Engineering
Program Description
Students interested in a career in engineering can complete their first two years of education at Arizona Western College. An Associate in Science (AS) in Engineering degree prepares students for a wide variety of engineering majors at the university level. Students should work closely with their academic advisor in their choice of courses as they consider which engineering specialty best fits their career goals.
Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Critically evaluate alternate assumptions, approaches, procedures, tradeoffs, and results related to engineering problems
- Use written and oral communications to document work and present project results
- Assume various roles in the engineering design process and, as a team member, contribute effectively to accomplish tasks
- Employ mathematics, science, computing, and programming techniques in a systematic, comprehensive, and rigorous manner to support the study and solution of engineering problems
- Show that interpersonal, environmental, and societal impacts have been considered when solving a problem
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Schedule NowDegree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Engineering - A.S. Transfer Degree |
This icon indicates a degree that can lead to a locally obtained Bachelor’s Degree.
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program can open doors to various employment opportunities, many of which require further higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and their annual mean wages in Arizona, based on career and wage data from Pipeline AZ, which utilizes government sources for its reports and forecasts.
Description
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
Duties/Tasks
- Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
- Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
- Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
- Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates.
- Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.
- Direct aerospace research and development programs.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$140,430
$140,430
Entry Level Salary
$77,130
$77,130
Mid Level Salary
$130,850
$130,850
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$67.51
$67.51
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$37.08
$37.08
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$62.00
$62.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Duties/Tasks
- Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
- Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
- Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
- Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.
- Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.
- Confer with management, production, or marketing staff to discuss project specifications or procedures.
- Assess project feasibility by analyzing technology, resource needs, or market demand.
- Review, recommend, or approve contracts or cost estimates.
- Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for engineering and technical work.
- Plan or direct the installation, testing, operation, maintenance, or repair of facilities or equipment.
- Identify environmental threats or opportunities associated with the development and launch of new technologies.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$157,910
$157,910
Entry Level Salary
$99,900
$99,900
Mid Level Salary
$156,410
$156,410
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$75.92
$75.92
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$48.03
$48.03
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$75.00
$75.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
Duties/Tasks
- Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
- Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
- Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
- Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
- Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
- Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
- Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
- Analyze new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.
- Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$120,970
$120,970
Entry Level Salary
$60,950
$60,950
Mid Level Salary
$120,850
$120,850
Expert Level Salary
$165,540
$165,540
Average Hourly Wage
$58.16
$58.16
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.30
$29.30
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$58.00
$58.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$79.59
$79.59
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Duties/Tasks
- Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
- Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
- Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.
- Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
- Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
- Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
- Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant.
- Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management.
- Design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations.
- Determine most effective arrangement of operations such as mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, and drying.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$132,450
$132,450
Entry Level Salary
$63,300
$63,300
Mid Level Salary
$98,240
$98,240
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$63.68
$63.68
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$30.44
$30.44
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$47.00
$47.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
Duties/Tasks
- Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
- Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
- Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
- Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
- Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.
- Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.
- Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, or other topographical or geologic data.
- Direct or participate in surveying to lay out installations or establish reference points, grades, or elevations to guide construction.
- Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.
- Identify environmental risks and develop risk management strategies for civil engineering projects.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$87,240
$87,240
Entry Level Salary
$60,820
$60,820
Mid Level Salary
$78,690
$78,690
Expert Level Salary
$126,580
$126,580
Average Hourly Wage
$41.94
$41.94
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.24
$29.24
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$37.00
$37.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$60.85
$60.85
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
Duties/Tasks
- Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.
- Prepare technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
- Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products.
- Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
- Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
- Compile data and write reports regarding existing or potential electrical engineering studies or projects.
- Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
- Conduct field surveys or study maps, graphs, diagrams, or other data to identify and correct power system problems.
- Investigate customer or public complaints to determine the nature and extent of problems.
- Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$99,830
$99,830
Entry Level Salary
$59,630
$59,630
Mid Level Salary
$97,090
$97,090
Expert Level Salary
$154,250
$154,250
Average Hourly Wage
$48.00
$48.00
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$28.67
$28.67
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$46.00
$46.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$74.16
$74.16
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Duties/Tasks
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as mechanics, hydraulics, and robotics.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate class discussions.
- Supervise students' laboratory work.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$102,610
$102,610
Entry Level Salary
$61,820
$61,820
Mid Level Salary
$98,830
$98,830
Expert Level Salary
$157,540
$157,540
Average Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Entry Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Mid Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Doctoral Degree
Description
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Duties/Tasks
- Provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects, including remediation system design or determination of regulatory applicability.
- Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address environmental problems.
- Assess the existing or potential environmental impact of land use projects on air, water, or land.
- Advise corporations or government agencies of procedures to follow in cleaning up contaminated sites to protect people and the environment.
- Inspect industrial or municipal facilities or programs to evaluate operational effectiveness or ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Design, or supervise the design of, systems, processes, or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.
- Direct installation or operation of environmental monitoring devices or supervise related data collection programs.
- Prepare, review, or update environmental investigation or recommendation reports.
- Develop site-specific health and safety protocols, such as spill contingency plans or methods for loading or transporting waste.
