ThinkPads are the BEST for any kind of professionals (Engineering, Finance, Programmers). They are specifically designed with professionals in mind.

A few notes:

1. Try to buy at least 32GB RAM. 16GB is also enough for most, but if you really want to be “agile” while multitasking (a few programs+browsers open) then I’d recommend 32GB.
2. If time on battery is important (going to be outdoors a lot without possibility to charge), I wouldn’t recommend 4k screens. FHD (1080p) or 2k (1440p) screens eat less power. But check reviews for specific laptops you want. An expensive laptop with 4k screen and a big battery can outlast a cheap laptop with a FHD (1080p) screen.
3. A good CPU is very important (especially if the laptop has a FHD (1080p) screen), but what about a good GPU? I assume you, as engineering student, are going to be working in some specific software programs, correct? Check benchmarks on google and youtube to see if those programs, that you are going to be using, are GPU-intensive or not. If they are, then the better GPU you have, the more time you will save on your work. You will need a laptop with discreet GPU. If they are only CPU-intensive, then you are fine with iGPU (integrated GPU). And, of course, if you enjoy occasional gaming on laptop, then a discreet GPU is beneficial.
4. If you are going to be reading from laptop screen directly (without external monitors), then I wouldn’t buy a laptop smaller than 15". I’d go 15" or prefreably even bigger.