Commercial engineering can be defined as applying mechanical and engineering knowledge in a profit-based context. You would be right in thinking that is a definition with a very broad scope, and naturally, that is one of the great attractions in targeting commercial engineering as a potential career. Many of the projects Robinsons undertake are led by commercial engineers, and undoubtedly, they are a key element of a project’s success, so here are a number of factors that could influence you in considering a career as a commercial engineer.
Experience different areas of business
As you are applying your expertise in a commercial sense, you will need an appreciation of several aspects of a business. Essentially you are combining engineering with the sales discipline, so you will gain good customer-facing experience. However, in addition you will need to be aware of health and safety and environmental impacts and the financial implications and planning behind specific engineering projects. It all combines to offer an extensive remit with accompanying responsibilities, but also with the opportunity to tailor a position to your particular expertise, if that is preferred and feasible.
Travel
Undoubtedly, a career in commercial engineering will see you rarely in the same place twice and working in a range of different environments, all the time extending your knowledge and experience.
Different business sectors
With a broad scope to commercial engineering comes the likelihood of working in different commercial sectors, such as industrial, leisure, health, retail, mixed use, residential and education.
Management
Commercial engineers play a leading part in engineering projects and with your extensive knowledge and appreciation of the business, this will lead to management opportunities, and the likelihood of leading a project. This will include design, budgetary and planning understanding and also leading a team of engineers on site and managing the project from beginning to end.
Training and development
As there is such a wide-ranging requirement to understand different disciplines this does mean that there will be many opportunities to extend your knowledge and skills base. This includes training on health and safety, legal and planning requirements in place now and being able to anticipate what will happen in the future.
Integral to engineering projects
A commercial engineer is a central part of all engineering projects. Having the responsibility to design and implement projects you will need a knowledge of land planning and legal implications, feasibility studies, health and safety and environmental impacts, construction management, document and permit preparation, surveying, road and parking layouts, resource planning and civil engineering (water requirements and drainage etc). All this in addition to your mechanical and engineering knowledge. Inevitably this will lead to you having well-defined goals and targets as all projects have dates and budgets that have to be met.
The scope to commercial engineering is almost endless but certainly it offers a rich variety in working environments, business sectors and engineering disciplines. Whether you are working with air conditioning systems, heating and ventilation, electrical or plumbing installations the commercial engineer is a crucial aspect of any project’s success.