- Obtain, update, or maintain plans, permits, or standard operating procedures.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$100,470
$100,470
Entry Level Salary
$61,040
$61,040
Mid Level Salary
$93,970
$93,970
Expert Level Salary
$162,770
$162,770
Average Hourly Wage
$48.30
$48.30
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.35
$29.35
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$45.00
$45.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$78.25
$78.25
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
Duties/Tasks
- Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
- Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
- Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
- Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
- Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
- Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
- Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
- Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.
- Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
- Direct workers engaged in product measurement, inspection, and testing activities to ensure quality control and reliability.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$100,800
$100,800
Entry Level Salary
$64,410
$64,410
Mid Level Salary
$99,340
$99,340
Expert Level Salary
$129,300
$129,300
Average Hourly Wage
$48.46
$48.46
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$30.97
$30.97
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$47.00
$47.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$62.16
$62.16
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.
Duties/Tasks
- Troubleshoot new or existing product problems involving designs, materials, or processes.
- Investigate or resolve operational problems, such as material use variances or bottlenecks.
- Identify opportunities or implement changes to improve manufacturing processes or products or to reduce costs, using knowledge of fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment, assembly methods, quality control standards, or product design, materials and parts.
- Apply continuous improvement methods, such as lean manufacturing, to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability, or cost-effectiveness.
- Provide technical expertise or support related to manufacturing.
- Incorporate new manufacturing methods or processes to improve existing operations.
- Review product designs for manufacturability or completeness.
- Determine root causes of failures or recommend changes in designs, tolerances, or processing methods, using statistical procedures.
- Prepare reports summarizing information or trends related to manufacturing performance.
- Prepare documentation for new manufacturing processes or engineering procedures.
- Design layout of equipment or workspaces to achieve maximum efficiency.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$100,800
$100,800
Entry Level Salary
$64,410
$64,410
Mid Level Salary
$99,340
$99,340
Expert Level Salary
$129,300
$129,300
Average Hourly Wage
$48.46
$48.46
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$30.97
$30.97
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$47.00
$47.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$62.16
$62.16
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
Duties/Tasks
- Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
- Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
- Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$101,550
$101,550
Entry Level Salary
$75,170
$75,170
Mid Level Salary
$97,090
$97,090
Expert Level Salary
$162,410
$162,410
Average Hourly Wage
$48.82
$48.82
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$36.14
$36.14
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$46.00
$46.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$78.08
$78.08
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Duties/Tasks
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
- Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
- Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
- Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
- Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
- Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.
- Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
- Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
- Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products, using drafting tools or computer-assisted drafting equipment or software.
- Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$100,010
$100,010
Entry Level Salary
$62,410
$62,410
Mid Level Salary
$97,090
$97,090
Expert Level Salary
$135,410
$135,410
Average Hourly Wage
$48.08
$48.08
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$30.00
$30.00
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$46.00
$46.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$65.10
$65.10
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.
Duties/Tasks
- Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.
- Process or interpret signals or sensor data.
- Debug robotics programs.
- Build, configure, or test robots or robotic applications.
- Create back-ups of robot programs or parameters.
- Provide technical support for robotic systems.
- Design end-of-arm tooling.
- Design robotic systems, such as automatic vehicle control, autonomous vehicles, advanced displays, advanced sensing, robotic platforms, computer vision, or telematics systems.
- Supervise technologists, technicians, or other engineers.
- Design software to control robotic systems for applications, such as military defense or manufacturing.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$117,480
$117,480
Entry Level Salary
$60,750
$60,750
Mid Level Salary
$101,120
$101,120
Expert Level Salary
$195,640
$195,640
Average Hourly Wage
$56.48
$56.48
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.21
$29.21
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$48.00
$48.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$94.06
$94.06
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.
Duties/Tasks
- Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
- Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.
- Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.
- Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.
- Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.
- Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.
- Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.
- Develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work.
- Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$117,480
$117,480
Entry Level Salary
$60,750
$60,750
Mid Level Salary
$101,120
$101,120
Expert Level Salary
$195,640
$195,640
Average Hourly Wage
$56.48
$56.48
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.21
$29.21
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$48.00
$48.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$94.06
$94.06
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.
Duties/Tasks
- Create or maintain wind farm layouts, schematics, or other visual documentation for wind farms.
- Recommend process or infrastructure changes to improve wind turbine performance, reduce operational costs, or comply with regulations.
- Create models to optimize the layout of wind farm access roads, crane pads, crane paths, collection systems, substations, switchyards, or transmission lines.
- Provide engineering technical support to designers of prototype wind turbines.
- Investigate experimental wind turbines or wind turbine technologies for properties such as aerodynamics, production, noise, and load.
- Develop active control algorithms, electronics, software, electromechanical, or electrohydraulic systems for wind turbines.
- Develop specifications for wind technology components, such as gearboxes, blades, generators, frequency converters, or pad transformers.
- Test wind turbine components, using mechanical or electronic testing equipment.
- Oversee the work activities of wind farm consultants or subcontractors.
- Test wind turbine equipment to determine effects of stress or fatigue.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$117,480
$117,480
Entry Level Salary
$60,750
$60,750
Mid Level Salary
$101,120
$101,120
Expert Level Salary
$195,640
$195,640
Average Hourly Wage
$56.48
$56.48
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.21
$29.21
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$48.00
$48.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$94.06
$94.06
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josue Juarez | Professor of Engineering | (928) 317-6328 | Josue.Juarez@azwestern.edu |