Do Engineers Need to Be Good at Math? Engineers need to be able to solve real-world problems using math and science. You don't need to be a mathematician to succeed in this career, but you will need to be able to use math in your everyday work. Engineers must be able to apply mathematical concepts during the design process and an error in calculation could result in costly mistakes. For example, a civil engineer might use trigonometry to calculate the slope of a road, while a mechanical engineer might use calculus to figure out how much force is needed to move an object. Engineering students may need to take courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, linear analysis, calculus, statistics, and differential equations and mathematical modeling, as well as appropriate science courses which may require math, such as physics. The type of math required may vary based on the specialization of engineering. To be an engineer, you will need to be competent in math, in addition to having strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills. With hard work and dedication, you can succeed in this field even if math is not your favorite subject.