and other aspects of the marine environment.
Depending on the type of organisation that employs the coastal engineer - client, consultant or contractor - a number of fundamental skills and specialisms are utilised:

•       Basics in programming
•       Preparation of calculations
•       Sediment transport analysis
•       Risk management
•       Contract management
•       Project management
•       Root cause analysis and problem solving
•       Hydraulic (tides, currents, waves) analysis and modelling
•       Design and development of schemes and structures plans
•       Cost estimates and profiling
•       Public consultation and presentation
•       Technical and commercial reporting
•       Feasibility and option analysis

 It is unlikely that as a coastal engineer you will utilise all of these skills in the same role, and as seniority increases the non-technical aspects (such as contract management, programming, etc) may increase.

What is enjoyable about the role?

Many people are passionate about the coast, depending on it for their jobs or general recreational use. Your work impacts greatly on coastal communities (e.g. protecting homes and businesses from the risks of coastal flooding and erosion). Many communities in the UK have suffered severe impacts from flooding in recent years and the work of coastal engineers has been vital in safeguarding those most at risk. The benefits of your work are long lasting and your designs will be used and operated for many years into the future.
The projects you work on, can also make a real difference to the environment. Development at the coast have huge impacts on coastal habitats, so effective planning and management, with the environment in mind is crucial.
You will meet and work with a variety of people in this role, including clients, contractors, consultants and key stakeholders, all of whom contribute to the planning and delivery of coastal projects. You will also work with other engineers and scientists (e.g. structural engineers, environmental scientists), plus stakeholders such as local authorities, landowners, regulatory bodies and members of the public.
The job role and projects themselves can be so variable that no day is the same. New challenges arise with each and every project, providing a stimulating work environment. Frequent visits to the coast are also a bonus!

What is the future career potential and projects?

The Environment Agency has a continuing programme of works to improve and upgrade coastal defences in England and Wales. The dynamic nature of the coast means that change is always happening and therefore engineered intervention is often required to manage that change. As we battle with legacy of the aging hard defences constructed after the 1953 North Sea storm surge, there is a growing trend towards building “softer” structures that are more adaptable to future change. Innovations in this coastal area are being tested within the often-aggressive coastal environment.
In parallel with on-going efforts to defend the coast, there are also an increasing number of managed realignment schemes – a trend that is likely to continue for the foreseeable future and will become more challenging to deliver.

How to get entry in coastal engineering?
A keen interest in the coastal environment is essential. A large number of coastal engineers have a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Civil Engineering, although other environmental or scientific backgrounds feature heavily and are often complimented with relevant postgraduate studies.
Graduates can then join coastal engineering firms to develop specialist skills and understand the sector through on the job training. Further study can also be pursued e.g. an MSc in Coastal Engineering.

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CIVIL ENGINEERING

 

Do you ever felt that everything you see has been built around us is, the output of civil engineers’ enterprise?

Yes, CIVIL ENGINEERING is the field that deals with the design and construction of public works, such as dams, bridges, roads, canals, sewerage systems, pipelines, railways, and other large infrastructure projects. It is one of the oldest branch of engineering, since when people started living in permanent settlements and started shaping their environments according to their needs.

The history of civil engineering is linked to the knowledge of structures, material science, geography, geology, soil, hydrology, environment, mechanics, and other fields. Early engineers built walls, roads, bridges, dams, and embankments; they dug wells. As the group of people started living together in towns and cities their needs increased, these population needed reliable sources of clean water, the ways to dispose of waste, a network of streets and roadways to trade and commerce.

Civil engineering is the oldest engineering after military engineering. It is traditionally broken down into several subdivisions. Civil engineering covers all levels; in the public sector from municipal through to national governments, and in the private sector from individual home owners through to international companies.

Here is a quick sneak peek of what streams you can choose with CIVIL ENGINEERING:

Coastal Engineering: 
Coastal engineering is a division of civil engineering which involves the management and maintenance of coastal areas with an emphasis on protection against flooding and erosion along the shoreline; improvement of navigation channels and harbors; improvement of coastal recreation; and management of pollution in nearby marine environments. This means knowledge in the areas of oceanography and marine geology is required to gain an understanding of the interactions between the salt water and the coastal structures.

Transportation Engineering: 
Transportation engineering is a branch of civil engineering that is involved in the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of safe and efficient transportation systems such as roadways, railways, waterways and intermodal operations. The operation and maintenance of these transportation systems are also part of the responsibilities of a transportation engineer along with an understanding of traffic control systems.

Construction Engineering:
Construction engineering deals with the planning and management of the construction of structures such as highways, bridges, airports, rail roads, buildings, dams, reservoirs, and other construction processes. It requires knowledge of engineering and management principles and business procedures, economics, and human behaviour. Here engineers engage in the design of structures temporary, cost estimating, planning and scheduling, materials procurement, selection of equipment, and cost control.

Structural Engineering:
It is a special division within the field of civil engineering that focuses on the framework of structures, and on designing those structures to withstand the stresses and pressures of their environment and remain stable and secure throughout their use, like by making sure that buildings don't fall down and bridges don't collapse. An understanding of building physics and statics are required along with the local building design codes to work in the discipline.

Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering is the branch of civil engineering that is concerned with protecting the public from the adverse effect of the environment, such as pollution, as well as improving environmental quality. It includes the responsibilities of minimizing or preventing harmful contaminants from being released into the surrounding environment. The knowledge of basic chemistry and biology is required along with the processes that can reduce and eliminate their release.

Earthquake Engineering:
Earthquake engineering is a multi-phased divison of civil engineering that ranges from the description of earthquake sources, to characterization of site effects and structural response, and to description of measures of seismic protection. This requires the study of earth sciences as well as the design and construction of structures to withstand earthquakes. Additionally, locating the source of earthquakes along with understanding how a structure responds to an earthquake is also part of the job description. Research tasks in earthquake engineering include occurrence modeling of the frequency of earthquakes, geophysical modeling, ground motion modeling, and more.

 

Geotechnical Engineering:

Geotechnical engineering deals with the analysis, design, and construction of foundations, slopes, retaining structures, embankments, tunnels, levees, wharves, landfills, and other systems that are made of or are supported by soil or rock. This means knowledge of geology is required along with an understanding of the properties of clay, silt, rock, snow, and sand are highly important. Geotechnology plays a crucial role in all civil engineering projects built on or in the ground, and it is vital for the assessment of natural hazards such as earthquakes, liquefaction, sinkholes, rock falls, and landslides.

Water Resources Engineering:

Water resource engineering is concerned with the structures and processes related to water supplies for human consumption. It also includes the planning and management of facilities that are constructed for these tasks like making canals for irrigation and sewers for drainage and to avoid water logging, and all other issues related to the usage and control of water. This means an understanding of the basic water processes is required so a clean supply of water can be used for drinking and living.

Municipal and Urban Engineering:

Municipal and urban engineering is concerned with the design of basic municipal infrastructures such as streets, sidewalks, sewers, street lighting, and solid waste management. It can also include the improvement of waste collection and bus service network. Also, designing and maintaining public parks and underground utility lines are also part of the discipline.

Wondering why there are only some listed above?

Well, there are hundreds of domains and sub-domains in civil and we will be here reading all day long if we choose to. I think these are the main domains among the remaining ones and there are several sub-domains to these, which we are going to cover slowly and briefly very soon. Till then, keep learning and keep finding your best carrier option.

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