Archives

You do not have to be a rocket scientist—although that is a cool career in engineering—to know that technology is ever-evolving at lighting speed. From manufacturing and medicine to artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy—among many others in between—the rapid pace of technological innovation has created a huge demand for engineers in every industry. And did we mention the salaries are well above the national average?

The proof is in the numbers

Today, it is all about filling the skills gap in many engineering fields—especially AI, robotics, cybersecurity and aerospace. According to employment projections data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of engineering is estimated to grow by 8.6 percent by 2033—which is faster than average for every other occupation within the next eight years. If those projections do not grasp your attention, maybe the salaries will. The reported median annual wage for the engineering sector is $91,420, compared to $48,060 which is the median annual wage for other occupations. That is an increase of more than $43,000 per year!

Best engineering degrees to meet future demand

If engineering is your passion, Vaughn offers industry-focused engineering programs tailored to high-demand industries. Here are a few of our engineering degrees and the careers they will prepare you for.

Computer Engineering

This course of study trains students to use their skills and knowledge to solve specific problems—and ultimately—to design systems according to the defined criteria for performing the functions as set forth by the project objectives.

Degree focus: Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Demand: Every industry depends on the world’s cyberinfrastructure to operate safely and securely. Over the past decade, cyberattacks have escalated throughout the world, which has created a great demand for computer engineers who have specialized training in cybersecurity.

Career opportunities:

Architectural and Engineering Managers

  • Annual NY median salary: $171,000*
  • Top skills: Communication, leadership, management, project management and operations

Data Warehouse Specialist

  • Annual NY median salary: $153,000*
  • Top skills: Communication, management, data management, problem solving and data analysis

Computer Hardware Engineer

  • Annual NY median salary: $135,000*
  • Top skills: Electrical engineering, communication, printed circuit board, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), computer engineering

Mechatronic Engineering

Vaughn is the only institution in the Northeast that offers a mechatronic engineering degree program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. This not only ensures a recognized standard of quality in engineering education but establishes the College as a premier choice for students in the region. Read more about it in our blog: “Your Future in Mechatronic Engineering Starts at Vaughn College.”

Degree focus: Combines mechanical, electrical and computer engineering to expose students to the different areas of engineering while preparing them for this fast-paced and ever-changing industry.

Demand: The booming automation and robotics industry is fueling the high demand for engineers to design, program and maintain automated systems, thus creating excellent career opportunities across multiple industries.

Career opportunities:

Mechatronics/Robotics Engineers

  • Annual NY median salary: $119,000*
  • Top skills: Mechatronics, automation, robotics, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering

Mechanical Engineers

  • Annual NY median salary: $106,000*
  • Top skills: Mechanical engineering, communication, HVAC, project management and auto CAD

Manufacturing Engineer

  • Annual NY median salary: $100,000*
  • Top skills: Communication, manufacturing processes, problem solving and AutoCAD

Mechanical Engineering

Vaughn’s mechanical engineering degree program provides students with a solid foundation in engineering analysis and design. Students will have hands-on opportunities to learn analytical, computational and experimental methods of mechanical engineering, which are in high demand in the industry today.

Degree focus: This degree focuses on preparing well-qualified graduates for positions in a variety of engineering industries. Students will study and train in mechanical computer-aided engineering (such as computer-aided 3D interactive application), Patran, Nastran, engineering analysis utilizing MATLAB and finite element analysis.

Demand: Employment for mechanical engineers is expected to increase by 11 percent over the next eight years, which translates into openings for approximately 19,800 jobs on an annual basis. This is a significant and positive outlook for mechanical engineers, especially in states like New York and industries that are experiencing high employment levels and growth.

Career opportunities:

Quality Control Systems Managers

  • Annual NY median salary: $130,000*
  • Top skills: Management, quality assurance, auditing, communication and leadership

Aerospace Engineers

  • Annual NY median salary: $122,000*
  • Top skills: Communication, management, operations, planning and flight testing

Electronic Engineering Technology: Avionics

This specialized degree program was developed to provide students with proficiency in sophisticated aviation electronics systems found on-board commercial, corporate and private aircraft.

Degree focus: The program places an emphasis on science and technology that can be applied to today’s fleet of modern aircraft.

Demand: The increase in air travel continues to fuel the demand for these skilled professionals as the sector continues to expand.

