Working as a Mechanical EngineerWorking as a mechanical engineer
can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Mechanical engineers
work to design, build and analyze motor vehicles, aircraft, heating
and cooling systems, watercraft, manufacturing plants, industrial
equipment and machinery, robotics, medical devices, alternative
energy and more.Mechanical engineering has a long history, and
mechanical engineers join a host of renowned inventors such as
Archimedes (Golden Crown, Archimedes Screw, Claw of Archimedes),
Henry Ford (Ford Motor Company), Rudolf Diesel (diesel engine) and
Bill Nye the Science Guy (hydraulic pressure resonance suppressor
used in the Boeing 747).FinancialMechanical engineering is a
challenging, lucrative profession. The latest statistics from the
U.S. Census (2012) report the mean annual salary for a mechanical
engineer at $84,770. The Cockrell School of Engineering Salaries
and Statistics report states the 2012 average starting for a
mechanical engineer from this department was $69,044. By
comparison, the U.S. Census reports a mean salary for all
occupations in 2012 as $45,790.FieldsMechanical engineering is an
incredibly broad field, and provides the engineer a number of
different areas in which to work. Following is summary of the areas
included in mechanical engineering.Basic EngineeringMechanical
engineers deal with the mechanics of motion and the transfer of
energy.Applied MechanicsApplied Mechanics looks at shock and
vibration, dynamics and motion, and fracture and failure in
components.Fluids EngineeringThere are mechanics involved in
anything that flows air, water, sand, oil, etc. Fluids engineers
design and build systems that control or utilize flow, such as
pumps, turbines, compressors, valves, pipelines and fluid systems
in vehicles.Heat TransferHeat moves in systems all around us, from
computers, to automobiles, to ventilation systems. The field of
heat transfer deals with combustion, power generation and
transmission systems, process equipment, electronic devices,
thermal controls in manufacturing, environmental controls,
biotechnology, aerospace applications, transportation equipment and
even cryogenics.BioengineeringNearly every part of the human body
may be described in mechanical terms. Bioengineering deals with
artificial organs, biomechanics, biomaterials, bio-instrumentation,
biotransport processes, human factors, medical devices, biomedical
modeling and biological systems.TribologyTribology deals with
interacting surfaces in motion. It looks at friction, lubrication
and wear. Any products which involves two surfaces rubbing against
one another is the concern of a tribologist.Energy ConversionOur
world is incredibly dependent on the conversion of energy into
useful forms. A mechanical engineer is extremely important in this
conversion.Internal Combustion EnginesIC engines are not only used
in automobiles, but are also used in aircrafts, marine vessels and
even some stationary applications such as electric generators.Fuels
& Combustion TechnologiesSome mechanical engineers specialize
in fuels and combustion systems. In addition to working with
combustion systems, they also deal with fuel processing,
alternative fuels, fuel handling, transportation and storage.
Triga Reactor CorePower EngineeringMechanical engineers work in
power engineering in the design and production of
electricity-producing systems.Energy ResourcesIn addition to
working in the conversion of energy, mechanical engineers may also
work in finding and developing new forms of energy.Advanced Energy
SystemsMechanical engineers develop new energy systems such as
power cycle devices, fuel cells, gas turbines and many others.Solar
EngineeringMechanical engineers develop solar energy collectors and
new and innovative ways to utilize solar energy.Nuclear
EngineeringMechanical engineers may design and develop nuclear
reactors and components, such as heat exchangers, radioactive waste
systems and new fuel technologies.PetroleumThe petroleum industry
has been an important part of our lives for quite a while.
