IoT for Manufacturing

IoT for Manufacturing

Industrial IoT (IIoT) exists today and is used by manufacturing companies like General Electric (GE). Mostly consisting of network-connected sensors, IIoT is used for quality assurance (QA) of manufactured parts and monitoring the health of the machines making the parts. Though it is still in its early stages, there is great potential to reduce human error in the QA process. By monitoring machine health, repairs and replacement can be done at times more specific to the machine’s needs. 

Monitoring especially produces an amount of data that requires advanced analytics software and professional data scientists to make it actionable. Another challenge around IIoT is the lack of an industry-wide standard for communication protocols between machines and between machines and sensors. Read more on IIoT in this SDxCentral definitional article.

The internet of things (IoT) is a computing concept that describes the idea of everyday physical objects being connected to the internet and being able to identify themselves to other devices. The term is closely identified with RFID as the method of communication, although it also may include other sensor technologies, wireless technologies or QR codes.

The IoT is significant because an object that can represent itself digitally becomes something greater than the object by itself. No longer does the object relate just to its user, but it is now connected to surrounding objects and database data.

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Job Details of AV Technician

Job Details of AV Technician

An AV Technician is someone who sets up, fixes, and maintains audio and video equipment.  There are several different types of AV Tech positions that you can specialize in.  Some of the most important ones that premier recording schools, such as The Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts, train their students to excel in include: As an AV Tech you are expected to be an expert at working with many different types of audio and video equipment such as televisions, stereo components, home theater systems, video projectors, monitors, recording equipment, microphones, and speaker systems.  During events, AV Techs are responsible for monitoring, troubleshooting, and repairing any equipment during and after use, in addition to the basic setup and breakdown of such equipment.

As an AV Tech you have the option of working in many different audio and video sectors.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top industries for AV Techs are the motion picture/video industries, commercial and industrial machinery and equipment rental and leasing businesses, radio and TV broadcasting, college/university/professional school settings, and performing arts events.

Common AV Tech Duties

Oftentimes people do not realize what goes on behind the scenes of great performance and fail to credit the hard-working experts responsible for such a great show. 

If you have ever wondered what you would be able to take credit for as an AV Tech, keeping reading.

Setup of electronic equipment and devices

Regardless of whether you are setting up for a major concert event or are just making a house to call to the average big-screen TV owner, AV Techs calibrate, tune, and adjust equipment to ensure proper functioning.  With this comes testing to make sure there are no performance glitches, especially if the equipment is for a large event.

Repair of electronic equipment and devices

The inspection of equipment and devices used during an event or video falls on the shoulders of the AV Tech.  This way, if something is not functioning properly, the AV Tech can quickly step in and make the appropriate adjustments. 

Being able to interpret electronic circuit diagrams, equipment specifications, and service manuals play a large role in whether you will be a successful AV Tech or not.

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Audio-Visual Technician- Job Description

The various events you attend at indoor and outdoor venues are supported by a strong audio visual output system. While the audio system helps the audiences to listen to any speeches, commentary or any important announcement, the visual system helps in projecting and/or recording the event. The audio visual coordinator helps in the setup, installation, and maintenance of these systems to enhance audiences experience and enjoyment.


While some events may be organized in large, open spaces; other events can be conducted within the confines of a conference room or a classroom in an educational institute. An audio visual coordinator visits the venue to identify as to how many speakers, microphones, projectors, lights, and other equipments will be required to cover the event.

An audio visual coordinator is more like a supervising technician who helps the team members in setting up all the connections and testing the equipments. If any equipment is found faulty or unsafe to use, then he gets it repaired or replaced as per the need. While the event takes place, the audiovisual coordinator operates equipment such as a camera, projector, etc., or instructs the operators for the same.

While not handling any event, the audio visual coordinator trains the staff in using the audio visual equipments. He also searches for new equipments that can be purchased or rented for the events.

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Thermal Engineering Career

Professionals in the field of thermal engineering strive to develop more efficient means for transferring energy into more practical means, drawing on their expertise in heat transfer. Within an industrial context, these engineers work on solutions for fuels, exploring forms of chemical, electrical and mechanical energy. These professionals find specialization in the fields of high technology, solar power, oil and gas, power companies, as well as temperature control systems. Transforming power grids to create more affordable electricity has become one of the most popular fields utilizing the expertise of thermal engineers.

