Mechanical Engineer Career Path And Overview
A mechanical engineer is responsible for designing and developing mechanical systems and components, analyzing data and performing calculations to ensure functionality and performance, and troubleshooting and resolving issues in mechanical systems. They collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, manage projects, and implement quality control measures to ensure that products meet industry standards. Overall, mechanical engineers use their expertise to contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of various mechanical systems and play a vital role in ensuring their efficiency, safety, and reliability.
| Design and develop mechanical systems and components. |
| Analyze data, perform calculations, and conduct simulations for system evaluation. |
| Create technical drawings and specifications for manufacturing and construction. |
| Test and evaluate prototypes to meet design requirements and functional specifications. |
| Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical systems with other disciplines. |
| Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during manufacturing, installation, or operation. |
| Stay updated on advancements in mechanical engineering through research. |
| Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. |
| Manage projects, including budgeting and scheduling. |
| Provide technical guidance and support to team members or clients. |
| Analytical and problem-solving skills |
| Mathematical and computational abilities |
| Understanding of physics and mechanics |
| Technical drawing and CAD skills |
| Creative and innovative skills |
| Communication skills |
Mechanical engineers must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve technical challenges efficiently.
Excellent mathematical and computational abilities for calculations, simulations, and modeling of mechanical systems.
Solid understanding of physics and mechanics to design and analyze the behavior of mechanical components.
Proficiency in technical drawing and CAD software for creating detailed designs and blueprints.
Creativity and innovation to develop new solutions and optimize existing mechanical designs and processes.
Effective communication skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and convey ideas and concepts clearly.
| Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|
| $59,300 | $88,430 | $128,430 |
Mechanical engineers earned a median of $59,300 in May 2020. i.e. half of mechanical engineers earned below $59,300 and half earned above that.
The lowest 10% mechanical engineers earned less than $59,300 and the highest 10% earned more than $128,430.
It's important to note that these figures represent national median values and can vary based on factors such as location, industry, experience, and education level.
| Education Level | Major | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | Mechanical Engineering | Required |
| Master's Degree | Mechanical Engineering | Required for specialized fields |
| Ph.D. Degree | Mechanical Engineering | Required for research and academia |
While a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for a mechanical engineer, individuals with higher-level degrees often have more opportunities for advancement, research, and specialized roles within the field of mechanical engineering.
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
| Stanford University |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
| University of California, Berkeley |
| Georgia Institute of Technology |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor |
| Purdue University |
| Carnegie Mellon University |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
| University of Texas at Austin |
| University of California, San Diego |
| Texas A&M University |
| Pennsylvania State University |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| Virginia Tech |
| Certification or License | Provider |
|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE) | National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) |
| Certified Energy Manager (CEM) | Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) |
| Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) | American Society for Quality (ASQ) |
| Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) | Dassault Systèmes |
| Certified Automation Professional (CAP) | International Society of Automation (ISA) |
| Certified Fluid Power Engineer (CFPE) | International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) |
| Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) | Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) |
| Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) | American Society for Quality (ASQ) |
| Certified Safety Professional (CSP) | Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) |