Mechanical Engineering Profession

Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering emerged as a field during the Industrial Revolution in Europe in the 18th century;
however, its development can be traced back several thousands of years around the world. Mechanical
engineering is one of the oldest and perhaps the most diverse of the engineering disciplines.

It is the branch of engineering that involves the design, production, and operation of machinery by
applying physics, engineering, mathematics, and materials science principles.

Mechanical engineering is seen in areas such as composites, mechatronics, and nanotechnology, and
often overlaps with manufacturing engineering, metallurgical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace
engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, and other engineering
disciplines to varying amounts.

Mechanical engineers play an important role in the automotive, aerospace, biotechnology, computer and
electronics, automation, and manufacturing industries. They design, develop, build, and test all sorts of
mechanical devices, tools, engines and machines.

Mechanical engineers are able to design and manufacture everything from small parts like miniature
connectors to large machine tools like drill presses. They take a product from start to finish, and design
for aesthetics, functionality, and durability. Examples of products that mechanical engineers can design
and develop are: transmissions; engine parts; aircraft engines; control systems; prosthetic devices; disk
drives; printers; semiconductor tools; sensors; gas turbines; wind turbines; fuel cells; compressors; robots;
and machine tools.

Mechanical Engineering Degree

The path towards a mechanical engineering career begins with a postsecondary education. Engineering
programs introduce students to the theoretical and practical knowledge required to succeed in the field.

Mechanical engineering degrees offer a rigorous curriculum rooted in STEM courses and project-based,
collaborative learning.

Successful students tend to have a natural inclination towards math and science, boasting solid critical
thinking and analytical skills.

During undergraduate coursework, internships, cooperative education and on–the-job training, students
expand their skills and gain an introduction to the field. Practical experience are particularly important in
engineering programs.

Full-time learners seeking a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering can graduate in four years.

Mechanical engineering students often choose to tackle a concentration, such as design and
manufacturing, robotics and mechatronics, or energy and the environment.
Mechanical engineering students are prepared to enter a growing field that offers many lucrative career
opportunities. Graduates work in diverse areas, including manufacturing, power & industrial plants,
research and development.

Graduates may also require licensure to work in certain industries. Mechanical engineers work well in
collaborative environments across many industries and locations.

While a bachelor's degree provides above-average salaries, additional academic and

professional/specialized training can greatly increase earning potential, expanding job options to more
specialized roles and management positions.

Mechanical engineers have distinct personalities. They tend to be investigative individuals, which means
they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and
logical. Some of them are also realistic, meaning they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine,
practical, and thrifty.

Typical Tasks of Mechanical Engineers

In order to design and manufacture mechanical systems, mechanical engineers need to have a deep
understanding of mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, electricity, and structural analysis. They also
need to be able to use computers, CAD (computer-aided design), and CAM (computer-aided
manufacturing) to produce and analyze their designs, as well as to monitor the quality of products.

Mechanical engineers typically do the following:

o Analyze problems to see how a mechanical device might help solve the problem
o Design or redesign mechanical devices, creating blueprints so the device can be built
o Develop a prototype of the device and test the prototype
o Analyze the test results and change the design as needed
o Oversee the manufacturing process

Mechanical engineers deals with many types of tools, engines, and machines, such as:
o Electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines
o Power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment
o Industrial production equipment, including robots used in manufacturing
o Other machines inside buildings, such as elevators and escalators
o Machine tools and tools for other engineers
o Material-handling systems, such as conveyor systems and automated transfer stations

Roles of Mechanical Engineers based on Specialization

Automotive Research Engineers

Automotive research engineers try to improve the performance of cars by working to improve traditional
features of cars such as suspension, and work on aerodynamics and new fuels. Automotive research
engineers focus on the development of passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles or off-road vehicles.
They design new products, modify existing ones, troubleshoot, and solve engineering problems.

Heating and Cooling Systems Engineers

Heat engineering, also known as heat transfer or thermal sciences, is an academic specialty of mechanical
engineering. Heating and cooling systems engineers develop environmental systems (systems that keep
temperatures and humidity within certain limits) for airplanes, trains, cars, computer rooms, and schools.
They design test control apparatus as well as equipment, and develop procedures for testing products.
They also calculate energy losses for buildings, use equipment such as computers, combustion analyzers,
or pressure gauges.

