Medicine, business, construction, food processing, agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, and defence are just few of the sectoral economies that rely heavily on engineering.
Aspiring engineers have many options to choose from thanks to the breadth of the field.
For those researching the highest-paying engineering jobs in South Africa, here are the highest paying engineering jobs in South Africa.
1. Mechanical engineering
One of the most comprehensive branches of engineering, mechanical engineering jobs focus on the study, creation, and evaluation of mechanical systems. Experts use force, energy, and motion theories to design reliable and secure goods.
Human health, mechanics, robotics, cyber security, automotive, biotechnology, and nanotechnology are just few of the areas handled by mechanical specialists.
2. Agricultural engineering
Experts in agriculture create tools and methods for the sector. They frequently find jobs in agriculture-related industries like seed, equipment, and food production.
Each element of their work is a synthesis of multiple disciplines, including environmental science, mechanical engineering, chemistry, and electrical engineering. Furthermore, they aid in the management of land revitalisation initiatives and the integration of agricultural technology.
3. Environmental engineering
An environmental engineer’s focus is on protecting the planet through minimising waste and pollution. They develop tools and techniques for cleaning up polluted areas and restoring natural systems.
They help restore air, water, and soil quality by designing systems to treat waste. A Bachelor’s degree and ECSA certification in environmental, civil, or chemical engineering is required.
4. Aerospace service engineering
In South Africa, aerospace engineers command some of the highest salaries. They are in charge of designing military aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and defence systems.
A bachelor’s degree in aerospace or a science major linked to aerospace systems is typically required for entry-level positions in the field.
5. Biomechanical engineering
Biomechanics experts combine mechanical and biological knowledge to solve problems in healthcare and industry.
They may find employment at biotechnology firms, hospitals, and medical device manufacturers (for things like artificial limbs and implants). In many cases, they collaborate with PTs to develop individualised treatment plans for patients.
6. Biomedical engineering
Engineers in the biomedical field apply their expertise in medicine and biology to the development of new treatments and diagnostic tools.
They develop cutting-edge medical solutions like tissue and stem cell engineering, biomedical signal processing, and 3D printing of biological organs in addition to conventional medical products like artificial hips and implants.
7. Chemical engineering
Chemical engineers design and run the machines that perform the chemical reactions necessary for the production of several goods.
The process begins in the laboratory, where a wide range of disciplines, including high-level mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and economics, come together.
In order to succeed in this field, experts need a deep understanding of a wide range of scientific and technological topics, making this a particularly challenging engineering major.
Chemical engineers can find employment in the food sector or in another related field, such as the production of plastics, fertilisers, paper, clothes, pharmaceuticals, or petrochemicals.
From the above, it’s clear to see that there are a number of options aspiring engineers can choose from.
