How to Choose a Career in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a broad field that encompasses the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers work in a wide variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy. With a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, you can qualify for a wide range of entry-level positions in the field. However, if you want to advance your career and move into management or research, you will likely need to earn a master’s degree or doctorate.

What are the benefits of a career in mechanical engineering?

There are many benefits to a career in mechanical engineering, including:

High demand: Mechanical engineers are in high demand due to the increasing complexity of mechanical systems.
Good salary: Mechanical engineers earn a good salary, with a median annual salary of $87,370.
Job security: Mechanical engineers are in high demand, so they have job security.
Variety of work: Mechanical engineers work on a wide variety of projects, so they never get bored.
Intellectual challenge: Mechanical engineering is a challenging field, which can be intellectually stimulating.

What are the qualifications for a career in mechanical engineering?

To become a mechanical engineer, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. The following are the typical requirements for a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering:

Math: Calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and statistics.
Physics: Mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
Engineering: Statics, dynamics, and strength of materials.
Design: Computer-aided design (CAD) and solid modeling.
Laboratory: Experiments in mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.

In addition to the coursework, you will also need to complete a senior design project. The senior design project is a capstone project that allows you to apply the skills you have learned in the classroom to a real-world problem.

What are the different types of careers in mechanical engineering?

Mechanical engineers work in a wide variety of industries, including:

Automotive: Design and manufacture vehicles.
Aerospace: Design and manufacture aircraft and spacecraft.
Manufacturing: Design and manufacture machinery and equipment.
Energy: Design and manufacture power plants and renewable energy systems.
Biomedical: Design and manufacture medical devices and equipment.

Within each industry, there are a variety of different types of jobs that mechanical engineers can hold. For example, mechanical engineers can work as design engineers, project engineers, manufacturing engineers, or research engineers.

How can I advance my career in mechanical engineering?

If you want to advance your career in mechanical engineering, you will likely need to earn a master’s degree or doctorate. A master’s degree will qualify you for more senior positions in the field, and a doctorate will qualify you for research and teaching positions.

In addition to earning a higher degree, you can also advance your career by networking with other mechanical engineers, attending conferences, and publishing papers in technical journals.

What are the job prospects for mechanical engineers?

The job prospects for mechanical engineers are excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of mechanical engineers will grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for mechanical engineers in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.

Conclusion

Mechanical engineering is a rewarding career that offers a variety of opportunities for advancement. If you are interested in a career in engineering, mechanical engineering is a great option to consider.