Research and Design Occupations Sampler

 
This sampler provides brief descriptions of emerging occupations in the area
of Research and Design.  These descriptions do not include the level of
detail found in the Occupational Guides, and are intended to provide users
with a basic overview of occupations they may wish to explore further.


EMERGING OCCUPATIONS:

Occupations are emerging in most, if not every, industry.  This report 
focuses on a sample of emerging occupations in California.  There are 
different definitions for emerging, but for this publication emerging is 
defined as follows:

   An occupation that is totally new and created because of a 
   technological innovation

   An existing occupation that has undergone a substantial degree of skill 
   modification

   An occupation that has arisen as an offshoot of an existing occupation


       EMERGING OCCUPATIONS SAMPLER:  Research AND DESIGN OCCUPATIONS


Occupations Included in this Sampler:

Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical Equipment Technicians
Biotechnologists
Ceramic Engineers
Plastics Technologists
Reliability Engineers
Toxicologists
Transportation Occupations


TRENDS

California bioscience companies continue to grow.  This industry directly 
employs over 80,000 people and provides jobs for an uncounted number of 
support and professional services workers.

Engineers and technicians will continue to fill the majority of Research and 
design occupations.

In the emerging fields of ceramics and plastics, technicians and engineers 
have developed and expanded the applications of these raw materials.  
Polymer and Polycarbonate, two types of plastic, are being tested and used 
in the auto industry for headlights, interior mirrors, sunroofs and 
windows.

By the year 2000 experts estimate 55,000 new jobs in transportation and 
related industries.  Forecasters predict 24,000 new jobs in Southern 
California alone.


California is home to more than 750 bio-science companies, approximately one-
third of the United States biotechnology industry.  California bioscience 
companies directly employ over 80,000 people.

                 --Bay Area Bioscience Reports, Vol. 4, Number 1, Spring 1993


BioTechnology Industry:

According to the Bay Area BioScience Center in Oakland (Spring 1993):

       -- California is home to more than 750 bioscience companies.
       -- There are over 350 biotechnology companies in the Bay Area.
       -- There are approximately 150 biotechnology companies in San Diego 
          County.
       -- There are approximately 200 biotechnology companies in the greater 
          Los Angeles Area.
       -- There are 25 biotechnology companies in the Davis/Sacramento region.
       -- California bioscience companies directly employ over 80,000 
          people.  In addition, they provide jobs for an uncounted number of 
          support and professional services workers.


                              BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERS

Biotechnology is the application of biological systems or organisms to 
technical and industrial products. There is a demand for scientists who 
Research and design "cutting edge" products.

A recent contribution by Biomedical Engineers is Robodoc, an electronic 
robot linked to a computer workstation and imaging equipment.  Robodoc is 
used in surgery such as hip replacement surgery.

What They Do:

Biomedical Engineers combine engineering and life science principles to 
conduct Research on the biological aspect of animal and human life.  
Engineers develop mechanical, electrical and electronic devices to both 
diagnose and treat illnesses and medical disorders.  Using computer 
simulation, they predict environmental and medical effects on the human 
body.  In addition, they design and develop artificial organs and limbs and 
new medical and dental instruments.  They also develop new theories, make 
modifications, test and prove existing theories of life systems.

Skills:
  -- Gather, interpret and report information, using scientific/technical 
     language or symbols;
  -- Use high-level mathematics;
  -- Work on and adjust to many kinds of projects;
  -- Design and test scientific instruments;
  -- Base decisions on measurable, verifiable data.

Related Jobs:
  -- Biologists
  -- Chemists
  -- Engineering and Science Technicians
  -- Engineers (Chemical, Electrical, Industrial)
  -- Life Scientists
  -- Physiologists
  -- Prosthetists

Education/Knowledge:
  -- Bachelor of Science in engineering biology
  -- Master of Science in some facet of biomedical engineering
  -- Know concepts of chemical, materials and electrical engineering as 
     well as physiology and computers


Biomedical Engineers:

According to BusinessWeek (April 22, 1992) currently, the best places to 
find jobs as Biomedical Engineers are San Francisco and Boston.


                        BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT TECHNICIANS

Electronics technology lies at the heart of modern health care.  Doctors, 
nurses and other health professionals use a variety of sophisticated 
instruments to perform everything from routine checkups to the diagnosis and 
treatment of life threatening diseases.  However, these devices are not 
infallible.  It is their fallibility that provides a job for Biomedical 
Equipment Technicians.