If you want to know more about becoming a thermal engineer, contact the schools listed here to learn more. It’s important to talk to as many schools as you can to determine the best way forward.

Thermal engineers dedicate their efforts to refining electronics systems and safety applications. They collaborate extensively with groups of hardware and software experts at all stages of the product cycle from initial design through the manufacturing and installation of products and systems. In this capacity, they may develop models for industrial assets rooted in computer projects for optimizing source materials and functionality.

If you want to learn more about entering this area of engineering, contact the schools in our directory to find out more!

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Nanoengineering Career Outlook and Salary

Nanoengineering Career Outlook and Salary

Employers require these professionals to have completed at least a Bachelor’s Degree in nanoengineering or chemical engineering to assume a job in the industry. Undergraduate students explore coursework that prepares them for making contributions in the fields of medicine, energy and environmental applications, among others. Students take classes that integrate a medley of math, science and engineering courses that prepare them for the versatile field. Acquiring a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in the field may be required to qualify for some executive positions with a given company. Advanced education also enables these professionals to undertake teaching roles at universities. For those seeking business-based positions, a candidate should focus on developing leadership and management skills, as they will be asked to spearhead a team of engineers. In addition, they will be asked to communicate and negotiate with suppliers. In this setting, superb oral and written communication skills will prove essential.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has organized conferences to expand the discourse and awareness around the field of nanoengineering. In addition, they provide a digital library of resources, including publications, news, and best practices in the field that are vital to practitioners in the industry.

Though the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide exact data on job prospects for nano engineers, chemical engineers, a comparable field, expect to see job growth prospects of 6 percent through 2020. The states of California, Texas, New York, Illinois and Michigan feature the most bountiful opportunities for professionals. While exact statistics on the median salary of these professionals is unavailable, O*Net reports that chemical engineers of the same background command a yearly salary of $95, 730.

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Materials Science Engineering

Few studies are as vital to the advancement of the industry as Materials Science and Engineering. Focused on the study, discovery, and creation of new physical materials for use in everything from medicine, automotive and aerospace engineering and consumer goods, to rocketry and space exploration, careers in Materials Science and Engineering maintain a heavy focus on attention to detail, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As an “interdisciplinary science,” Materials Science and Engineering combines a variety of specific skills and studies, varying upon the professional or scientific objectives of the student. With strong emphasis in areas such as mathematics, thermodynamics, chemistry, bio-chemistry, and materials properties (mechanical, transitional, chemical,) Materials Science and Engineering is a study which focuses on the physical materials used in given applications, for the purposes of research, safety, quality control and in certain professional areas, forensic engineering and investigation.

If you are ready to learn more about this area of engineering, contact the schools in our directory to learn more about their degree programs. We work with these schools directly and do not charge for our services. We simply want to help students like you understand your options!

Classically referred to as “metallurgy” in many schools and training programs, Materials Science and Engineering is generally regarded as a relatively new field of study, combining older metallurgic arts and understanding with newer studies of things such as atomic structure, applied physics and the creation and study of newer synthetic materials. Professional opportunities in the field cover a broad spectrum of industrial and scientific sectors, ranging from basic scientific research and discovery to applicable industry specific occupations in fields such as bio-technology, defense, and consumer product engineering.

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Marine Engineering degree

Marine Engineering degree

During the course of obtaining a marine engineering degree, you will learn how to apply the principles of engineering to systems that help seafaring vessels, docks and other aquatic entities function. This may include designing and evaluating propulsion and power supply systems to assist communication and navigational devices, engines, foul-weather gear and many other types of marine tools. Becoming a marine engineer takes time, patience, dedication, and commitment to your studies.

You can study for a bachelor's, master's or Ph.D. in marine engineering, which will prepare you to design and evaluate sea-faring vessels and other equipment while on land. Alternatively, you can enroll in the United States Merchant Marines Academy and learn how to operate and care for a ship’s equipment with one of three degrees: Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Systems, and Marine Engineering.

While every engineering school has slightly different requirements, in general, undergraduate applicants should have completed high school with excellent advanced science and math course grades. High ACT or SAT test scores are also helpful when applying for a program in marine engineering.

