Mechanical engineering is a field that combines physics, mathematics, and engineering to design and create mechanical systems. These mechanical systems can range from components of an engine to robots. Mechanical engineers are often responsible for both conceptual design as well as production of these systems.
Mechanical engineers use both CAD/CAM software and 3D printing in their work, which makes this field a growing industry with a wide variety of job opportunities. If you’re looking for a career in the world of machines, keep reading to learn what it takes to become a mechanical engineer. See:19 High Paying Mechanical Engineering Job
What is mechanical engineering?
Mechanical engineering is the study of movements and the design of components and systems that involve mechanized motion. This type of engineering has a major role in the technological solutions developed for industries such as healthcare, communication, energy, transportation, environmental protection and space exploration. As mechanical engineering is used in the production of most items that we use, such as smartphones and cars, is the most versatile type of engineering.
Is mechanical engineer a good career?
As a student in high school, should you pursue a career as a mechanical engineer? There are many qualities that make a good engineer. Mechanical engineers typically learn how to use computer-aided design and drafting software and are involved with designing products like cars, airplanes, appliances, and furniture. They may also be involved with the manufacturing process that produces these products.
In this blog post we will cover six reasons why a career as a mechanical engineer can be very fulfilling:
1) Advancement Opportunities
2) Job Security
3) Salary Expectations
4) Job Outlook
5) Working Conditions
6) Job Duties
What jobs can mechanical engineers get?
What do mechanical engineers do?
Mechanical engineers have several responsibilities, such as:
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Assess needs for mechanical systems and develop solutions that address them
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Use the principles of force, motion, energy and temperature to design components and build systems that involve mechanization
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Consider the thermal environment and other environmental conditions that their designs will encounter and make the design changes necessary for efficient performance
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Test designs to ensure that they are efficient, safe and cost-effective
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Analyze products by using techniques such as computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis
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Design the moving parts of small systems such as sensors to large systems such as cars
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Use computer-aided engineering, which also involves computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, to build mechanical engineering solutions
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Work in a multidisciplinary team, resolve conflicts and build professional networks
Specializations in mechanical engineering
There are subfields in mechanical engineering that you can specialize in, such as:
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Advanced energy systems: Advanced energy systems involve the use of mechanical engineering for analysis and the use of different energy conversion technologies. The systems produced in this field can be implemented worldwide. With the growing awareness of climate change and the need for environmental protection, most professionals who specialize in this area are likely to work on making energy systems more sustainable and harvesting renewable energy.
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Aerospace engineering: Aerospace engineering involves building components, vehicles and buildings suitable for use in space. In this field, mechanical engineering principles and techniques have a key role in maintaining complex structures such as the International Space Station and developing microscale electric generators.
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Robotics: This specialization focuses on building and maintaining robots. Professionals in this field use a combination of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer engineering. The advancements in artificial intelligence and the increasing automation in many industries make this specialization dynamic and interesting.
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Healthcare: Mechanical engineering is becoming more common in healthcare with innovations such as artificial hearts and other assistive devices. With the growing understanding of the human physiological system, professionals in this area are likely to work on more products that mimic the natural functions of the human body.
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Automotive technology: This subfield of mechanical engineering involves the practical application of knowledge and methods to build cars. With the increasing use of automation in car design, mechanical engineering, computer engineering and electrical engineering are more involved with the car design process. With the growing focus on sustainable transportation products such as electric cars, professionals in this area are likely to work on designs that use innovative energy technologies.
How to become a mechanical engineer
Consider using the following steps to become a mechanical engineer:
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Understand the requirements
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Attain the necessary education
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Build experience
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Gain relevant skills
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Earn an engineering license and certifications
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Improve your resume
1. Understand the requirements
A mechanical engineer is expected to meet several requirements in education, certification, skills and training. Learn about what you need to become an ideal candidate for this position by reading the mechanical engineer job listings. You can also read resume samples for this occupation to learn about the requirements.
2. Attain the necessary education
Based on your research, gain the education that most employers require. Typically, most employers require a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field to work as a mechanical engineer. Competitive companies may require you to have a master’s or doctoral degree in mechanical engineering.
3. Build experience
Substantial work experience in areas such as building mechanical systems, testing prototypes and working in a multidisciplinary team can impress the hiring manager. An employment history that showcases your skills is usually essential for most mechanical engineer positions. Additionally, on-the-job experience is essential to gain key certifications such as the Professional Engineer license. You can gain the experience you need through volunteering or internship while you study.
4. Gain relevant skills
A mechanical engineer needs several hard and soft skills. Soft skills in communication, time management and customer service are necessary as well as hard skills such as proficiency in drafting, blueprint interpretation, Microsoft Excel, CFD, CAE and CAD. Use your research to identify the skills you need and continue working to gain them.
5. Earn an engineering license and certifications
Though not required for all mechanical engineering positions, most employers seek professionals with a PE license. To obtain a PE, you need to have a bachelor’s degree, pass an exam and submit proof of at least four years of engineering experience working under the supervision of a licensed professional. Individual states issue PEs, so you should check with your state to see if there are other requirements you need to meet.
You can earn a Certified Systems Engineering Professional credential or other industry-relevant certifications to highlight your skills to an employer and improve your chances of getting hired.
6. Improve your resume
An ideal candidate for a position in mechanical engineering has a well-written resume. Work on improving your resume by reviewing samples as a guide for the correct structure and wording. You should also modify your resume to suit the unique requirements of the position that you are applying for.
Jobs that involve mechanical engineering
Here are a few jobs that involve mechanical engineering:
Mechanical engineer
National Average Salary: $83,381 per year
Primary Duties: Mechanical engineers design components and systems that involve mechanized motion, build prototypes, test their designs and customize designs according to client requirements and the thermal environment. They usually work in multidisciplinary teams. To become a mechanical engineer, individuals usually need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
Electrical engineer
National Average Salary: $88,383 per year
Primary Duties: Electrical engineers design electrical components and systems that involve electricity, test their products, make improvements to their designs, oversee the manufacturing process of their designs and work in teams under the supervision of a project manager. Applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field for this job. A master’s degree is likely to be a requirement for senior-level positions.
Hardware engineer
National Average Salary: $99,065 per year
Primary Duties: Hardware engineers design the physical structure of computers and computer systems, test designs and align their designs to client and user requirements. They use the principles of mechanical engineering, computer engineering and electrical engineering. To become a hardware engineer, applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field.
Systems e**ngineer**
National Average Salary: $104,313 per year
Primary Duties: A systems engineer oversees systems by monitoring technological systems, identifying the need for hardware or software upgrades, performing maintenance activities for systems, designing safety protocols and cybersecurity policies and providing technical assistance. Typically, employers require a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering or a related field for this position.