Are you looking for an exciting, rewarding, and well-paying career? Have you ever considered becoming a mechanical engineer?
Mechanical engineers make an average salary of nearly $93,000. They also usually receive medical, dental, and retirement benefits. Mechanical engineers can enjoy other perks as well, such as profit sharing or education assistance.
What does a mechanical engineer do, and is it the right career for you?
Let’s take a look.
What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do?
Mechanical engineers design or redesign devices. They will create a blueprint for building and design and test prototypes.
Mechanical engineers work on a variety of tools and machines. They may work on electric generators, combustion engines, or refrigeration and air-conditioning. They may also work on elevators or escalators.
A mechanical engineer could work on conveyor systems or auto-transfer stations. They may work on research to improve the production of cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Or they may help create heating and cooling systems for airplanes, trains, or schools.
Some mechanical engineers work on robotics. These perform duties that help make human jobs faster. Or they may help solve problems aerospace or civil fields.
What Skills Does a Mechanical Engineer Need to Have?
Mechanical engineers need a number of hard skills. They get required to have a solid understanding of industry standards in their chosen field of specialty. They also need excellent computer skills.
In addition, mechanical engineers need to have good problem-solving skills and a little creativity. They should be able to clearly communicate through both verbal and written means. Mechanical engineers also need to be able to work well in a team.
How To Become a Mechanical Engineer
In order to become a mechanical engineer, you’ll need to first obtain a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. This is required for most entry-level positions in the field.
Coursework for a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is rigorous. It involves mathematics, physical science, and advanced computer design.
Those studying to become mechanical engineers will usually take courses that will allow them to specialize. Often, internships and co-ops are a part of a mechanical engineer’s education. These provide hands-on experience, as well as the networking needed to land a job in the industry.
Many colleges and universities offer combined coursework as part of a 5-year program. It enables students to gain both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Some institutions offer co-operative programs that could last as long as six years. These combine college coursework with hands-on experience in the field.
Mechanical engineers must also obtain a license in the state they wish to practice in. Students are able to apply for a license after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. It must be from an accredited mechanical engineering program.
In order to obtain their state license, candidates must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. This is offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
Your state may also require continuing education if you wish to stay licensed. If you’re planning on moving, check with your state’s board to see if they will honor the license you received from yours.
Additional Certification
You may wish to gain additional certification. These get granted by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. These show competency in more specific areas of mechanical engineering.
You may, for example, get certified in control systems design, stress analysis, or convection heat transfer. If you’re hoping to advance in your career, it helps to establish yourself as an expert in one or more areas by obtaining one of these certifications.
It can also make your credentials stronger when you’re applying for entry-level jobs. Established engineering companies, such as Hibbard Engineering, will appreciate specialized certifications as they show you are serious about your field.
Specialized Areas
Mechanical engineers may wish to gain focused knowledge throughout their education.
One popular field is biomedical engineering. Here, engineering principals are used in healthcare. You could be involved in developing prosthetic limbs, artificial organs, and instruments used in surgery.
Students specializing in biomedical engineering will need to take extra classes in life science.
Students may also specialize in mechanical design, which is the planning and assurance of products and devices.
Students can specialize in transportation devices as well. In this field, they learn to build transportation systems and improve the efficiency of existing systems. Students in this field learn about vehicle dynamics, propulsion, and control.
Mechanical engineers can also use their skills to make equipment more environmentally friendly.
The Benefits of a Mechanical Engineering Career
Jobs for mechanical engineers are expected to increase by 4% by 2028. Mechanical engineers get to explore many different areas when they’re studying. They also enjoy high salary opportunities.
Mechanical engineers generally enjoy high job satisfaction and excellent job prospects. They contribute to society by working on cranes, robots, elevators, and energy. Mechanical engineers can help make the world a better place and inspire future generations to do the same.
They also enjoy opportunities to earn bonuses and commissions.
Mechanical engineers get to work with a wide range of tools. These include pressure gauges, computer software, and optical laser scanners. If you enjoy testing equipment and learning about machinery, you’ll thoroughly enjoy your career in mechanical engineering.
Pursuing Your Dream
What does a mechanical engineer do? If you love science and mechanics and are eager to improve the world around you, an exciting career in mechanical engineering is for you. With the right education and license, you can get prepared for a very rewarding experience.
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