Marine Engineering Schools

Masters of Marine Engineering

A Masters of Marine Engineering gives applicants a chance to explore a specific part of marine engineering in depth. Masters students might study:

• Ship Auxiliary Systems Design
• Marine Mining and Dredging
• Applied Marine Thermodynamics
• Hydrodynamics
• Numerical Simulation Techniques

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Computer Engineering Career

Most people own or have ready access to a personal computer. These marvels of modern technology have revolutionized everything from the way we get our news to how we communicate with friends and relatives to how we entertain ourselves. However, the traditional PC or laptop is only one type of computer. Virtually every modern machine and process is computer-controlled. Some computers are tiny, as in the smallest cell phones and MP3 players.

Other computers are actually massive networks of thinking machines, working on terabytes of data and cranking out billions of calculations per second. The common factor making these machines possible is the Computer Engineer. Computer Engineering differs from Software Engineering and Computer Science in that it focuses on the actual hardware that’s responsible for performing the work. Software is the set of instructions used by a computer to get work done.

Without Computer Engineers designing the hardware platform it runs on, software would be so many useless bits of data. While they need to know the principles of software operation, Computer Engineers are responsible for designing the components of a computing system. Whether that computer is in the Stealth Bomber or under your car’s hood, all computers have similar components and functions, varying mostly in size, shape and application.

Computer Engineers design everything from the Central Processing Unit to primary and secondary memory storage to input and output methods. Even if they are using off-the-shelf components, they’re responsible for making sure the integration works flawlessly.

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Automotive Engineering Degrees

Automotive Engineering Degrees

Bachelor’s Degree

Because not many schools offer a bachelor’s degree program in automotive engineering, most aspiring automotive students enter a mechanical engineering program. This is because automotive engineering is an offshoot of mechanical engineering and therefore, many of the classes are the same. However, some schools offer mechanical engineering programs that include automotive engineering courses such as:

• Automobile dynamics
• Automotive electronics
• Engine parts
• Diesel engine theory
• Alternative energy sources
• Fuel cell systems
• Powertrain dynamics

It usually takes four years to complete a bachelor's degree in engineering. During the last year, the student must finish a design project, either alone or with other students. After graduation, the new engineer must work under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer for a certain number of years, depending on the state, and pass and Engineer-In-Training exam and Professional Engineers exam to become a licensed professional engineer.

Master’s Degree

A master's degree in automotive engineering is not necessary to work in the field, but such a degree will give students specialized automotive engineering knowledge and skills. Moreover, master's degree programs offer research opportunities for students. It takes about two years to complete a master's degree program in automotive engineering.

Studies include:

• Design and manufacturing
• Energy and environment
• Materials
• Noise and vibration
• Powertrain
• Dynamics and control
• Electronics and computer software
• Ergonomics

To earn a master's degree, the student must satisfy the university's thesis requirements and/or complete a final project.

Online Degree

The few universities that offer online automotive engineering degrees do so only at the master’s degree level. The student gains only theoretical knowledge from an online master's degree. The student does not receive any hands-on experience, which can be important to landing a job in automotive engineering. The online programs assume that the student received hands-on experience while obtaining the bachelor's degree. Therefore, online master's degree programs in automotive engineering are meant for the working automotive engineer.

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Acoustic Engineering Career

Acoustic engineers focus their efforts on the shaping and control of sound. They work to manipulate and capture the vibration of sound by harnessing the best quality for hearing. These engineers work to manage noise control in a variety of industrial, commercial and domestic settings. Acoustic engineers develop noise buffers and sound barriers to optimize hearing as well as refine technology used in recording and live performance such as microphones and amplifiers. Moreover, they often work to develop solutions for transferring sound energy into electricity. Other professionals in the field design interiors by selecting specific construction materials and aesthetic products to customize the sound experience of a given living or work environment. Private enterprises in the fields of construction, architecture, and entertainment are a few of the employers seeking the expertise of these professionals. They often strive to perfect the sound experience in concert halls and recording studios, while others may employ their skills in the healthcare industry with work on equipment like hearing aids.

Acoustic Engineering Degree Requirements

These types of professionals may be asked to perform a variety of duties based on the industry they choose to employ their skills and knowledge. In the construction industry, engineers may execute sound and environmental evaluations on a building to ensure it meets codes and regulations. They may examine how alterations in the design of a structure may impact sound quality. In an industrial setting, these professionals utilize digital hardware and software to determine means for lessening sound disruptions in a work facility, while inquiring into how vibrations impact factory equipment or transportation structures such as a bridge or automobile. In the entertainment sphere, these professionals often work to optimize sound quality in recording studios and in live performance venues, evaluating how structures, materials and digital equipment and software enhance sound quality. Often, bioengineering firms seek these professionals to address how ultrasound and other forms of technology provide the best treatment options for patients under a medical professional’s care. Firms across the world like Sony, LA Live, the NFL, Bose, and Honda are a few of the huge companies seeking the services of these acoustic experts.