Since biomedical equipment is always changing and upgrading, it is important 
for Biomedical Equipment Technicians to constantly continue their education 
and maintain their skills.

What They Do:

Biomedical Equipment Technicians (Biomeds) inspect, maintain, repair and 
replace medical equipment to insure that it functions properly.  Biomeds 
conduct safety and performance tests on medical equipment; repair electronic 
monitoring devices; and help train other clinical personnel to operate the 
equipment.  They troubleshoot equipment for both malfunction and software 
problems and operator errors.

Biomeds work in clinics, health centers and hospitals.  They also work for 
manufacturers of biomedical equipment and more often than not serve as field 
service and sales representatives.

Skills:
  -- Use computer technology to solve a variety of complex problems
  -- Work precisely and accurately
  -- Follow spoken, written or diagrammed technical instructions
  -- Work as a team member

Related Jobs:
  -- Biomedical Engineers and Technicians
  -- Biotechnologists
  -- Computer Programmers
  -- Electrical Engineers

Education/Knowledge:
  -- Associate's degree in biomedical engineering technology or electronics 
     technology
  -- Courses in anatomy, biology and physiology
  -- Hospital based internship
  -- Certificate from International Certification Commission for Clinical 
     Engineering and Biomedical Equipment Technology


Biomedical Researchers and Technicians:

According to the U.S. News and World Report (September 17,1993) Biomedical 
Researcher and Technician positions will rise by 26 percent during the 
1990s.  This rise will create 15,000 new jobs.  The majority of positions 
will be found in major medical centers with large Research departments such 
as the University of California at San Francisco, Stanford University, 
University of Chicago and University of Hawaii.


                                BIOTECHNOLOGISTS

Biotechnology is used to create products such as new drugs and vaccines to 
combat AIDS, cancer and heart diseases.  In addition, biotechnology is 
applied in developing new foods, veterinary medicines, medical devices, 
plastics and pollution control products.

What They Do:

Biotechnologists work in areas such as health services, agriculture, food 
processing and environmental control processes.  They usually specialize in 
a certain area of Research and design.  Two examples of these diverse areas 
are limb regeneration and finding bacteria that can eat oil spills.

Some Biotechnologists are involved with legislative measures.  These 
individuals study the regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration 
and the National Institute of Health.  They then report back to their 
company and work with design teams to develop products that comply with the 
regulations.

Skills:
  -- Gather, interpret and report information using scientific/technical 
     language or symbols
  -- Use high-level mathematics
  -- Work on and adjust to many kinds of projects
  -- Base decisions on measurable, verifiable data
  -- Use applied High Tech methods

Related Jobs:
  -- Biochemical Engineers
  -- Biochemists
  -- Biologists
  -- Chemists
  -- Genetic Engineers
  -- Medical Technicians
  -- Technical Experts

Education/Knowledge:
  -- Bachelor of Science in engineering, natural science, physical science, 
     biology or related field
  -- Experience in the medical field, especially in pharmaceutical or medical 
     tools
  -- Knowledge of technical procedures for the Research and production process


                                CERAMIC ENGINEERS

State-of-the-arts ceramics has applications in virtually any industry which 
demands the use of heat-resistant materials.  Products are varied such as 
protective tiles for space shuttles, ceramic fillings for teeth and fiber 
optic products.

What They Do:

Ceramic Engineers conduct Research into methods of processing, formatting, 
and firing of clays to develop new ceramic products such as ceramic machine 
tools and refractors for space vehicles.  Ceramic Engineers study the 
behavior, applications and use of ceramic materials.  Some Engineers 
specialize in heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials for use in 
aerospace, electronics and nuclear energy fields.  They develop methods for 
processing nonmetallic inorganic materials into ceramic products such as 
fiber-optics products, materials for microelectronics and pollution control 
devices.  The major functions of Ceramic Engineers are Research, product 
development and production engineering.  Engineers may choose to work in 
either scientific or production environments.

