Category: Blog

Engineering careers in Central PA are booming. The real secret to finding top jobs in the York, Lancaster, and Harrisburg, PA areas is to look at the economic data that drives the demand. 

Let’s look at that data together and see what it tells us about the most in-demand roles. From there, we will explore how to use that knowledge to land that dream engineering job.

Top Engineering Jobs in the Susquehanna Valley

• Mechanical Engineering: The Power of Manufacturing If you think manufacturing is on the decline, think again—at least in the Susquehanna Valley. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that in the York metro area, manufacturing accounts for nearly 10% of all jobs, which is significantly higher than the national average. This proves the region is a manufacturing powerhouse, and it’s why a recent state investment of over $6 million in a local metal fabrication company is creating new jobs. The takeaway? There’s a sustained, and often unadvertised, need for mechanical engineers to keep these facilities running.
• Electrical Engineering: Powering What’s Next The growth of the Professional and Business Services sector in our region points to a strong demand for electrical engineers. This demand is also tied to massive investments in our power grids; PPL Corporation has committed billions in planned infrastructure investments to “harden” and automate their networks. In Lancaster, this trend blends with the local economy’s tech growth. According to a Lehigh Valley Business report, the region’s tech sector is drawing on its long-standing manufacturing history, a combination that creates a need for engineers with skills in both areas.
• Civil Engineering: The Blueprint for a Career Pennsylvania’s infrastructure is in critical need of an upgrade, and that’s a huge opportunity for civil engineers. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently gave the state a “C-” grade, with specific low grades for our roads, bridges, and drinking water systems. This isn’t just a report card. It’s a map of future projects. The demand is especially high in Harrisburg, where government and engineering firms are actively planning capital improvement projects for streets and sidewalks. Your job search should be focused on the firms and agencies tackling this massive infrastructure deficit.

How to Find Those Central PA Engineering Jobs?

To find these jobs, you have to look past the typical listings and pay attention to the economic landscape. Reports from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, and local economic development groups provide the underlying data about where demand is highest. This knowledge empowers you to focus your search on sectors and companies that are demonstrably growing and need your skills.

For a faster, more targeted job search, JFC Global has had our finger on the pulse of the Central PA job market for over 50 years. With this amount of local experience, JFC Global has the expertise to connect you directly to these high-demand engineering roles.

Contact us today at JFCGlobal.com to get started.

In “Is It Bad to Apply to Multiple Jobs at the Same Company? Part 1” a blog we previously published, we explored the benefits and strategies for applying to multiple jobs at the same company. In this follow-up “Part 2”, we’ll dive into additional aspects to consider, including the impact on your professional brand, how to handle interviews, and the importance of communication. If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, start there and come back to Part 2 after to make sure you don’t miss any important details.