The Randstad engineering employee confidence index for the U.S. edged down to a reading of 54.9 in the first quarter of 2013 from 57.8 in the fourth quarter of 2012. The index measures workers’ confidence in their personal employment situation and optimism in the economic environment.

Fewer engineering professionals — 26 percent in the first quarter compared with 34 percent in the fourth quarter — believe the economy is getting stronger, and the number of engineers who believe more jobs are available fell two percentage points to 21 percent in the first quarter. Meanwhile, 51 percent of engineers feel confident in their ability to find a new job, down from 59 percent in the prior quarter.

“Although the engineering employee confidence index contracted slightly in the first quarter of 2013, demand for engineers remains high, especially in the civil, environmental, petroleum and computer disciplines,” said Randstad Engineering President Richard Zambacca.

The report is based on an online survey conducted by Harris Interactive, on behalf of Randstad, that included 112 adults employed in engineering.