Consulting engineering is a profession that provides independent advice and a wide range of services normally associated with the development and implementation of capital projects. Specialized fields within the sector include mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical and computer engineering activities and technologies. Professionals in these occupations develop and use many leading-edge technologies, particularly information technologies, in the move toward a global information society.

Consulting engineers design all types of industrial installations, public works, large private and public buildings, and transportation systems. Public infrastructure encompasses power generation and transmission projects as well as municipal services like roads, streets, water supply, and sewage systems and treatment. Industrial services involve support to resource extraction and also to all types of refining and manufacturing. Resource-based work entails pulp and paper manufacture, mine development, and oil and gas extraction, refinement and distribution. Other areas of business include telecommunications infrastructure design, marine works, transportation and the environment.