Mechanical engineers work on oil and gas drilling and production,
offshore and arctic operations, hydrocarbon processing, synfuels
and coal technology, materials, equipment design and manufacture,
fuel transport, new fuel technologies and pollution control.Ocean,
Offshore & Arctic EngineeringMuch of our energy sources already
comes from offshore sources. Mechanical engineers design and build
ocean structures, systems, hyperbaric chambers, life support
equipment, marine vehicles, submersibles and ROV's, propulsion
systems, remote sensing systems, moorings and buoys, ship
structures and ocean mining equipment.Environment &
TransportationGetting from one place to another is something that
affects every person every day of their lives. Mechanical engineers
work to move us and our goods quickly and more efficiently. In
addition, the effect that transportation, and other factors, have
on the environment is something that concerns us all.Aerospace
& AutomotiveMechanical engineers design propulsion engines and
structural component systems, crew and passenger accommodations and
life support systems. They also develop the equipment used to build
automotive, aircraft, marine and space vehicles.Environmental
EngineeringEnvironmental conditions normally deal with a mechanical
process, the movement of heat, noise and pollutants through soil,
water and air. Mechanical engineers can study the effects of these
processes and work to reduce their impact on the environment.Noise
Control & Acoustics
Section of a wall of a RF anechoic chamber *Photo by:
prismaticSound is very much a mechanical phenomenon. It deals with
the movement of vibrations through solids, liquids and gasses. A
background in mechanical engineering can help to solve acoustical
problems in noise control, industrial acoustics, and acoustic
materials and structures.Rail TransportationMechanical engineers
design, build and maintain rail systems which help move people and
goods every day. New developments are being applied to develop a
new generation of locomotives for freight, passenger and transit
services.Solid Waste ProcessingSolid waste processing is an
important part of environmental protection. Mechanical engineers
develop solid waste processing facilities, and work in areas
related to recycling, resource recovery and waste-to-energy biomass
conversion.ManufacturingMechanical engineers are critical in making
a product become reality.Manufacturing EngineeringAbout half of
mechanical engineers work for a company that makes something,
whether it be consumer goods, transportation or industrial
equipment. The work is as varied as the products that are
produced.Materials Handling EngineeringHandling materials can be
challenging when the material is costly, exotic or dangerous. Some
mechanical engineers specialize in materials handling,
transportation, handling equipment or hazard control
technologies.Plant Engineering & MaintenanceManufacturing
plants often need to be updated. Mechanical engineers are crucial
in this process.Process IndustriesA process engineer changes
materials from one form to another so that they can be used in new
and interesting ways. A mechanical engineer will design and build
the machines that heat, cool, liquefy, harden or soften
substances.Textile EngineeringTextile companies seek out mechanical
engineers in the design and production of the machines and plants
that handle fabrics, weave or knit fabrics, manufacture apparel and
handle the finished products.
Material sample after three-point bend testPhoto by: Sarah
GriceMaterials & StructuresMechanical engineers have to use a
variety of different materials when making a product. The design
and production of these materials is also an important process for
a mechanical engineer.Materials EngineeringA materials mechanical
engineer focuses on properties of materials and their effect on
design, fabrication, quality, and performance. They work to create
materials which can be cast, forged, stamped, rolled, machined or
welded.Non-Destructive EvaluationNondestructive testing is
necessary to determine the quality of a device without dismantling
it. Mechanical engineers use x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic particle
inspection, infrared and other techniques.Pressure Vessels &
PipingPressure vessels and piping are critical in many industries,
and mechanical engineers develop materials that resist fatigue and
fracture, plan the fabrication of equipment, perform inspections
and tests, and design components.Systems & DesignMost
mechanical engineers work in the design and control of mechanical,
electromechanical and fluid power systems. Design engineers take
into account a truly wide number of factors in the course of their
work, such as: product performance, cost, safety,
manufacturability, serviceability, human factors, aesthetic
appearance, durability, reliability, environmental impact and
recyclability.Dynamic Systems & ControlDynamic systems need to
be controlled. Typical applications of DSC include novel transducer
designs, biomechanics at the cellular and human scale, dynamics and
control of power and vehicle systems, and innovations in signal and
information theory. These engineers are needed in a vast number of
areas aerospace and transportation, biomedical equipment,
production machinery, energy and fluid power systems, expert
systems and environmental systems.Fluid Power Systems &
Technology
An excavator, which employs hydraulic power systems, demolishes
the old Experimental Sciences building to make way for new
constructionHydraulic and pneumatics systems are in everyday use.
Mechanical engineers are needed to design and build these systems
that could be used in automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, power
industries and any situations that call for a flexible and precise
application of power in large amounts.Information Storage &
Processing SystemsWith the vast amounts of data that are stored in
computer systems today, mechanical engineers are needed to design
and manufacture the devices to store this data. They are normally
involved in hard disk technologies, data storage and equipment,
wear and lubrication in data storage devices, micro-sensors and
controls.Microelectromechanical SystemsMicroelectromechanical
systems combine computers with tiny mechanical devices such as
sensors, valves, gears and actuators embedded in semiconductor
chips. Mechanical engineers are needed for the design and
development of these high-tech devices
1. Study mathematics, science, and computer in high school.
Study pre-calculus and, if possible, calculus at a high school
level, and be sure to take chemistry and physics classes in high
school. Physics and calculus are the back bones of engineering
courses; understanding them is key to getting a degree. Certain
types of engineering will require knowledge of computer
programming, learn it sooner than later.Participate in math
contests and science fairs. Try engineering contests, too, if they
are active in your area.Develop hobbies related to mechanical
engineering. These may include astronomy, rocketry, geology, auto
mechanics, bicycle repair, welding, or even robotics. Any sort of
tinkering is good practiceLearn to use different sorts of tools.
