Engineering Careers: Still in High Demand in the Thai Labor Market

Engineering Careers: Still in High Demand in the Thai Labor Market

 

Overview of the STEM Job Market in Thailand

According to a report by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), there is an interesting study on the STEM labor market (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). The research team collected data from online job postings on more than 23 popular job websites in Thailand, covering a one-year period (July 2024 – June 2025). The findings revealed that 42,374 STEM-related positions were advertised, out of a total of 756,300 job postings, accounting for 5.6% of the overall job market.

Breaking it down further:

• Engineering: 36,392 positions (about two-thirds of all STEM jobs)
• Science: 18,200 positions

However, when comparing with the number of university graduates in 2022, an interesting gap emerges:

• Engineering graduates: 29,314 people
• Science graduates: 47,126 people

This highlights a key mismatch: The labor market demands more engineering graduates, yet science graduates significantly outnumber them.

Case Study: The Rising Demand for Mechatronics Engineers

One of the most notable trends is the demand for Mechatronics Engineering, which combines automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

• Job postings: 2,140 positions
• New graduates: only 328 people
• Entry-level openings: 791 positions (191 positions requiring no prior experience)

This clearly indicates a talent shortage in mechatronics engineering, a skillset that is vital for future industries.

Insights from Personnel Consultant: Engineering Still Ranks at the Top

Looking at data from Personnel Consultant, which compiles job postings from client companies (especially Japanese firms in Thailand) between January – August 2025, the trend aligns closely with the STEM research. The Top Hiring Categories of Personnel consultant ; 

1. Sales / Marketing
2. Engineering / Manufacturing
3. Administrator / HR / GA
4. Interpreter / Translator
5. Accounting / Finance

This reinforces that engineering roles remain among the most in-demand positions in the labor market, especially within Japanese manufacturing companies in Thailand. The most sought-after positions include Production Engineer , QA/QC Engineer , Maintenance Engineer , Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics Engineer , Mechatronics Engineer.

Why Japanese Companies Continue to Seek Engineers

1.Manufacturing remains the backbone – Japanese firms heavily invest in automotive, electronics, and industrial manufacturing in Thailand, requiring strong engineering talent.
2.Technological transformation – The rise of Industry for  automation, and robotics intensifies the need for engineers with specialized skills.
3.Japanese quality standards – Japanese companies emphasize strict quality control, requiring engineers who are detail-oriented and capable of maintaining high production standards.

Advice for Engineering Job Seekers  For students or recent graduates in engineering, the message is clear: opportunities are abundant, but employers seek more than just a degree.

1.Skills to develop:

• English or Japanese language proficiency (especially for roles in Japanese companies)
• Knowledge of digital tools, automation, CAD, IoT
• Soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking
  

2.Ways to gain experience early:

• Internships with manufacturing or industrial firms
• Participation in research projects or industry-related programs
• Online courses in mechatronics, robotics, or AI

The Thai labor market continues to show strong demand for engineering professionals, particularly within Japanese-invested industries. While STEM graduates are plentiful, the imbalance between graduate supply (more science majors) and labor demand (more engineers) creates significant opportunities for those pursuing engineering.

Data from Personnel Consultant confirms that engineering roles consistently rank among the top job openings in 2025. For young professionals ready to enhance their skills and adapt, the engineering path remains one of the most promising career choices.

(** Insights from TDRI’s Research and Personnel Consultant Data)

Source :  TDRI

 

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