With about four times as many job postings for engineers as there are graduates produced in-state, there is no better – or more affordable – time to pursue a degree in engineering.
Can today’s high school and college graduates – or adults considering a career change – expect to successfully pursue a career in one of the engineering disciplines? Well, here’s what you need to know if you are hoping to forge a rewarding engineering career in Maine.
The future outlook for engineering careers in Maine is exceptionally strong, characterized by high demand that significantly outpaces the number of new graduates. Maine’s engineering workforce has grown by 25% in the last decade, and this momentum is expected to continue. There are currently about four times as many job postings for engineers as there are graduates produced in-state. Over 2,000 retirements are expected within the next decade, creating a massive replacement demand.
While traditional manufacturing remains a cornerstone, growth is accelerating in Renewable Energy (wind, solar, tidal), Biotechnology, Aerospace & Defense and Environmental Technology. Maine’s job market includes a variety of sectors relevant to engineers, such as Maritime & Shipbuilding (Bath Iron Works and maritime services); Infrastructure & Transportation (civil projects and public works); Manufacturing & Advanced Materials (machinery, composites, energy equipment); Renewable Energy & Environment (offshore wind, coastal resilience; and Technology & IT (electronics, software engineering opportunities tied to broader tech roles. As one might expect, demand is concentrated in regions like Portland, Bangor and Augusta, and also with top employers such as Bath Iron Works.
Engineering degrees are typically offered as Bachelor of Science (B.S.) at the undergraduate level. The traditional fields and what they focus on include:
• Mechanical Engineering: Designs machines, systems and devices involving motion, energy and forces.
• Civil Engineering: Plans and designs infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, water systems and environmental solutions.
• Electrical Engineering: Focuses on electrical systems, power, electronics and control systems.
• Computer Engineering: Blends hardware and software development for computers, embedded systems and digital tech.
• Chemical Engineering: Works with chemical processes for industries like energy, materials, pharmaceuticals and environmental protection.
• Industrial Engineering: Improves workflows, efficiency, logistics and systems in manufacturing and services.
In addition to these, there are specialized roles within aerospace, biomedical, environmental and other fields. Each will have different job paths, professional tools and critical roles in industry.
Several Maine colleges offer accredited engineering and engineering-technology degrees. Graduates from institutions like the University of Maine (UMaine) often report 99% job placement rates, with many receiving offers. Due to relatively affordable in-state tuition at public universities (approx. $11,000/year), Maine engineering graduates are often able to repay student debt in eight to 10 years, which is faster than the national average.
To maximize employability, students should leverage the Maine Engineering Pathways Program to streamline their education across UMaine System campuses. This pathway option is offered in addition to the traditional engineering degree programs offered at the University of Southern Maine (USM) and UMaine’s Career Opportunities in Engineering.
The Maine Engineering Pathways Program is a 1 + 3 program. “1 + 3” refers to the number of years students will spend studying on a participating UMaine system campus. They’ll spend the first year studying at one of the participating campuses and spend the next three years completing their degree at USM or UMaine. The participating campuses are UMaine at Augusta (including University College Centers), UMaine at Farmington, UMaine at Machias and UMaine at Presque Isle.
The USM Engineering program is nationally accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET and offers the following degrees:
• BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• BS in Industrial Engineering
• BS in Mechanical Engineering
At Maine Maritime Academy, students can study:
• Marine Systems Engineering (license & non-license tracks)
• Marine & Power Engineering Tech / Operations — supports maritime, power generation, ship systems and related fields.
Pursuing a Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly recommended for those entering construction or government-related sectors to unlock leadership roles and higher salary brackets. Many engineers choose to pursue PE licensure, which can open doors to higher-level roles in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering fields. Engineer Intern (EI) certification is a step after earning a degree and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Advanced degrees (MS, PhD) and practical experience expand opportunities into R&D, management and teaching.
All things considered, the future for engineering jobs in Maine looks very bright, with a strong demand for skilled professionals across several growing industries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections indicate ongoing growth in key fields like environmental and energy-related engineering. So, for anyone who would like to build a successful engineering career while enjoying Maine’s natural beauty, slower pace and many recreational opportunities, an engineering degree is a great pathway to living in this state and thriving.