Robotics Engineers

A robotics engineer is a behind-the-scenes designer, who is responsible for creating robots and robotic
systems that are able to perform duties that humans are either unable or prefer not to do.

Robotics engineers will spend the majority of their time designing the plans needed to build robots, and
will also design the processes necessary for the robot to run correctly. Through their creations, a robotics
engineer helps to make jobs safer, easier, and more efficient, particularly in the manufacturing industry.

Materials Engineers

Materials engineers attempt to solve problems in several different engineering fields, such as mechanical,
chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace. They do this by developing, processing, and testing
materials in order to create new materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical
requirements.

Materials engineers study the chemical properties, structures, and mechanical uses of plastics, metals,
nanomaterials (extremely small substances), ceramics, and composites according to the place of usage.

Biomedical engineer

Biomedical engineers create medical devices and equipment, such as artificial organs and diagnosis tools.
Their responsibilities include researching healthcare issues and possible solutions and examining products
to ensure they run safely. Engineers may also help medical professionals understand how these devices
work and publish articles on their advancements.

Typical Workplace of a Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers are the second largest engineering occupation. They work mostly in engineering
services, research and development, manufacturing industries, and the government. The rest are
employed in general-purpose machinery manufacturing, automotive parts manufacturing, management
of companies, and testing laboratories.

Mechanical engineers generally work in professional office settings. They may occasionally visit work sites
where a problem or piece of equipment needs their personal attention. Most mechanical engineers work
full time, with some working as many as 60 hours or more per week.
Sectors needing Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers possess a broad set of intellectual and technical skills and work especially well in
collaborative environments across many industries and locations.

Architectural, Engineering & Related Services

This industry includes firms that provide services like the design and construction of residential and
commercial buildings, bridges, and other types of infrastructure. Related services include landscaping and
environmental engineering assistance.

Machinery Manufacturing

Manufacturing companies in this sector build the machines used to perform specific tasks or create
products. For example, an engineer working in this area may design a machine that shapes metal furniture
frames.

Scientific Research & Development Services

Many mechanical engineers discover new technologies or innovative uses for existing technologies. They
may also develop new manufacturing processes. Most of these professionals work in the academe or
corporate research.

Aerospace Products & Parts Manufacturing

Aerospace and defense firms manufacture airplanes, helicopters, rockets, satellites, and missiles.
Although not directly employed by the government, aerospace contractors often work closely with
government agencies.

Manufacturing Industries

Mechanical engineers typically hold a supervisory, managerial or staff position in manufacturing

industries. They can be involved in the actual manufacturing operation or production (can also involve in
planning, quality control, purchasing, warehousing), research and development (designing a product,
prototyping, tooling and production process selection), maintenance, and sales and marketing.

Energy Generation

Mechanical engineers typically work in operation, maintenance and other related departments that act
as a supervisor, manager or a technical specialist.

Engineering Services

Services industries provides niche products and services for the various industries. These services may
involve providing advice, preparing feasibility studies, preparing plans and designs, development of
device/equipment, providing technical services during construction or development, inspecting and
evaluating engineering projects and providing other related services.
Government

The government hires mechanical engineers for projects like, building or maintaining stamping machines
for government mints, responding to emergencies, and assisting with military and civilian infrastructure
projects.

Example Job Titles of Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical Engineer

These engineers use computer-aided software to design thermal and mechanical products that tend to
specific issues. These products include elevators, air conditioning systems, and medical equipment.
Professionals test these products for efficiency and make adjustments when necessary. Pursuing a
professional engineering license may help these professionals advance into leadership positions.

Mechanical Designer

These designers plan mechanical devices and collaborate with other professionals throughout the
sketching, building, and testing processes. Potential end products include robotic, automotive, and
refrigeration equipment. Daily tasks involve building blueprints and detecting areas where projects need
alteration during and after testing. These professionals should excel at drawing and using computer-aided
design software.

Mechanical Engineer’ Skills

Here are some skills you will need as a mechanical engineer:

o Creativity
o Design skills
o Problem-solving skills
o Communication skills
o Math skills
o Mechanical knowledge
o Self-management skills
o Integrative negotiation
o Strategic planning
o Project management

References:

https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/mechanical-engineer/

https://www.bestcolleges.com/careers/science-and-engineering/mechanical-engineering/

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/highest-paying-mechanical-engineer-jobs