Hammers and screwdrivers are a great place to start, but there are
many more types than that. If you have the opportunity to take a
wood, metals, or plastics shop class, do so. Auto shop is also a
good choice. Don't forget to learn about various kinds of measuring
tools, tooTake stuff apart. Ask friends and family to give you
appliances and other machines that have broken, or gather them
inexpensively from garage sales or even neighbors' curbs. Then,
open them up and see what makes them go. If you can put something
back together so that it works, great! If not, figure out what's
inside and see what you can learn from it before throwing it out.
If you're still not sure what's going on in there, look it up and
find out
Explore the field of electronics, which may include activities
such as ham radio and computer repair. Build stereo speakers for
fun. Constructing speakers requires both woodworking and electrical
skills. Learn the resistor code for fun. Although electronics are
more closely associated with electrical engineering, mechanical
engineers need, at the very least, to be able to communicate with
electrical engineers. More and more systems are electromechanical,
so it's good to know a bit of both. Some mechanical engineers do
specialize in electrical engineering and become electromechanical
engineers.Take drafting classes. Even though some engineering
schools do not offer drafting classes, drafting classes may be
available at the high school or community college level. If at all
possible, learn a CAD (computer-aided drafting) program or two
Develop solid written communication skills. Documentation and
technical writing skills are a must in many mechanical engineering
jobs.Invent something. It doesn't have to be the next light bulb,
or even a new idea. It could be something as simple as a bent wire
coat hanger to dislodge something that always sticks. It could even
be a new process or a more efficient way of organizing your desk or
going about your day-to-day tasks. Or, see how far you can make a
mousetrap- or gravity- powered vehicle go.Build something. Assemble
boxed furniture or start from scratch. Make a potato launcher.
Create your own lava lamp or trebuchet. Even fun or silly projects
will help you get used to thinking about how things work, and how
they are builtTake an interest in manufacturing. Where do paper
clips come from? How about computer chips or jelly beans? Part of a
mechanical engineer's job is to design things so that they can be
efficiently, inexpensively fabricated.Develop your creativity, too.
Although a lot of mechanical engineering is about being systematic
and analytical, it is also about creative problem solving. Try
drawing, writing, juggling, playing music, listening, playing,
learning, and exploring. It will make you a better engineer and a
more well-rounded person, in generalDo not give up! There is a lot
of hard work associated with getting any engineering degree. At
some point you probably will fail classes and question your
decision; just keep pushing, all good things take time and effort.
Retake classes if you have to: a four year engineering degree takes
most people about five years
What jobs can you do with a mechanical engineering degree?Find
out what kinds of work mechanical engineering graduates can carry
out in which engineering industries or how you could pursue a
totally different career.
Mechanical engineering graduates are sought by employers in
almost all sectors of the engineering industry. These include:
Aerospace industry researches, designs, manufactures, operates and
maintains aircraft Automotive industry designs, manufactures,
distributes and markets motor vehicles Chemical industry covers oil
companies, chemicals manufacturers and the businesses that support
them (eg to build new plants or develop new process technologies)
Construction industry designs and builds infrastructure, buildings
and buildings services (eg heating and ventilation) Defence
industry provides equipment, support and services for the armed
forces and national security Electronics industry designs and
manufactures components and complete equipment for sectors from
automotive to medicine and the military Fast moving consumer goods
industry manufactures products such as household cleaning items,
personal hygiene goods and convenience foods Marine industry
develops and helps operate vessels Materials and metals industry
activities include developing new materials and manufacturing
components or end products Pharmaceuticals industry develops and
manufactures drugs Rail industry designs, constructs, manages and
maintains rail system components from trains and tracks to
electrical power systems and train control systems Utilities
industry helps supply power, water, waste management and
telecoms.What precisely would my job as a mechanical engineering
graduate be?In many roles you will remain as a mechanical
engineering specialist, applying your skills and knowledge to those
specific aspects of your employers technical operations that call
for this skill set. However, engineering careers in some areas
involve becoming more of a generalist, drawing on or developing
knowledge of other engineering disciplines and perhaps doing the
same job as a fellow engineer with a different degree
background.Defence and fast moving consumer goods are two
industries that often call for generalists. Paul Jones, enterprise
integration manager at BAE systems, explains the situation in the
defence industry. He comments: At BAE systems and at most other
defence companies engineers today mainly work at system level. A
system could be an aircraft or submarine, or one of its major
components, or the whole battle space in which it operates,
including the associated communications technologies, people,
buildings and legal requirements. Defence systems are now so
integrated that engineers need to operate cross-discipline, for
example using a mixture of mechanical, electronic and electrical
engineering knowledge. Most engineering degrees now cover a range
of areas, but if you come from, say, a pure mechanical engineering
background youll have to pick up how mechanical engineering fits
into the bigger picture. Meanwhile Chris Traynor, careers adviser
and former engineer and engineering recruiter, outlines the state
of play in the fast moving consumer goods industry. He explains:
Almost all the graduate roles are in one of two areas:
manufacturing/engineering or supply network operations/logistics.
