Special Report: Dream Jobs 2011

If the words “true bliss” along with “job market” evoke snorts of derision, you need to meet these 10 odds-defying technologists. Learn how you, too, can become the envy of your peers

2 min read
Special Report: Dream Jobs 2011
Photo: Andreas Teichmann

Engineers, are you ready to shake things up? We know that the economy lately has been, well, unforgiving. But we still believe that you can—and should—find jobs you adore. This year, we met 10 engineers whose abrupt turns and occasional missteps led them to question their deepest desires, right the course, and find the jobs that are best for them. We quizzed hiring managers at top companies to learn what they seek. We also caught up with engineers we've featured in the past to see how dreams may change. Aim high, dear readers, and above all, have fun.

Dream Jobs 2011 list of articles

Bessone

 Loredana Bessone
At the European Space Agency, Loredana Bessone prepares explorers for the rigors of space

langer

 Ricky Langer
Ricky Langer has landed in the envy-inducing vortex of his passions: ESPN's tech team

lott

 Gus Lott
Gus Lott designs virtual reality systems for bugs and rats so that we can study their brains—and ours

walker

 John Q. Walker
John Q. Walker brings back the sounds of musical greats

kare

 Jordin Kare
LaserMotive's Jordin Kare aims to propel rockets and helicopters with light

kare

 Lucie Pautet
As the lead engineer for NEPTUNE Canada, Lucie Pautet manages a seafloor sensor network

Huang

 Hsin-Chien Huang
How an engineer became one of Taiwan's best-known artists

Duiser

 Jaap Duiser
Jaap Duiser is the engineer behind 2getthere's personal rapid transit system in Masdar, the Middle East's budding eco-city

abo-shaeer

 Amir Abo-Shaeer
Aided by robots, Amir Abo-Shaeer cultivates the next generation's engineers

mark sagar

 Mark Sagar
Academy Award-winner Mark Sagar makes virtual visages that smile, scowl, and shimmer

help wanted

 Help Wanted
What technology recruiters are looking for

where are they now

 Where Are They Now?
Four technologists check in

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