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The Mechanical Engineering Career

Mechanical engineers research, develop, design and test numerous


machines and mechanical products. They deal with things from appliances
and sensors, to cars and aviation. This essay will discuss all aspects of the
career, from everyday work, education, pay, benefits, occupational growth,
and what is required to be a mechanical engineer.

Mechanical engineers typically work in offices. Occasionally a job may


require them to work in a workshop or at a worksite. Mechanical engineers
work full time and usually work 40 hour work weeks although deadlines and
other conditions may require overtime work. Engineers often work in groups
with other engineers and professionals. They work together to try and solve
a problem. Mechanical engineers have to design, manufacture, and test
prototypes. They design their products using computer design. They may
have to redesign multiple times to reach maximum efficiency. Engineers
work with existing products to diagnose problems, repair, and redesign
devices. They oversee the production of new products to ensure everything
is produced correctly. They develop machines and sensors and find various
applications for them.

Because of the different jobs of a mechanical engineer, they need


various skills to help them perform all the necessary tasks. Mechanical
engineers need to be good problem solvers. This is one of the main things
they will do on the job. They will need to be able to come up with reasonable

solutions to problems and ways to increase efficiency. They also need to be


very creative. Engineers design lots of new products. They need to find
creative ways to improve looks of a product, the function of a product, and
ease of use. Math skills are vital to mechanical engineering Mechanical
engineers use many different mathematical equations to create and build
products. They must measure and calculate with extreme accuracy. Listening
and teamwork skills are also necessary. Mechanical engineers often work in a
group. They need to listen, contribute, and lead groups to develop successful
products.3
Besides skills mechanical engineers need extensive education and
training. Most mechanical engineering jobs require a minimum of a
bachelors degree. This degree must be earned from an accredited college in
engineering or technology. They must complete a combination of math,
science, engineering, and design courses. They must show proficiency in all
these areas during school to get the degree they need. After college, an
engineering license may be required. Low entry-level positions often dont
require a license. These jobs allow you to gain experience necessary for
higher positions and licenses. Engineers can take an initial Fundamentals of
Engineering Exam (FE). After more work experience and a Principals of
Engineering exam, they can get their license.

Mechanical engineers have opportunities to advance and climb the


career ladder. To advance experience and sometimes advanced education is
required. Licensed engineers have the opportunity to become professional

engineers. Professional engineers can oversee other engineers, and approve


project ideas. They need about 4 years of relevant work experience as an
engineer. They also can advance to managing or administrative positions.
This requires additional education, up to a Ph. D. This expands their
education and improves management and communication skills.

A staring engineer can expect a starting pay on average of $58,600.


The average median pay in 2015 for a mechanical engineer was $83,590. As
an engineer gains experience and moves up in a company they can be
payed as high as $120,000 for high-level work. Engineers also get many
benefits. Most get medical and dental insurances. Also many get partial or
full vision insurance. They get sick, vacation, and holiday leave. Often a
retirement plan is available with benefits. Education and disability benefits
may also be available depending on the employer and the specific job. Some
employers may even offer profit sharing as part of their benefits.7
The engineering field as a whole is growing. Mechanical engineering is
growing faster on average than other engineering fields. There were 277,500
mechanical engineers in 2014. The growth rate for this career is about 5% all
the way through 2024. This means there will be 14,600 additional jobs
available in this field through 2024.

There are many major companies that employ mechanical engineers


and engineers of all kinds. These companies are taking on lots of engineers
from all areas to help them accomplish their work. These companies are

leaders in developing new technologies and ways to improve our lives. Many
of these companies will continue to adapt to the future and stay relevant and
employing mechanical engineers. Some of the top companies are Boeing,
Lockheed Martin, GE, and Ford. Boeing is a leader in aviation and aerospace.
They employ mechanical engineers to help improve designs, develop new
materials, and create new methods of aerospace technologies.1 Lockheed
Martin is a leader in military, defense, and clean energy technologies.6 GE is
a major engineering company that develops new technology for things from
everyday appliances and transportation methods, to aviation and clean
energy.4 Ford is a leader in transportation. They focus on efficient
transportation and building better engines.8
There are many things students can do now, in high school, to begin to
prepare to be mechanical engineers. Students need to focus on gaining a
sound knowledge of math and science. They need to learn to work with their
hands and develop sketch designing skills. Many skills mentioned earlier can
be developed in high school. Students can learn to work in groups and
motivate themselves to solve hard problems. Also as more and more is being
done on computers, students with exceptional computer skills can have an
advantage over others. This includes training with software tools, design, and
simulation. Students can familiarize themselves with the design process that
they will continue to use. They need to practice identifying problems, coming
up with possible solutions, developing preliminary designs, designing all
necessary components, building prototypes, and redesigning.5

Mechanical Engineering is a very good career to do into. The


engineering field is growing and will continue to need mechanical engineers.
They will be needed to continue to create new technologies to revolutionize
our daily life. It is a very good career as far as salary and benefits but
requires lots of education and experience. There are lots of opportunities to
advance in the field of mechanical engineering. People at any stage can
begin developing the skills they need to become a mechanical engineer.

Resources
"Boeing." : Mechanical & Structural Engineering Careers. N.p., n.d. Web. 26
Aug. 2016. <http://www.boeing.com/careers/career-areas/mechanical-andstructural-engineering.page>.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Mechanical Engineers,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-andengineering/mechanical-engineers.htm (visited August 22, 2016).

"Detail Occupational Guide." Detail Occupational Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Aug.
2016.

<http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/OccGuides/Detail.aspx?

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Hall, Allen Strickland., Alfred R. Holowenko, and Herman G. Laughlin. Schaum's


Outline of Theory and Problems of Machine Design. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1961.
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"Lockheed Martin - Joining Lockheed Martin." Lockheed Martin - Joining Lockheed


Martin. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2016. <http://www.lockheedmartinjobs.com/joininglockheed-martin.aspx>.

"What Is the Annual Salary of a Mechanical Engineer With a Bachelor's


Degree?" Work. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Aug. 2016. <http://work.chron.com/annualsalary-mechanical-engineer-bachelors-degree-9574.html>.

"Work

with

Us." Ford

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<http://corporate.ford.com/careers.html>.

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