Jobs for Retired Engineers: 15 Exciting Roles to Keep Your Skills in Play
Retirement doesn’t mean you have to put your engineering skills on the shelf! Many retired engineers find immense satisfaction in part-time, flexible jobs that allow them to stay mentally active, earn income, and make meaningful contributions. Here’s a list of 15 fun and rewarding job ideas perfect for retired engineers.
1. Consulting and Freelance Engineering
Consulting is a popular choice for retired engineers because it allows you to work on specific projects without a full-time commitment. Consulting in fields like manufacturing, construction, or technology lets you stay connected to the industry while enjoying flexible hours.
Why It’s a Great Fit
Consulting leverages your years of experience, providing businesses with critical insights and solutions. It’s also one of the best ways to stay in touch with engineering advancements.
2. Teaching and Mentorship Roles
Whether you love teaching or just want to give back, sharing your knowledge can be extremely rewarding. Opportunities exist in community colleges, universities, and high schools, especially for adjunct professor positions.
Industry Mentorship
Organizations like IEEE and ASME often seek experienced engineers to mentor young professionals, providing guidance on career paths and technical skills. These mentorships can be done virtually, offering retired engineers a flexible way to contribute.
3. Technical Writing and Content Creation
Engineers have technical knowledge that’s valuable for writing roles, such as creating manuals, documentation, or technical blogs. Sites like Upwork and Freelancer are good places to find freelance technical writing gigs, or you could even start a blog!
Example
If you’ve ever enjoyed explaining how things work, technical writing might be perfect for you. Engineers are natural problem-solvers, making them great at creating accessible, helpful content.
4. Project Management and Engineering Supervision
Retired engineers with strong organizational skills may enjoy project management roles. Many companies struggle with project management because they do not want to invest in dedicated project management personnel. Companies with large one-off project often seek part-time project managers to supervise technical projects in fields like construction and utilities.
Skills Needed
Project management requires leadership, communication, and organizational skills. If you’re certified as a PMP (Project Management Professional), that’s even better!
5. Innovation and R&D Consulting
If you’re passionate about cutting-edge developments, consider working in research and development (R&D). Many tech startups look for advisors to provide insights on product development and innovative design.
Where to Look
Innovation labs, universities, and engineering research organizations are excellent places to find R&D consulting roles.
6. Real Estate and Home Inspections
Engineers make great property and home inspectors due to their keen attention to detail. In some areas, you’ll need certification, but this job offers flexibility and is in high demand.
7. Volunteering and Non-Profit Work
Many retired engineers find purpose in volunteering. You can support organizations that build homes, offer engineering services in underserved communities, or educate others through organizations like Engineers Without Borders.
8. Fun Jobs that Utilize Engineering Skills
Some retired engineers turn their skills into fun side gigs. For example, drone photography, DIY home repair consulting, or even working in maker spaces to teach skills like 3D printing and CNC machining are all great options.
9. Quality Control and Auditing
Quality control roles allow engineers to work part-time, inspecting products and processes for safety and accuracy. Industries like manufacturing and food production regularly hire quality control experts.
10. Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Consulting
With the growing demand for sustainable practices, retired engineers can find fulfilling work in environmental consulting. Projects may include renewable energy assessments, waste management, or green building consulting.
11. Patent Assistance and Intellectual Property Consulting
If you’re interested in patents, you can assist law firms or inventors with technical details for patent applications. This work is project-based and allows retired engineers to dive into innovative ideas.
12. Freelance CAD/Engineering Design Services
Many companies and individuals need help with CAD or engineering design for prototyping. Engineers can offer freelance design services to industries like manufacturing or product development.
13. Health and Safety Training
Experienced engineers can lead health and safety training sessions, which are often part-time or seasonal roles in industries like construction and chemical processing.
14. Technical Sales Consultant
If you enjoy interacting with others and sharing your technical expertise, a part-time role as a technical sales consultant could be an excellent fit. Companies often seek experienced engineers to explain complex products or services to potential clients, especially in fields like industrial machinery, software, or energy solutions.
Why It’s a Great Fit
Technical sales consultants bridge the gap between the technical and sales teams, making this a rewarding role that leverages both engineering and communication skills. This is also a great role if you enjoy traveling and meeting people.
15. Tutoring
Teaching young minds in math, physics and chemistry can we a great way to stay sharp, feel rewarded and appreciated, and earn a little extra cash. This could be a $30 - $50 per hour gig, make your own schedule type of job.
How to Get Started
Reach out to local elementary, high-schools and colleges to see how you can best promote yourself. Or join a professional group that offers tutoring services. Word-of-mouth travels fast and you will have more work than you probably want.
Fun Facts
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 40% of people aged 55+ are still working in some capacity.
- Studies show that people who work part-time after retirement report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.
Conclusion
Whether it’s consulting, teaching, or even trying something new like quality auditing, retired engineers have many exciting job options. With flexible and meaningful opportunities, you can stay active, supplement your income, and enjoy retirement on your terms.
Explore how jobs like these can help supplement your retirement income with the Retirementize online income calculator. It’s a smart way to balance work with the retirement lifestyle you want.