Career opportunities:

Electrical Engineers

  • Annual NY median salary: $114,000*
  • Top skills: Electrical engineering, communication, AutoCAD, project management, electrical systems

Avionics Technicians

  • Annual NY median salary: $97,000*
  • Top skills: Avionics troubleshooting (problem solving test equipment), electrical wiring, hand tools

Electrical Installers and Repairers of Transportation Equipment

  • Annual NY median salary: $85,000*
  • Top skills: Troubleshooting (problem solving), electronics soldering, oscilloscope, test equipment

If you’re looking for hands-on learning, cutting-edge labs and industry connections in the heart of world-class resources and opportunities, Vaughn College and New York City offer an exceptional environment for ambitious engineering students to launch futureproof careers. Want to learn more? Check out Vaughn’s engineering and technology, management and aviation degree programs. Apply today! 

 

*Career and salary information based on Lightcast Data, jobs based within a 100-mile radius of Queens, NY

What do the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Panama Canal all have in common? If you said they are among some of the top engineering wonders of the modern world, you are correct—so get ready to see one of the latest to hit the stage!

Check out the engineering wonder of The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock and Casino in Hollywood, Florida—the world’s first guitar-shaped hotel and the most unique structure to climb the stairway to the sky.

Opening act

In October 2019, the 35-story, 638-room Guitar Hotel made its solo debut, soaring 450 feet into the skies of South Florida. This architectural wonder took three years to create and is part of the $1.5 billion expansion of the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The hotel is designed to resemble back-to-back guitars. The neck of the guitar extends 75 feet above the roof with light cannons blazing through. Illuminated strings, guitar faces, and floor-to-ceiling glass panels complete the look of a jam that will have you yelling: “Encore!”

So, why the guitar shape? A hotel operations executive explained how the guitar has worldwide recognition as a symbol of music. Additionally, it is the iconic symbol of the Hard Rock. Designed in collaboration with Klai Juba Wald Architects of Las Vegas, De Simone Consulting Engineers worked in strict coordination through all design specialties to complete this challenging, exciting and rewarding project.

Hard Rock Hotel Guitar at night

How did they build that?

The architectural and engineering genius behind this amazing structure involved skills and expertise across several engineering and construction platforms. Tight controls and flexible designs were key components throughout the project. Experts in the areas of structural, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering—along with contractors in the construction and related industries—combined forces to meet the demands of this challenging project with its “sexy curves.” Here is a snapshot of how they built this one-of-a-kind guitar-shaped hotel:

  • Detailed models of the guitar tower—The models of the guitar tower and other on-site projects were critical decision-making tools to address logistical challenges and ensure precision.
  • Preparing the site for construction—A multiacre retention pond was filled in, along with the excavation of another pond, to create balance of onsite water retention. Crews used vibro compaction to prepare the site for construction and this allowed them to begin vertical construction.
  • Laying the foundation—Concrete companies partnered to install 36,000 cubic yards of concrete that were used on the guitar tower. Meticulous detail was required for in-slab coordination to ensure that embeds for the curtain wall system, slab edges, plumbing sleeves, mechanical system openings and other openings were precise.
  • Structural design—Nine inch thick, post-tensioned slabs were used on levels four through-28 to allow for thinner floor plates. This system allowed the crew to install the curtain wall and the guitar shaped design. This was a critical step to ensure the curtain wall embeds were precisely located on the slab edge.
  • Addressing the curves—Several columns needed to be sloped by as much as 40 degrees, since each floor narrows and widens in the guitar shape. Additional thrust reinforcement was designed into the slabs to help hold back horizontal forces from sloping columns.
  • Height restrictions—The hotel property lies within the flight path of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. Design teams worked cautiously to save inches anywhere they could to maximize space for the hotel rooms. More inches could potentially turn into additional floors, thus jeopardizing the height restriction of the structure.
  • Cost consideration—As you can imagine, a project of this magnitude required laser-focused cost management. The team used 3D, 4D (time) and 5D (schedule) to communicate their ideas about the project.

How an engineering degree from Vaughn can be music to your ears

The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock and Casino is one of today’s coolest and innovative examples of engineering at its finest. As you can see, the field of engineering and technology continues to play a critical role in defining modern day life and society. As technology and infrastructure continue to develop at a rapid rate, the demand for well-trained electrical, mechanical, and mechatronic engineers is greater than ever. Vaughn’s industry-focused degrees and add-on certifications will prepare you for an ever-changing and dynamic career in your chosen field.

Are you seeking a futureproof career in the engineering and technology field? Discover the possibilities. Apply today!