A Career in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is the application of the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering disciplines.
What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test a wide range of products and systems, including:
- Automotive engines and transmissions
- Aerospace vehicles and systems
- Medical devices and equipment
- Industrial machinery and equipment
- Power plants and energy systems
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Robotics and automation systems
Education and Training
Most mechanical engineers have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Some engineers also have a master’s degree or doctorate in mechanical engineering or a related field.
Mechanical engineering programs typically include coursework in the following areas:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Materials science
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Solid mechanics
- Machine design
- Control systems
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
Career Outlook
The job outlook for mechanical engineers is expected to be good over the next few years. The demand for mechanical engineers is expected to grow as industries continue to develop new products and technologies.
Salary
The median annual salary for mechanical engineers was $87,370 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,310, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $134,230.
Job Satisfaction
Mechanical engineers tend to be very satisfied with their careers. They enjoy working on challenging projects and seeing their designs come to life. They also appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Is a Career in Mechanical Engineering Right for You?
If you are interested in a career in which you can use your creativity and problem-solving skills to design and develop products and systems that make a difference in the world, then a career in mechanical engineering may be right for you.
Here are some of the qualities that successful mechanical engineers have:
- Strong analytical skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Creativity and innovation
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork skills
- Communication skills
How to Get Started
If you are interested in a career in mechanical engineering, the first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. You can also gain experience by participating in internships and co-ops. Once you have graduated, you can start your career by applying for jobs at engineering firms, manufacturing companies, and other organizations that employ mechanical engineers.
Conclusion
A career in mechanical engineering can be a rewarding and challenging experience. If you have the skills and interests that are necessary for success, then a career in mechanical engineering may be right for you.