Skills:
  -- Gather, interpret and report information using scientific/technical 
     language or symbols
  -- Use high-level mathematics
  -- Work on and adjust to many kinds of projects
  -- Base decisions on measurable, verifiable data
  -- Use applied High Tech methods

Related Jobs:
  -- Chemical Engineers
  -- Civil Engineers
  -- Electrical/Electronic Engineers
  -- Mechanical Engineers

Education/Knowledge:
  -- Bachelor of Science in ceramics or materials science
  -- Master of Science/Doctorate degree is required for Research positions
  -- Must have a strong background in math, physical and social science, and 
     ceramic engineering design and analysis

"The rewards for successfully unlocking the secrets of ceramic part 
manufacturing will be impressive."
                                     --  Manufacturing Engineer, 8/93, p 55


Ceramics Industry:

According to Manufacturing Engineer (August 1993) presently there are 100 
U.S. companies collectively reporting $14 billion in sales in the 
industrial, electronic and advanced ceramic industries.  Under present 
conditions, growth will be at about 8 percent per year.  Of these companies, 
70 percent are in electronics, 12 percent in coatings and the remaining 18 
percent in advanced structural ceramics which brings in about $2.5 billion 
in sales.


                              PLASTICS TECHNOLOGISTS

Advanced plastics technology is increasingly used in biomedical, electrical 
and electronic, and transportation fields; building and construction trades; 
and aerospace, food, clothing and packaging industries.

What They Do:

Plastics Technologists assist design engineers, scientists, Research groups 
and manufacturers to develop, manufacture, apply and market plastic 
products.  There are five categories for these workers:

  -- Research and design
  -- Mold and tool making CAD drafter or detailer of drawings
  -- Manufacturing -- molding, laminating or fabrication of plastic materials 
     and products such as surfboard and satellites
  -- Sales and service -- in the sales department of material suppliers or 
     assisting customers in selecting the correct grade of plastic
  -- Related technical fields -- for example, companies that use plastic 
     components for items such as computers, aircraft and electronic devices

Skills: 

  -- Gather, interpret and use scientific information 
  -- Use high-level mathematics
  -- Work on and adjust to many kinds of projects
  -- Base decisions on measurable, verifiable data
  -- Work precisely and accurately
  -- Use applied High Tech methods

Related Jobs:
  -- Chemical Technicians
  -- Chemists
  -- Industrial Engineering Technicians
  -- Materials or Plastics Engineers

Education/Knowledge:
  -- Bachelor of Science in chemical or mechanical engineering or materials 
     sciences; or
  -- Two-year program at a community college in plastics technology
  -- Must have strong background in organic chemistry and physics


                              RELIABILITY ENGINEERS

Before products are manufactured they must first be tested and inspected by 
Reliability Engineers.  They make sure that faulty or unsafe products do not 
flood the market place.  Technological improvements are changing the way 
Engineers inspect the products that saves time, money and energy.

Computer simulation (computational modeling) provides Engineers with the 
certainty that products, processes or machines will function exactly as 
intended .  By using computer simulation, Engineers gain an enormous 
advantage in terms of cost, reliability and lead time to the market.

What They Do:

Reliability Engineers analyze preliminary engineering-design concepts of 
major products and determine those units that require environmental 
testing.  Engineers also recommend design or test methods for attaining 
customer satisfaction.  They use computer-aided engineering (CAE) equipment 
to identify units that are failing, or about to fail, and to determine 
design changes that prevent similar problems.  Reliability Engineers use 
computer simulation to create a model of a real or proposed system or 
process.

Skills:
  -- Gather, interpret and report information using scientific/technical 
     language or symbols
  -- Use advanced mathematics and statistics
  -- Use computer technology to solve a variety of complex problems
  -- Base decisions on measurable, verifiable data

Related Jobs:
  -- Computer Simulation Technicians
  -- Ergonomics Engineers
  -- Industrial Engineers
  -- Manufacturing Engineers
  -- Quality Technologists
  -- Total Quality Management Experts

Education/Knowledge:
  -- Master's degree in engineering or environmental science
  -- Doctorate degree is preferred
  -- Knowledge of simulation technology
  -- Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations


                                   TOXICOLOGISTS

Toxicologists are concerned with the detection and effects of toxins, 
hazardous materials and byproducts of certain materials.  Their main goal is 
to protect people, animals and the environment.