And for both of these areas graduates from different disciplines
would be doing similar jobs as each other. The reason for this is
that the real work is not defined in nice separate buckets of
mechanical, electrical, chemical etc, but normally a mixture of
different disciplines as a general manufacturing or logistics
engineer. Graduates will pick up skills from other disciplines as
they go through their training and career. I started as a chemical
engineer and quickly learned basic mechanical and electrical
engineering principles that were needed to help me in my work.If
youd prefer to specialise, there are numerous options. The
Rolls-Royce website outlines job roles in its part of the aerospace
industry, stating that: Mechanical technology engineers are
responsible for understanding the stress and vibration loads
applied throughout the engine and on specific components. They have
a strong influence on power plant design and work closely with the
design community, materials engineers and manufacturing. Although
this area is largely analysis-based, mechanical technology
engineers are also involved in verifying and validating component
models through physical experiments and tests. This includes
reviewing the physical condition of post-test specimens. Mechanical
engineering graduates can also choose to work in the materials and
metals industry. Dr Andrew Smith, knowledge group leader at Tata
Steel, states that in this sector: Mechanical engineering graduates
can be involved in process technology and development,
manufacturing or process improvement. They could equally be
involved in more customer-facing roles, eg customer technical
support (CTS) or on major CAPEX [capital expenditure] schemes,
ensuring the engineering is right. And this list is by no means
exclusive. The oil and gas industry is particularly popular with
graduates. Jen Veevers, marketing manager, UK graduate resourcing
at BP, outlines: Mechanical engineers provide the technical
decision making and engineering design input that offshore
engineers and technicians require to keep the equipment on the
platforms running in a safe and reliable manner. The equipment
mechanical engineers deal with ranges from power generation gas
turbine engines (jet engines) to pipe work, valves, and pressure
vessels. Similarly in the power generation industry, Paul Clarke,
asset developer at EDF Energy Energy Sourcing & Customer
Supply, explains: Mechanical Engineers typically maintain the
mechanical plant items (steam turbines, gas turbines, pumps,
valves, pipework, coal mills, fans, heat exchangers, coolers,
storage tanks, etc). Jerry England, group asset management director
at Network Rail, outlines opportunities in the rail industry. He
reveals: Mechanical engineers could be involved in track systems,
rolling stock and other rail vehicle engineering, as well as with
other mechanical systems such as overhead power lines which
although transmitting power at 25kV are largely a mechanical
engineering design. In the utilities industy, Neil Pullen, head of
business planning for National Grid's transmission construction
division, comments: 'Mechanical engineers might work with pressure
systems (eg pipelines, compressed air systems in power stations),
corrosion, tribology, asset design or network
design.'Non-engineering careers for mechanical engineersA
mechanical engineering degree is a great passport to a huge variety
of non-engineering graduate jobs, both within the engineering
industry and outside it.If you want a non-technical career in the
engineering sector, a number of the larger employers run graduate
schemes in areas such as finance and management. You could also
consider jobs in areas such as supply chain or technical sales. If
you wish, you could start your career in an engineering job, then
progress into a more business-focused role at a later date.Outside
the engineering industry, many employers welcome mechanical
engineering graduates for their high level of numeracy and
problem-solving mentality. In particular, IT companies and
technical consultancies are well worth exploring, especially if you
have some programming skills, as are patent attorneys. Your skill
set will also go down well with recruiters for finance, management
and business or management consulting graduate schemes, while
teachers with technical backgrounds are always in demand.Youll also
find niche areas of seemingly unrelated professions where your
degree background will be a big help. How about training as a
solicitor or barrister, then specialising in a technical area such
as intellectual property, construction or energy, transport and
infrastructure? Or working in technical publishing or science
journalism?Finally, remember that around 40% of graduate jobs are
open to graduates from any degree discipline. Your extra-curricular
activities and transferrable skills developed while at university
could help launch your career in an entirely new direction.