Mechanical Engineering

Job Description

Mechanical Engineering jobs include mechanical engineering design, the use of mechanical engineering technology to produce, maintain and improve all types of mechanical devices, components, engines and systems with engineering mechanical precision. Examples of this include transportation equipment, environmental control systems, and materials handling systems, machine tools, and robots and automated manufacturing equipment. The mechanical engineer is also involved in power conversion systems ranging from internal combustion engines to large power-generating stations. The mechanical engineer requires fundamental knowledge of forms of energy to produce motion or heat (solar, water, wind and nuclear energy and conventional fuels). The mechanical engineer is able to work in the areas of design, testing, manufacturing/plant engineering, sales and teaching.

A mechanical engineering career will involve research, develop, design, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices, and much may be on engineering projects. Work is on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. Mechanical engineers will also design tools other engineers need for their work. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, working in production operations in manufacturing or agriculture, maintenance, or technical sales; many are administrators or managers.

Mechanical engineers can use CAD (computer-aided design) to develop new types of automated systems using laser-processing and machining and advanced sensor and imaging technologies. Work also includes design and development of service, or mobile robots, and automated guided vehicles, including space exploration vehicles. Design engineers are concerned with new product development and upgrading existing designs.

Using mechanical engineering software such as CAD systems engineers can create realistic geometric models of objects. These computer programs are eliminating the need for handmade drawings and experimental physical prototypes.

Test engineers are involved in selecting or developing the testing apparatus and procedures used to test products in order to verify or improve their quality. Test engineers may then recommend changes in overall design, in particular components or materials, or in certain manufacturing procedures.

The mechanical engineer that works in manufacturing is responsible for aspects of production from development or selection of manufacturing methods to the overseeing of day-to-day operations on the factory floor. Engineers must be able to design, install and operate complex manufacturing systems made up of people, materials, robotics and other automated equipment. Engineers may also develop and monitor preventative maintenance programs. Mechanical engineers working in manufacturing will work on teams with design and/or test engineers, and often develop the product and the production process concurrently.

Mechanical engineers may also be employed as sales representatives as they have knowledge of how a particular device or system operates. They would be involved in soliciting new business and furnishing technical assistance to customers, also providing feedback to design engineers on customer problems and needs.

Working Conditions

Mechanical engineers find employment in almost every industry, with most working for manufacturing firms and consulting services as a mechanical engineer consultant. Although time is spent in the office, many jobs require working part of the time in a plant, testing laboratory, machine shop or installation site. Engineers will also travel to professional conferences and training sessions in order to keep abreast of recent advances.

Entrance Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from top mechanical engineering schools or universities, or some related degree course is the minimum requirement for most entry-level positions or internships. However, some employer’s prefer a master’s level degree, while others only hire those with at least two years experience. Additionally, study toward a master’s or doctorate degree is becoming important for advancement to positions in the teaching, research and administrative aspects of engineering.

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