Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and most versatile branches of engineering. It applies the principles of physics and material science to the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is a broad field that includes thermal and fluid sciences, materials science, automation and robotics, mechatronics, and more.
A professional engineer (PE) is a designation given to someone who has completed an accredited engineering program and has passed a state-administered examination. In order to become licensed, engineers must complete four years of undergraduate study, followed by two to five years of professional experience under the supervision of a licensed PE.
There are many different types of mechanical engineering jobs out there. Some engineers work in the automotive industry, designing and testing new car models. Others work in the aerospace industry, designing and building aircrafts and spacecrafts. Still others work in the biomedical field, developing new prosthetic devices and implants.
No matter what field they work in, all mechanical engineers use their skills to solve problems and improve the world around them. If you’re interested in a career in mechanical engineering, there are many different paths you can take. But one thing is for sure: it’s a field that will always be in demand.
The daily responsibilities of a mechanical engineer are initially repetitive, but they become more varied as time goes on. Mechanical engineers work between thirty-five and fifty hours each week on average. If the project is ahead of schedule, the hours spent by the engineer may be reduced. Depending on which sort of engineer you want to be, you will generally wear semiformal or formal attire. Mechanical engineers typically work in offices or at desks wearing semiformal clothes. Because mechanical engineers primarily create equipment, outside tasks are limited.
Most of the time mechanical engineers are office based, however some may have to visit construction sites to oversee projects. If an engineer does have to visit a construction site they would wear sturdy clothing and closed toe shoes, because there could be nails or other sharp objects on the ground. When at their desk, engineers use computers for the majority of their work. Computers are used for modeling, analysis and design (CADD). Occasionally an engineer will need to use a calculator to solve problems that come up during the design process.
The work that a mechanical engineer does is important, because they help create things that make our lives easier. Simple machines like a door handle or a see-saw are examples of how engineers make our lives easier. Engineers also help create complex machines like MRI machines and engines.
Most mechanical engineers work in the manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and chemical industries. Some examples of products that mechanical engineers design are:
– engines
– generators
– HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning)
– medical devices
– tools
– machines
Mechanical engineering is an evergreen field, meaning that there will always be a demand for qualified engineers. The reason for this is that everything that is man-made contains some sort of machine or moving parts. As long as people continue to buy products, there will be a need for mechanical engineers to design and oversee the production of those products.
The job prospects for a mechanical engineer are excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics of the US Federal Government, there are approximately 230,725 mechanical engineers in the country. This number is projected to rise by 19% by 2005. Mechanical engineers will always be required since things are constantly being designed and produced.
There are different types of engineers. They include aerospace, agricultural, automotive, biochemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, materials, and mechanical engineers. Each type of engineer specializes in a certain area. The duties of a mechanical engineer vary with the employer and the product being designed or manufactured.
Most entry-level positions as a mechanical engineer require a bachelor’s degree in engineering. However, some positions may require a graduate degree. In order to become licensed as a professional engineer one must graduate from an accredited engineering program, have four years of work experience under a licensed professional engineer, and pass two examinations. Once licensed, the engineer must abide by the code of ethics set forth by the National Society of Professional Engineers.
The average salary for a mechanical engineer is about $52,000 a year. The top ten percent of mechanical engineers make more than $80,000 a year. With experience and additional education, salaries will increase. Some mechanical engineers become managers or move into sales or marketing positions. Other engineers choose to open their own consulting firms. Many different opportunities are available for mechanical engineers. (Bureau of Labor and Statistics)
Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering that applies 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.
The field requires an understanding of core concepts including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, and structural analysis. Mechanical engineers use these core principles along with tools like computer-aided design (CAD), and product lifecycle management to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, transport systems, aircraft, watercraft, robotics, medical devices, weapons, and others. They also investigate the failure of manufactured products to help improve future designs.
In most countries a bachelor’s degree in engineering is required in order to gain professional registration as an engineer. The duration of study varies depending on the country and institution. After completing an undergraduate degree program, graduates have the option to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate in engineering or enter the workforce.
There are many different types of engineering programs available, and each type of engineer specializes in a certain area. Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and rockets. Agricultural engineers work on designing and improving agricultural equipment and machinery, as well as solving problems related to the environment, water resources, and public health. Automotive engineers design cars and trucks.
Biochemical engineers develop processes for the production of fuels, drugs, food, and other products from raw materials using living organisms or enzymes. Civil engineers design bridges, highways, railways, airports, dams, water supply and sewage systems, and other large structures. Electrical engineers design electrical power systems, communications systems, radar and navigation systems, and electrical components for automobiles and aircraft.
Environmental engineers work to control pollution by developing methods to reduce waste and prevent environmental contamination. Industrial engineers develop efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service. Materials engineers work on developing new materials with specific properties for use in various products and applications.
