Mechanical Engineering Careers

Mechanical engineering is a broad field that involves the design, testing, and production of machines. Mechanical engineers research ways of improving human living by practically applying physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most mechanical engineers work in architectural, engineering, and related fields.

Why Choose Mechanical Engineering?

Some reasons to choose a career in mechanical engineering include the following:

• Mechanical engineers earn a mean annual salary of $97,000, above the national mean of $58,260.
• A mechanical engineering graduate can work in several industries.
• You can create and maintain machines for personal use.
• Mechanical engineering skills are relevant in many other engineering fields.
• You’ll be positioned at the forefront of future technologies.

How to Start your Mechanical Engineering Journey

You can start your mechanical engineering journey without a college degree by enrolling for an apprenticeship in a mechanic workshop. However, you make significant progress in your career without at least earning an associate degree.

Most employers reserve high-paying or specialized jobs for people with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Mechanical engineers with postgraduate degrees generally occupy managerial positions.

Education Requirements

Associate Degree

Associate degree programs in mechanical engineering usually take two years to complete. In the course of learning, would learn subjects such as:

• Automation
• Computer-aided design (CAD)
• Electronics and circuits
• Engineering statistics
• Kinematics
• Manufacturing systems

Candidates who have completed mechanical engineering associate degree programs have a shot at entry-level jobs.

Bachelor’s Degree

It takes around four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering programs start with foundational chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Eventually, coursework will branch into more advanced concepts such as:

• Environmental science
• Fluid and solid mechanics
• Mechatronics
• Thermodynamics

Some institutions allow students to choose an area of specialization after their first few years.

Master’s Degree

It takes around two years to earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. However, some schools allow students to pursue their bachelor’s and master’s degrees concurrently.

Master’s degree students can choose to face an area of specialization or get an MSc. Engineering (Mechanical).

Doctorate Degree in Mechanical Engineering

A doctorate in mechanical engineering gives you an opportunity for deeper research in your area of specialization. Mechanical engineering Ph.D. programs take around four to six years to complete candidacy examinations and research dissertations.

Mechanical engineers who want a career in academics often pursue a doctorate degree.

Employment Prospects

The aforementioned Bureau of Labor Statistics report predicts a 2% growth in the mechanical engineering industry within the next decade. Job prospects in mechanical engineering are slower than the national average of 4%.

On average, there’ll be around 17,900 openings for mechanical engineering jobs every year until 2031.

Mechanical Engineering Career Forecast

Mechanical engineering jobs still pay very well, with opportunities to grow. However, mechanical engineers can work in other specialized engineering fields due to declining opportunities.

Students can major in the specialized fields for their bachelor’s degree or pursue a postgraduate degree therein.

Lucrative Mechanical Engineering Career Paths

Automation Engineer

Automation engineers use advanced computer systems and engineering technology to reduce human intervention in manufacturing processes.

Average Salary

The average annual base salary of an automation engineer is $80,398. The top 10% make above $114,000, while the bottom 10% earn below $59,000. Automation engineers can earn additional payments of up to $40,000 per annum.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job description of an automation engineer includes the following:

• Install electrical and mechanical devices that speed up production.
• Diagnose faulty operation of any industrial machinery and repair it.
• Ensure that all equipment are safety-compliant.

Industries Employing Automation Engineers

Automation engineers work in industries such as:

• Vehicle manufacturing
• Food processing

Biomechanical Engineer

Biomechanical engineering combines mechanical engineering technology and biology to produce medical devices and equipment.

Average Salary

The average annual salary for a biomechanical engineer is $97,044. The top 10% earn above $123,000, while the bottom 10% make below $66,500.

Roles and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a biomechanical engineer include the following:

• Produce and maintain medical equipment in health facilities.
• Design and manufacture devices that aid patient rehabilitation.
• Work with biomedical engineers to produce artificial organs and body parts.

Industries Employing Biomechanical Engineers

Biomechanical engineers can find employment in industries such as:

• Healthcare
• Pharmaceuticals

Composite Engineer

Composite engineers use composite materials to design buildings, machines, and structures.