What They Do:

The job of Toxicologists is to study the effects of new drugs, chemicals and 
products (such as cosmetics) and to make sure they are safe for use before 
they are introduced to the general public.  They are also responsible for 
analyzing the contents of the hazardous waste chemicals in the byproducts of 
companies such as paint stores, dry cleaners and computer chip 
manufacturers.  Some Toxicologists evaluate sites and chemical releases and 
their effect on the environment, people and animals.  Most often the testing 
samples are gathered by Biologists, Chemists or Technologists.  The 
Toxicologists then take lab reports of environmental testing, geological 
information, hydrogeological information, chemical concentration reports, 
etc., and determine the potential hazards that could arise either through 
direct exposure, air exposure or water exposure.  After the findings are 
documented, the Toxicologists advise health officials and the public on the 
harmful properties and how to avoid them.

Skills:
  -- Solve problems using logical reasoning
  -- Use symbols such as numbers to express complex technical and scientific 
     information 
  -- Make decisions based on information that can be verified or measured 
  -- Use applied High Tech methods 

Related Jobs:
  -- Biologists
  -- Chemists

Education/Knowledge:
  -- Master of Science in chemistry, pharmacology or environmental studies
  -- Ph.D. degree in toxicology, biochemistry, pharmacology or closely related 
     specialty is preferred, or
  -- Three years of experience in designing and managing toxicological 
     studies, interpreting results, and conducting hazard assessment or 
     safety evaluations


                            TRANSPORTATION OCCUPATIONS

Transportation is becoming a critical social issue because of the growing 
population, the large number of individual commuters and the under-use of 
public transportation.  Planners and Engineers in the transportation field 
are looking for new ways to unclog congested traffic areas and encourage 
people to ride share.

Computer sensors on highways tell motorists the best routes to take at 
certain times.  New automotive road maintenance systems are decreasing 
congestion and delays that were previously caused by slow moving maintenance 
machines.  Transportation Engineers have designed automated paint striping 
systems and automated roadway crack sealing to speed up the maintenance 
process.  Electric cars and smog free buses are already out on the streets.

What They Do:

Transportation Planners develop, evaluate and monitor transportation plans, 
programs and projects.  They prepare plans for transportation facilities and 
services including highways, aviation, public transportation and 
non-motorized facilities.

Transportation Engineers design equipment such as electric vehicles.  
Highway computer sensors that route motorists efficiently, traffic 
management systems and automated highway maintenance systems are also 
designed by Engineers.

Special interest transportation workers participate in the development and 
analysis of legislation concerning transportation.  They also promote 
alternate modes of transportation such as ride share and public 
transportation. 

Skills:
  -- Use computer technology to solve a variety of complex problems
  -- Work on different projects, adjusting quickly to changing conditions
  -- Communicate with various kinds of people

Related Jobs:
  -- Transportation Analysts
  -- Transportation Coordinators
  -- Transportation Engineering Technicians
  -- Highway Maintenance Workers

Education/Knowledge:
  -- Bachelor of Science in transportation planning, urban planning, city 
     planning, regional planning or related field
  -- Know current and legal issues regarding:  transportation, environment, 
     land use, sociology, economics and politics

Transportation Industry:

CALSTART (founded in 1992 and based out of Burbank) is a nonprofit 
consortium of over 60 public and private entities that were mobilized to 
create an advanced transportation industry in California.  CALSTART is: 
     --  creating high quality jobs for unemployed Californians
     --  cleaning the state's air pollution
     --  developing a vendor-base of California companies supplying 
         advanced electric vehicle components to automotive customers 
         worldwide thereby making California a global competitor in the 
         transportation industry

CALSTART forecasts 55,000 new jobs created by the year 2000, depending upon 
California's ability to supply the expected demand of electrical vehicle 
parts worldwide.  The Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies at UCLA 
forecasts 24,000 new jobs in Southern California alone.

Project California was started by the California Council on Science and 
Technology in 1992 to speed the California transportation industry into 
the 21st century.  Project California is expected to:
     --  create new jobs 
     --  ease traffic congestion
     --  promote highway safety 
     --  minimize air pollution

Job opportunities in the transportation industries should open up for 
skilled workers who have been displaced from other California industries, 
primarily defense and aerospace.

Project California Employment Forecast:

           Year       No. of Workers
           1991          69,350*
           2000         225,050*
           2010         408,850*

*Workers include those in manufacturing, construction, installation, 
operations, maintenance and service for Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems 
(IVHS), telecommunications, mass transit/rail systems, electric vehicle, 
Maglev R & D and fuel cell R & D.


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.