It wasn’t long ago that the world’s first 3D printed architectural structure popped up in California in the spring of 2013. The 10x10x8 structure took seven (7) 3D printers and 2 months to complete. Fast forward to almost a year later, and a Chinese company has been able to build ten houses in 24 hours with their giant 3D printer.

With the rise in Chinese urban population growth, the needs of the city centers are being met with rapid vertical construction. However, there are still major issues with the areas outside of their large cities, where affordable housing is needed.

3D printed homes also bring sustainable options for engineers across the world. Just a few days ago, the BBC covered a story about a Dutch architectural company that is building a 3D printed home made of plastic “heavily based in plant oil.”

The process for the 3D printed Canal House in Amsterdam is very interesting. There’s no doubt that this technology is opening up new doors for sustainable, and affordable home ownership across the world. There is hope that this technology could help areas that are devastated by natural disasters, by providing families quick, affordable solutions for shelter and safety.

Check out the short video from 3D Pint Canal House and leave a comment telling us where you think 3D printing could open new opportunities for engineering jobs.

Each person has their own definition of their dream job. Some engineers are looking for the biggest and best paycheck, and others are looking for a strong, inviting company culture. Finding your dream job might seem out of reach, but it isn’t for those that want to work hard enough to find it. Take the time to think about your must havens and partner with your job recruiter to find your dream engineering job.

Before you contact an engineering recruiter about finding your dream job, consider a few things first.

What are you passionate about?

Are you looking for the most profitable job available? Are you looking for a structural engineering business that focusses in a certain niche? Finding your dream job begins with finding what you’re passionate about. Your career is a major part of your life. Think about what you want to be known for, what makes you excited about waking up and going to work, and what will make you proud to tell others about.

What is your dream lifestyle?

When it comes to landing your dream job, you need to know what demands the job will put on your life. Are you willing to work long hours? Are you okay with being called after dinner ? Will 50% business travel be a deal breaker? Consider the lifestyle you want when looking for your dream engineering job. Some people may love the idea of jet setting across the world to work on the next tallest building in the world, and others may want flexibility away from the office to work form home or their local coffee shop.

Finding your dream job starts with knowing what you really want out of your career. If you’re not sure, ask for help! Contact Engineering Search Partners today to help you discover your dream job today.

Photo via Flickr

Water brings life to humans throughout the world. Many of us forget how lucky we are to have clean, running water in our homes and communities. Throughout the world, there are many people who lack clean drinking water, and sanitation solutions. However, engineers aren’t going to sit around and let that happen for long. These are some of the most interesting clean water and sanitation projects going on around the world.

Engineering Clean Water

Arizona State University engineer students created a new organization called, “SafeSIPP“. The business was created to solve three main issues facing developing nations: “transportation, purification, and safe storage of drinking water”. These bright students have created a three stage purification system and put it into a barrel. The purification is initiated when the barrel rolls. The barrel is pushed with a handle attached to it (see photo from SafeSIPP.) Everything about this project will dramatically improve life for people in developing nations. Not only will their water be safe to drink, but it will also be much easier to transport, and there is much water that can actually be transported and stored. To learn more, go to safesipp.org.

Safe Sanitation

A team lead by University of Colorado professor of environmental engineering, Karl Linden, have developed a solar-thermal toilet in response to the “Reinvent the Toilet” challenge from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The waterless toilet has the capability of heating human waste to sterilize it, and then create biochar. You can then use the biochar, a kind of charcoal, to solve a variety of other issues. The biochar can be used by farmers to mix into the soil, and it can also be used to burn for energy. Learn more about the challenge hosted in India from Techcrunch.

Citations:
University of Colorado at Boulder. (2014, March 13). Innovative solar-powered toilet ready for India unveiling. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 23, 2014 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140313164513.htm

You may be surprised to learn that there are more ways to connect with engineering recruiters than just online job boards. Using LinkedIn for your job search is very important, but there are other ways to supplement your search. Here are a few easy to use tools to help you find your next dream job.

1. Fill Out the Career Wish List Form – Start by having a professional help you with your engineering job placement. Use the Career Wish List form to fill out some important information about yourself and the job you want.
2. Use Twitter to Find Decision Makers and Open Jobs – Whether you’re currently searching for a new engineering job or not, Twitter can help you stay in the loop. Connect with thought leaders and decision makers, keeping you fresh in their mind when a job opening opens, or use Twitter to find a current job opening.
3. Find Networking Events – Networking has dramatically changed over the years. Sites like MeetUp.com can help engineers network regularly in your area. The great thing is that many of the Meet Up events end up being more like fun activities where you hangout with your peers. Some Meet Ups happen while river rafting, some at a brewery tour, and some occur over an early morning breakfast.

Stop putting it off and find your dream engineering job today! Start by enlisting the help of an advocate like Engineering Search Partners. Contact us today to help you with your job search.

Image by Sheela Mohan via FreeDigitalPhotos.net