Average Salary

The average annual base salary of a composite engineer is $80,000. The top 25% earn over $92,000, while the bottom 25% make below $71,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a composite engineer include the following:

• Ensure that products made from composite materials meet customer requirements.
• Discover new ways to create composite materials.
• Confirm that all products comply with safety standards and protocols.

Industries Employing Composite Engineers

Industries that employ composite engineers include the following:

• Manufacturing
• Architecture and building

Corrosion Engineer

Corrosion engineers find ways to create corrosion-resistant products.

Average Salary

The average annual base salary of a corrosion engineer is $80,861. The top 10% earn over $115,000, while the bottom 10% make less than $53,000; they can also earn up to $16,000 in additional pay.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job description of a corrosion engineer typically includes the following:

• Suggest corrosion-resistant materials for building projects.
• Repair and upgrade structures affected by corrosion.
• Prevent corrosion by controlling environmental factors or using corrosion inhibitors.

Industries Employing Corrosion Engineers

Corrosion engineers can find employment in industries such:

• Building and construction
• Manufacturing

Hydraulics Engineer

Hydraulics engineers create effective ways of controlling the water and other liquids’ flow..

Average Salary

The average annual base salary of a hydraulics engineer is $72,133. The top 10% make over $100,000, while the bottom 10% earn below $51,000 yearly. Hydraulic engineers can earn additional pay of up to $10,000 annually.

Roles and Responsibilities

Hydraulics engineers carry out functions such as:

• Apply their expertise to water-related projects like drainage, dams, cooling systems, hydraulic power plants, and sewage systems.
• Test, analyze, and report on the performance of hydraulic projects.

Industries Employing Hydraulics Engineers

Industries that employ hydraulics engineers include the following:

• Government agencies
• Energy

Installation Engineer

Installation engineers install and upgrade mechanical equipment.

Average Salary

Installation engineers earn an annual average base salary of $70,724. The top 10% make over $107,000, while the bottom 10% earn below $55,000; they can also earn additional pay of up $12,000 annually.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job description of an installation engineer includes the following:

• Test mechanical equipment and fix any failures.
• Teach clients to troubleshoot and handle basic equipment failures.
• Install equipment upgrades for clients.

Industries Employing Installation Engineers

Installation engineers can work in industries such as:

• Information and Communication Technology
• Electrical and Electronics

Instrumentation Engineer

Instrumentation engineers design systems that oversee and control industrial processes.

Average Salary

Instrumentation engineers earn an average annual salary of $88,856. The top 10% make over $135,000, while the bottom 10% earn less than $61,000; they can also earn additional pay of up to $24,000 annually.

Roles and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of an instrumentation engineer include the following:

• Create instrumentation that increases the efficiency of industrial processes.
• Maintain instrumentation and adjust them to suit specific needs.

Industries Employing Instrumentation Engineers

Instrumentation engineers can find employment in industries such as:

• Oil and gas
• Food processing

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical design engineers use computer technology to test and design machines.

Average Salary

The average annual base salary of a mechanical design engineer is $73,407. The top 10% earn over $98,000, while the bottom 10% make below $57,000; they can also earn additional pay of up to $32,000 annually.

Roles and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a mechanical design engineer include the following:

• Create machine designs, test prototypes, and simulate their performance.
• Ensure that designs comply with industry and government safety standards.
• Provide performance reports to supervisors.

Industries Employing Mechanical Design Engineers

Industries that employ mechanical design engineers include the following:

• Architecture and building
• Vehicle manufacturing

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design, and build mechanical and thermal devices.

Average Salary

Mechanical engineers earned a median annual wage of $95,300 in 2021. The top 10% earned over $136,210, while the bottom 10% made below $60,750.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job description of a mechanical engineer includes the following:

• Use mechanical and thermal sensors to solve problems.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of theoretical designs.
• Inspect machines and report any issues to supervisors.

Industries Employing Mechanical Engineers

Employ mechanical engineers

• Engineering services
• Computer manufacturing

Mechanical Project Manager

Mechanical project managers oversee mechanical engineering projects.

Average Salary

The average annual base salary of a mechanical project manager is $82,488. The top 10% earn over $111,000, while the bottom 10% make less than $57,000; they can also make up to $20,000 in additional pay.

