Explore the many career paths open to architectural engineers
Architectural engineering focuses on the function of buildings and the comfort and safety of people inside. As an architectural engineer, you could guide the development of resilient, energy-efficient systems for homes, apartment buildings, office complexes or factories as you work for construction firms, engineering firms or yourself.
About 108,000 people worked as architectural engineers in 2023. While this number might seem small, it’s growing rapidly as the demand for high-performing, energy-efficient buildings intensifies.
Earn an architectural engineering degree online from Oregon State University in a program that couples engineering theory with hands-on practice to prepare you for a rewarding career shaping the buildings of the future.
How does architectural engineering differ from architecture?
Architectural engineers often collaborate with architects on a building’s design, but the two career paths are distinct.
“Unlike architecture, which focuses on artistic design and aesthetics, architectural engineers make sure buildings are structurally sound, energy efficient and designed to improve the experience of those who live and work inside,” explained Corinne Benz, the director of online programs with Oregon State’s College of Engineering. “Engineers work in tandem with architects to weave complex mechanical and structural systems into the design, essentially turning a conceptual drawing into a high-performance building ecosystem.”
What building components do architectural engineers work on?
Architectural engineers develop the technical backbone of modern buildings.
“Oregon State’s architectural engineering program prepares students to design and optimize building systems like lighting, HVAC and structural components, with a unique emphasis on how these systems shape the human experience inside a space,” Benz said.
That educational foundation opens doors to the following careers.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning engineering
HVAC systems circulate air and change its temperature to keep occupants comfortable. As an HVAC engineer, you will put your math skills to work, ensuring that the machines installed in your building are up to the task and that ducts are properly placed to circulate air.
HVAC systems use a lot of power, especially in large, commercial buildings. The commercial sector was responsible for more than 17% of all energy consumption in 2023. Much of that demand came from HVAC systems.
In addition to their energy draw, HVAC systems can be inefficient. In a 2025 survey, almost 50% of respondents said their offices swing between too hot and too cold, and 62% said those temperature issues harmed their ability to work.
As an architectural engineer, you could design systems that save energy and keep people comfortable. This skill set is in high demand and can help both occupants and the environment.
Lighting engineering
Lighting engineers collaborate with architects to create systems that illuminate the interior and the exterior of buildings. Your work can keep residents comfortable, and you could have an impact on the planet.
Researchers say that lighting is responsible for 14% of the energy used in commercial buildings. Newer lighting fixtures need less energy, but older versions with fluorescents can consume more than needed. Retrofitting an old building with new LED fixtures could help.
During the design process, you could also incorporate modern fixtures that mimic sunrise and sunset through brightness and tonal shifts, helping to replicate natural light patterns and make residents feel more comfortable.
You could also connect the lights to other systems inside a building, such as occupancy sensors, making illumination seem both seamless and natural. The demand for smart lighting is surging in both commercial and residential markets, making this a smart career choice.
Structural engineering
A structural engineer ensures that a building is safe, stable and prepared to handle challenges. These engineers run calculations on building materials, determine how loads are distributed and run simulations to determine how a building reacts to stress.
This work is critical. For example, in the Pacific Northwest, damaging floods happen every year, and they can harm both people and buildings. Earthquakes are also a threat, and Oregon’s governor signed an order demanding that new buildings must be made earthquake-proof if they will be larger than 10,000 square feet.
Challenges like this are found all over the world. As an architectural engineer, you can be part of the solution.
Civil engineers can do this work too, but their focus is slightly different. Civil engineers can work on structures and other projects, such as roads and bridges. Architectural engineers focus on buildings alone, which enables them to develop deeper engineering expertise in this area.
“Architectural engineering is a more specialized path that emphasizes how structural design interacts with the human experience inside a building, taking into consideration factors like ceiling height, airflow and natural light alongside strength and safety,” Benz said.
Other roles for architectural engineers
Earning your architectural engineering degree online can work as a bridge to other careers within the construction industry.
“Architectural engineering provides the foundation for these career paths by combining rigorous technical training with an understanding of how building systems impact safety, efficiency and the human experience,” Benz said.
These are a few of the roles your education could prepare you for.
Estimator
Researchers say more than 90% of projects go over budget, over schedule or both. As an estimator, you could prevent financial problems from halting an important construction project.
Estimators calculate all the costs involved with a project, including labor, materials and equipment. Architectural engineers are well-suited for this role due to their strong math skills, ability to read construction documents and design skills.
The BLS anticipates about 16,900 job openings for cost estimators each year. Most of these professionals work in office settings, but some also visit construction sites to gather information.
Project engineer
High-performance buildings stem from complex building plans, filled with intricate engineering details. Project engineers bring those plans to life during the construction process.
Engineers can ensure the right equipment is purchased and that it’s installed just as specified in the plans. Project engineers may choose and supervise teams, and they will see the results of their work every day.
The construction sector is facing labor shortages, with a 2023 talent survey finding that more than 90% of engineering and construction firms were struggling to find qualified talent. Associated Builders and Contractors projected that the construction industry needed to bring in more than 450,000 new workers on top of normal hiring in 2025 to meet the demand. By earning your online architectural engineering degree, you could help fill the talent gap.
Most project engineers work on construction sites, watching their teams closely. Your office could shift with each completed project, giving you plenty of variety throughout your career.
Why study architectural engineering online with Oregon State?
Oregon State is a respected leader in engineering with world-class faculty dedicated to student success. In this innovative online program, you’ll study the technical and systems-based aspects of high-performance buildings and build real skills you can put to work immediately.
You’ll emerge prepared to pursue your professional engineer license, a gateway to leadership roles in engineering. As a PE, you’ll have the authority to sign off on projects and supervise other engineers.
With four start terms per year, there’s no need to wait to begin the journey to a new career.
Discover more about learning online with nationally ranked Oregon State University.