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Acoustic Engineering Degree Requirements

Acoustic Engineering

Acoustic engineers focus their efforts on the shaping and control of sound. They work to manipulate and capture the vibration of sound by harnessing the best quality for hearing. These engineers work to manage noise control in a variety of industrial, commercial and domestic settings. Acoustic engineers develop noise buffers and sound barriers to optimize hearing as well as refine technology used in recording and live performance such as microphones and amplifiers. Moreover, they often work to develop solutions for transferring sound energy into electricity. Other professionals in the field design interiors by selecting specific construction materials and aesthetic products to customize the sound experience of a given living or work environment. Private enterprises in the fields of construction, architecture, and entertainment are a few of the employers seeking the expertise of these professionals. They often strive to perfect the sound experience in concert halls and recording studios, while others may employ their skills in the healthcare industry with work on equipment like hearing aids.

Acoustic Engineering Degree Requirements

These types of professionals may be asked to perform a variety of duties based on the industry they choose to employ their skills and knowledge. In the construction industry, engineers may execute sound and environmental evaluations on a building to ensure it meets codes and regulations. They may examine how alterations in the design of a structure may impact sound quality. In an industrial setting, these professionals utilize digital hardware and software to determine means for lessening sound disruptions in a work facility, while inquiring into how vibrations impact factory equipment or transportation structures such as a bridge or automobile. In the entertainment sphere, these professionals often work to optimize sound quality in recording studios and in live performance venues, evaluating how structures, materials and digital equipment and software enhance sound quality. Often, bioengineering firms seek these professionals to address how ultrasound and other forms of technology provide the best treatment options for patients under a medical professional’s care. Firms across the world like Sony, LA Live, the NFL, Bose, and Honda are a few of the huge companies seeking the services of these acoustic experts.

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Electrical Engineer Career and Nature of Work

Electrical engineers specialize in power supply and generation. They design, develop, test and supervise electrical equipment manufacturing. They have also been trained to handle responsibilities like wiring and lighting installations in buildings, automobiles and aircraft.

What is great about being an electrical engineer is that the training is so extensive that graduates may land a job in many different industries such as construction, manufacturing and design.

Moreover, electrical engineers may take part in development and research as assistants to scientists and other engineers. Many kinds of electronic equipment from portable music players to GPS devices pass through an electronic engineer’s hands.

They come up with means to use electrical power to operate a certain product or improve its functions. Among the most challenging and in-demand tasks for electronic engineers, today include developing construction plans for electrical lighting systems for skyscrapers, designing remote-controlled race cars and building technology for factories like robots that can perform welding.

Electronic engineers perform their duties in offices and laboratories but may also be sent to work sites for supervising and troubleshooting. This is especially true for those who work in companies that manufacture complex equipment. They spend about 40 hours per week at work, but they may work longer than this.

A typical day for an electrical engineer varies depending on their employer. Those who work for the federal government may handle responsibilities in areas of research, development and electronic device evaluation that may cover systems for manufacturing, transportation, aviation and communication. Electrical engineers use design software and equipment in their projects.

Becoming an Electrical Engineer

A bachelor’s degree is needed to become an electrical engineer. This is an area of specialty in the engineering field, and these degrees will prepare an individual for an entry level job. It is important to start studying for their chosen career as early as high school.

Aspiring electrical engineers have to take as much math and science coursework as possible including algebra, calculus and trigonometry. Drafting courses are also valuable. This is mainly because engineering students are usually required to do technical drawings. Bachelor’s degrees take four years to complete and include laboratory, classroom and field work.

Electrical engineers may have to obtain a master’s degree or other training certifications in order to qualify for research positions. There are five-year programs that offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees together. They should pass the Fundamentals Engineering exam to obtain a license after the bachelor’s degree and Principles and Practice of Engineering exam after an internship

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Electrical Engineer Nature of Work

Electrical Engineer Nature of Work

Electrical engineers specialize in power supply and generation. They design, develop, test and supervise electrical equipment manufacturing. They have also been trained to handle responsibilities like wiring and lighting installations in buildings, automobiles and aircraft.