Roles and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a mechanical project manager include the following:

• Delegate responsibilities to a team of lead engineers on large projects.
• Execute all tasks within budget and time constraints.
• Prepare a detailed report on every aspect of a mechanical project, from air conditioning systems to engines.

Industries Employing Mechanical Project Managers

The industries that employ mechanical project managers include the following:

• Manufacturing industries
• Building and architecture

Mechatronics Engineer

Mechatronics engineers design or redesign machines that people can control with computer technology.

Average Salary

Mechatronics engineers earned a median annual wage of $60,360 in 2021. The top 10% made over $98,070, while the bottom 10% earned less than $37,650.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job requirements of a mechatronics engineer include the following:

• Test, operate, and maintain unmanned equipment in industries.
• Analyze machine performance and submit reports to supervisors.

Industries Employing Mechatronics Engineers

Mechatronics engineers can work in industries such as:

• Vehicle manufacturing
• Robotics

Powertrain Engineer

Powertrain engineers design and test powertrain setups that consist of parts like internal combustion engines and electric generators.

Average Salary

The average annual base salary of a powertrain engineer is $86,684. The top earners make over $105,000, while the bottom earners earn below $68,000; they can also earn up to $11,600 in additional pay.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job duties of a powertrain engineer include the following:

• Monitor and improve the performance of powertrain components.
• Build and test prototype powertrain parts.
• Guide clients on powertrain usage.

Industries Employing Powertrain Engineer

Powertrain engineers primarily work within the automotive industry.

Radar Engineer

Radar engineers build and maintain radar systems.

Average Salary

The average annual base salary of a radar engineer is $90,728. The top earners make over $123,000, while the bottom earners earn below $67,000; they can also make up to $17,500 in additional pay.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job description of a radar engineer includes the following:

• Design, test and improve radar system accuracy.
• Choose radar construction material.
• Fix technical bugs on the radar system.

Industries Employing Radar Engineer

Radar engineers can find employment in industries such as:

• Armed forces
• Weather

Research and Development Engineer

Research and development engineers research ways to create new products and upgrade existing ones.

Average Salary

The average annual base salary of a research and development engineer is $77,946. The top 10% earn over $111,000, while the bottom 10% make below $60,000; they can earn up to $32,000 in additional pay.

Roles and Responsibilities

R&D engineers typically carry out the following duties:

• Understand market demands and evaluate product performance.
• Optimize the product manufacturing process.
• Design and develop new product ideas

Industries Employing Research and Development Engineers

Some industries where an R&D engineer can work include:

• Government agencies
• Academic institutions

Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers design, install, and maintain robots.

Average Salary

The average annual base salary of a robotics engineer is $85,396. The top 10% make over $128,000, while the bottom 10% earn below $64,000; they can also earn up to $36,000 in additional pay.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job description of a robotics engineer includes the following:

• Configure, test, and debug robotic and mechanical systems.
• Ensure the safe and precise operation of robots.
• Maintain robot-control software.

Industries Employing Robotics Engineers

Robotics engineers can find employment in industries such as:

• Manufacturing
• Armed forces

How to Boost your Mechanical Engineering Career

Mechanical engineering degrees are worth more with practical work experience. Therefore, aspiring mechanical engineers can boost their careers by doing internships, apprenticeships, volunteering, or taking part-time jobs.

Aside from practical experience, jobs offer networking opportunities that might aid your career. Therefore, you should consciously seek mentorship from professionals in mechanical engineering while you work.

Pros and Cons of Mechanical Engineering Careers

A mechanical engineering career comes with several pros and cons.

Pros

• It is one of the broadest engineering fields; therefore, you can fit into almost every industry.
• The annual pay is higher than the national average.
• You will see how some of your projects make life easier for people.

Cons

• You must keep upgrading your skills, seeking higher education, or renewing your certifications.
• Mechanical engineers typically work long hours.

Skills You’ll Develop While Studying Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers learn some key intellectual and technical skills in their course of study.

Communication Skills

Mechanical engineers typically work on teams with other engineers. You need excellent communication skills to explain your processes to the other experts while receiving input from them.

Also, mechanical engineers in management positions must know how to present written and oral reports to upper management.

