Mechanical Engineer | Career Exploration

Designing the Future

Mechanical engineers create, analyze, and maintain mechanical systems that power our world.

Job Summary & Responsibilities

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal devices including tools, engines, and machines. They work in various industries from automotive to aerospace.

Analyze problems to see how mechanical devices might help solve them
Design or redesign mechanical devices using CAD software
Develop and test prototypes of devices they design
Oversee manufacturing process for the device
Work schedule: Typically full-time, sometimes overtime to meet deadlines
Work locations: Offices, factories, laboratories, or construction sites

Top 5 Required Skills

Math Skills

Advanced mathematics including calculus and statistics

CAD Software

Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar

Creativity

Innovative problem-solving abilities

Teamwork

Collaboration with other engineers and professionals

Analytical Skills

Ability to analyze complex systems

Education Requirements

Most mechanical engineering positions require:

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology
ABET-accredited program preferred
Some positions may require a master's degree or PhD
Continuing education to keep up with technological advances

Certification & Experience

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam for entry-level
Professional Engineering (PE) license for higher levels
Internships or co-op experience highly valuable
Specialized certifications in areas like HVAC, robotics, or automotive systems

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects:

2% growth from 2021 to 2031 (slower than average)
About 17,900 openings projected each year
Best opportunities for those with new technologies training
Strong demand in renewable energy and robotics fields

Earning Potential

Median Annual Salary: $95,300 (May 2021)

Top 10% Earned: More than $136,210

Entry Level: Around $60,000

Related Job Titles

Automotive Engineer
HVAC Engineer
Robotics Engineer

Student Perspective

What I Like:

Opportunity to work on diverse projects
Good salary potential
Ability to see tangible results of work
Continuous learning opportunities

What I Don't Like:

Can be stressful with tight deadlines
May require working in noisy environments
Need for continuing education
Some positions require extensive travel

Is This a Good Fit For Me?

This career would be a good fit if you enjoy solving practical problems, have strong math and science skills, and like working with both computers and physical systems. It offers stability, good pay, and opportunities to work in many different industries.

Lifestyle Considerations

A mechanical engineering career can support:

Middle to upper-middle class lifestyle
Stable work hours in most positions
Opportunities to live in urban or suburban areas
Potential for international work in some specialties
Good work-life balance in many positions