What is great about being an electrical engineer is that the training is so extensive that graduates may land a job in many different industries such as construction, manufacturing and design.

Moreover, electrical engineers may take part in development and research as assistants to scientists and other engineers. Many kinds of electronic equipment from portable music players to GPS devices pass through an electronic engineer’s hands.

They come up with means to use electrical power to operate a certain product or improve its functions. Among the most challenging and in-demand tasks for electronic engineers today include developing construction plans for electrical lighting systems for skyscrapers, designing remote-controlled race cars and building technology for factories like robots that can perform welding.

Electronic engineers perform their duties in offices and laboratories but may also be sent to work sites for supervising and troubleshooting. This is especially true for those who work in companies that manufacture complex equipment. They spend about 40 hours per week at work, but they may work longer than this.

A typical day for an electrical engineer varies depending on their employer. Those who work for the federal government may handle responsibilities in areas of research, development and electronic device evaluation that may cover systems for manufacturing, transportation, aviation and communication. Electrical engineers use design software and equipment in their projects.

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Biomedical Engineering Degrees

What is a Biomedical Engineer?

A relatively new discipline, biomedical engineering involves research and development that combine medical and biological sciences for the advancement of all healthcare disciplines. It is a growing and evolving career engineering science jobs field and according to CNNMoney.com, is the #1 Best Job for 2012 in America.

Some biomedically-engineered phenomena include regenerative tissue growth, pharmaceuticals, high-tech prostheses, diagnostic imaging equipment, and micro-implants. Biomedical engineering includes an increasing subset of specialties. Some of those specialties include:

Tissue Engineering

Organ transplants made from patients' own tissue, offer a quality of life not possible with donor organs. This field has produced solid jawbones and tracheas from human stem cells. Artificial bladders have been developed and successfully transplanted into humans.

Genetic Engineering

Manipulates an organism's genes on a molecular level. Some applications include improved crops, synthetic insulin, and the production of mice more suitable for cancer research.

Neural Engineering

Centers on the repair of neural systems—those pathways that tell our muscles when to move. All paralysis victims have an interest in this science on some level.

Pharmaceutical Engineering

Falls into both biomedical and chemical engineering categories. While some pharmaceuticals have upfront need of biological agents, even the development of chemical drugs requires BME knowledge.

Different Engineering Jobs

There are dozens and dozens of types of different engineering jobs. Because when it comes down to the basics, engineering is about using specialized bases of knowledge to solve a problem. Since we encounter a wide variety of problems, we have an equally wide range of engineering disciplines, many of which are highly specialized, designed to solve those problems.

1. Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers use their knowledge of sciences - such as chemistry, biology, physics, and math - to solve problems that affect the use or production of chemicals, food, drugs and more, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They often work in offices and laboratories, and nearly all of them work full-time, according to BLS.

Chemical engineers use their knowledge in the sciences as well as manufacturing to bring chemical processes developed in a laboratory to a commercial or industrial process to create products and then evaluate and improve those processes, according to the American Chemical Society.

2. Civil Engineering

Civil engineers solve infrastructure problems. The projects they design, build and maintain span a wide range in both the public and private sector, including bridges, roads and tunnels; dams and water and sewer systems, according to BLS. Infrastructure such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Erie Canal and the Thames Tunnel in London were all made possible because of the work of civil engineers. Those are just three on a list of dozens of civil engineering landmarks listed by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

They often split their time between an office and project sites. Similar occupations include construction manager, landscape architect and urban or regional planning, according to BLS.

3. Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers focus on the design, testing and manufacturing of electrical components, such as motors, navigation and communications systems, and power generation, according to BLS. They work in a range of industries, including research, manufacturing, telecommunications and more.

Electrical engineering is one of the industries broadest fields, which means the available jobs can vary widely from one sector to another. From working with circuits and making computers and other electronics to building fiber optic networks or vision sensors for cars, many disciplines employ electrical engineers.

4. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers design, build and develop mechanical and thermal sensing devices, such as engines, tools and machines. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest of the engineering fields, according to BLS, and they can be found a huge range of products from electric generators to batteries to refrigeration systems. Mechanical engineers analyze projects to determine how a mechanical device can be used and then design and test machines to help the project. They can also investigate equipment that has failed to determine how part of the mechanics needs to be repaired, according to BLS.