Creativity Skills

The grand structures that mechanical engineers design require lots of creativity. Sometimes that creativity is carried out on pencil and paper; however, most engineers nowadays use computer-aided design.

Math Skills

Every design and analysis of a mechanical engineer is rooted in mathematical accuracy. Therefore, mechanical engineers must be adept at applying math in analyzing problems and providing solutions. Calculus and statistics are some of the advanced math subjects that many mechanical engineers work with.

Problem-Solving Skills

Mechanical engineering exists to solve problems, so engineers must learn to apply solid critical thinking to solve problems. Mechanical engineers must be great at simulating their hypothetical solutions and testing how they’ll work in connected systems.

Self-Management Skills

Mechanical engineers must be able to work in large teams with minimal supervision. Therefore, they must know how to make correct decisions independently. Furthermore, most projects are time-bound, so mechanical engineers must be disciplined and deal with stress well.

How to Prepare for a Mechanical Engineering Career

1. Earn a Mechanical Engineering Degree

Most mechanical engineers in high-paying roles need a bachelor’s degree at least. Master’s and doctorate degrees allow you to specialize in a field or venture into research and lecturing.

2. Learn Other Relevant Skills

Mechanical engineers with relevant skills boost their chances of being hired or promoted. Advanced skills like simulation and 3D design are essential. Mechanical engineers who desire management positions need excellent communication, ICT, and business skills.

3. Network With Other Engineers

Mechanical engineers can prepare for their careers by joining professional organizations like AAAS, ASME, or NSPE. They can also join local engineering groups or attend local events and conferences. Networking allows you to meet experienced professional engineers, gain access to academic resources, and build your reputation in the industry.

4. Gain Work Experience

Employers usually favor mechanical engineers with work experience. Fortunately, students don’t have to graduate before gaining relevant work experience. You can participate in internships, cooperative education experiences, or apprenticeships while in school.

Mechanical Engineering Resources to Help Your Career

Some resources to help your mechanical engineering career include:

• Learning Resources: ASME members can use the Virtual Classrooms, Guided Study Courses, and Self Study learning resources.
• Journals: Keep track of changes in the industry with journals like Nature Materials, Advanced Materials, and Science Robotics.
• Job Search Resources: Search for jobs on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed.
• Salary Estimate Resources: Learn about current pay estimates on platforms like Glassdoor and Payscale.

How to Switch to a Mechanical Engineering Career

A degree in mechanical engineering is necessary for a mechanical engineering career. People with computer science and electrical engineering degrees can also pivot into mechanical engineering.

You need relevant work experience through internships, apprenticeships, outreach programs, or cooperative education experience.

A job platform like LinkedIn is excellent for searching for new opportunities. Reading the "job requirements" section of job placements on LinkedIn helps you know the current demands of your field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineering applies engineering principles to design and manufacture machines. Mechanical engineers use their technical expertise to create mechanical devices that make life easier, more effective, and more meaningful. Their work cuts across various sectors, such as agriculture, architecture, manufacturing, and medicine.

What certification do I need for a Mechanical Engineering career?

Some recommended certifications for mechanical engineers include the following:

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE): Passing the FE certification exam makes you an Engineer in Training (EIT).

Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE): The PE certification makes you a licensed professional engineer. Candidates must have at least four years of training under a licensed professional engineer.

Can I get a Mechanical Engineering Degree Online?

ECPI University is the only ABET-accredited institution that offers a 100% online mechanical engineering degree program. Some other schools allow students to take online courses and be physically present for others.

What Fields Can Mechanical Engineering Professionals Work in?

Mechanical engineers can work in several purely engineering fields like electronics, vehicle manufacturing, and robotics. Their scientific research is also relevant in medicine, agriculture, and architecture. Additionally, a mechanical engineer with a Ph.D. can occupy engineering faculty positions in academic institutions.

Is There a High Demand for Mechanical Engineering Majors?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mechanical engineering job outlook will increase by 2% in the next decade. While that number is relatively low, the demand for mechanical engineering graduates who learn new and relevant industry skills will always be high.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a mechanical engineer demands a strong will to learn continually. However, mechanical engineers who stay on the course usually have financially and emotionally gratifying careers.