Nature of the Work

Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs.

Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Engineers in this discipline work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. They also work on 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 also design tools that other engineers need for their work. In addition, mechanical engineers work in manufacturing or agriculture production, maintenance, or technical sales, and many become administrators or managers.

Watch this video from PBS Kids' DesignSquad to meet a mechanical engineer who designs the ice cream machinery for Ben and Jerry's ice cream shops.

Work Environment

Mechanical engineers spend part of their time in clean, well-lighted office buildings. At other times they work at construction sites or in noisy factories. Working conditions vary widely since mechanical engineers are employed in so many different kinds of jobs. Their basic workweek is usually forty hours. Overtime is necessary in some jobs, especially when project deadlines must be met.

Education and Training

You generally need at least a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering to enter this field. It takes four or five years to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering. Some programs include periods of work experience along with formal classes. Many engineers go on to obtain advanced degrees in a specialized field of engineering or business administration. Engineers often continue their education throughout their careers to remain aware of new developments in their field. Most employers encourage engineers to take formal courses that help engineers to improve their job performance. Some even pay the cost of tuition for these courses. In addition, mechanical engineers read and study professional and trade journals.

Engineers whose work affects life, health, or property or who offer their services to the public must be licensed by the state in which they work. They generally need a degree from an approved engineering college, about four years of work experience as an engineer, and a passing grade on a state examination before being licensed as a professional engineer.

Other Qualifications

Engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail oriented. They should be able to work as part of a team and to communicate well, both orally and in writing. Communication abilities are becoming increasingly important as engineers frequently interact with specialists in a wide range of fields outside engineering.

On the Job

• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Confer with engineers and other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, and provide technical information.
• Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
• Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications.
• Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, and maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements, applying knowledge of engineering principles.
• Investigate equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation, and to make recommendations to maintenance crew.
• Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products using drafting tools or computer-assisted design (CAD) or drafting equipment and software.
• Provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems and needs.
• Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair to ensure that machines and equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications.
• Conduct research that tests and analyzes the feasibility, design, operation and performance of equipment, components and systems.
• Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
• Develop and test models of alternate designs and processing methods to assess feasibility, operating condition effects, possible new applications and necessity of modification.
• Develop, coordinate, and monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, and operation of product designs.
• Estimate costs and submit bids for engineering, construction, or extraction projects, and prepare contract documents.
• Perform personnel functions such as supervision of production workers, technicians, technologists and other engineers, or design of evaluation programs.
• Solicit new business and provide technical customer service.
• Establish and coordinate the maintenance and safety procedures, service schedule, and supply of materials required to maintain machines and equipment in the prescribed condition.
• Study industrial processes to determine where and how application of equipment can be made.
• Write performance requirements for product development or engineering projects.
• Apply engineering principles and practices to emerging fields such as robotics, waste management, and biomedical engineering.
• Design test control apparatus and equipment and develop procedures for testing products.

Source: BLS

Companies That Hire Mechanical Engineers

• Northrop Grumman
• Medtronic
• Motorola

Ask Questions

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Additional Information

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers: www.asme.org

Sources

• O*Net Online. (2009). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://online.onetcenter.org/
• Career Corner Digital. (2008, March 17). Mechanical Engineer: A Day in the Life. Retrieved August 5, 2009, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcG47OQBR58
• WGBH Educational Foundation. (2008). Pete Gosselin. Retrieved August 5, 2009, from http://pbskids.org/designsquad/profiles/pete_gosselin.html
• Net Industries. (2009). Mechanical Engineer Job Description, Career as a Mechanical Engineer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job. Retrieved September 24, 2009, from http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/407/Mechanical-Engineer.html

Additional Support

We'd like to acknowledge the additional support of:

• Medtronic
• Northrop Grumman
• Seagate

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