How often do certain job duties appear in engineering job postings for candidates with a master's degree? What are the requirements?

Engineering job postings list all the requirements a company has for potential employees for a particular position. Job seekers can find all the important information about the position they're looking for in these postings, such as:

  • the activities
  • the employer's requirements (previous education, professional experience, personal skills and characteristics)
  • Further information about the employer

 

Various job titles (also applicable to women):

  • Engineer (UAS) (with a master's degree)
  • Research and Development (R&D) Engineer
  • Development Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Technical Director
  • Product Development Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Civil Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Research Technician
  • Technical Specialist

 

Distribution of Individual Tasks in an Engineering Job for Master's Degree Holders:

Technical Planning and Development:

  • Development and optimization of technical systems, products, or processes
  • Analysis and Resolution of Technical Problems
  • Conducting simulations and tests to validate designs
  • Prototype Development and Refinement
 approx. 40% of the time

Project Management and Coordination:

  • Planning and managing projects, often in interdisciplinary teams
  • Budget and Time Management for Development Projects
  • Communication with various stakeholders, both internal and external
  • Ensuring quality and compliance with standards and requirements
 approx. 30% of the time

Research and Innovation:

  • Participation in research projects and the development of new technologies
  • Literature review and trend analysis regarding technical developments
  • Development of concepts for product or process improvement

approx. 15% of the time

Technical Consulting and Support:

  • Providing support to other departments or customers on technical issues
  • Consulting on the selection of materials, processes, or technologies
  • Documentation and training for employees or customers on technical topics

approx. 10% of the time

Quality Management and Standards:

  • Reviewing and ensuring that technical solutions comply with applicable standards and regulations
  • Implementation of quality assurance measures and tests

approx. 5% of the time

Requirements Listed in Job Postings for an Engineering Position (Requiring a Master's Degree)

The job duties and requirements described here are based on an analysis of relevant job postings on various Swiss job platforms and are intended to give you an idea of what an engineering job with a master’s degree entails. The requirements and responsibilities may vary depending on the employer, industry, and specific job description.

Professional requirements
  • Completed basic education or studies
  • Master's Degree in Engineering from a University of Applied Sciences (UAS)
  • Professional experience
Expertise for an Engineering Job with a Master's Degree
  • specialized experience in the field of the advertised position
  • Technical expertise in engineering disciplines
  • Project management skills
  • Knowledge of Quality Management and Standards
  • Proficiency in German and English
Personal characteristics
  • Mathematical and analytical skills
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork and Interdisciplinarity
  • Independence and problem-solving skills
  • Critical thinking
Other Engineering Jobs for Master's Degree Holders
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Engineers often have to respond to changes in projects, technologies, or markets and adjust their approach. A high degree of adaptability is therefore a key skill.
  • Initiative and self-management: The ability to work independently, identify problems, and find solutions is particularly important in research and development projects, as well as when working on new products or innovations.
  • Leadership skills (depending on the position): In higher-level or managerial positions, leadership skills are important. These include the ability to motivate and lead teams and to communicate a clear vision in order to successfully implement projects.

Useful Information on Job Search and Applications

Are you looking to advance your career or seeking a new challenge? Compare different job postings to find out what responsibilities, qualifications, and experience are required for engineering jobs that require a master’s degree. This will help you better assess which positions match your profile and whether targeted continuing education, further training is worth pursuing for your next career move.

Schools Offering Programs Leading to a Career in Engineering (with a Master's Degree)