Biosystems engineers design, analyze and create processes that improve
the safety, appeal and cost of food products. They're sometimes called agricultural
engineers.
They're also involved in creating new products from plants and animals
that are used for food, medicine or as environmental resources. So, that means
biosystems engineers design equipment used to produce all sorts of products
such as pharmaceuticals, food for humans and food for animals. They are even
involved in medical research.
Biosystems engineers are also concerned with our water supply. They analyze
and devise systems to monitor its quality. These engineers are also involved
in enhancing productivity through various means such as controlling greenhouse
environments.
Environmental concerns such as creating biodegradable products and packages
and working on better waste management can also be a part of a biosystems
engineer's job.
Biosystems engineers can work for the government, in the private sector
or in universities. Because the work is so diverse, some may be working for
food processing companies while others may be working in water research labs.
Biosystems engineers tend to work regular 9-to-5 office hours. However,
research deadlines can mean overtime work. "We can work all night sometimes
just to get something finished," says Joan Wu. Wu is a biosystems engineer
at Washington State University.
Physical requirements aren't too strenuous for biosystems engineers. However,
in some disciplines, fieldwork is necessary.