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Job outlook for mechanical designers in the United States
Mechanical designer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected mechanical designer job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 6,400 new jobs for mechanical designers are projected over the next decade.
Mechanical designer salaries have increased 7% for mechanical designers in the last 5 years.
There are over 46,378 mechanical designers currently employed in the United States.
There are 65,748 active mechanical designer job openings in the US.
The average mechanical designer salary is $62,541.
Are mechanical designer jobs in demand?
Mechanical designer job and salary trends over time
Mechanical designer jobs over time
Mechanical designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 46,378 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 49,219 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 51,666 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 51,393 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 50,347 | 0.02% |
Average mechanical designer salary over time
Mechanical designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,541 | $30.07 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $61,341 | $29.49 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $60,606 | $29.14 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $59,572 | $28.64 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $58,400 | $28.08 | +0.7% |
Mechanical designer jobs by state
Most common states for mechanical designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 232 | 33% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,012 | 15% |
| 3 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,007 | 14% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 599 | 14% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 192 | 14% |
| 6 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 375 | 12% |
| 7 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,421 | 11% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 947 | 11% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 636 | 11% |
| 10 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,079 | 10% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 579 | 10% |
| 12 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 557 | 10% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 549 | 10% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 64 | 10% |
| 15 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 249 | 9% |
| 16 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 93 | 9% |
| 17 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,557 | 8% |
| 18 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 971 | 8% |
| 19 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 246 | 8% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 77 | 8% |
Most common cities for mechanical designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Englewood | 3 | 9% | $60,725 |
| 2 | Midland | 3 | 7% | $68,460 |
| 3 | Appleton | 4 | 5% | $62,748 |
| 4 | Iowa City | 3 | 4% | $61,447 |
| 5 | Waukesha | 3 | 4% | $62,420 |
| 6 | Kenosha | 3 | 3% | $62,382 |
| 7 | Fargo | 3 | 2% | $60,141 |
| 8 | Pasadena | 3 | 2% | $67,727 |
| 9 | Denver | 5 | 1% | $60,745 |
| 10 | Detroit | 4 | 1% | $68,632 |
| 11 | Milwaukee | 4 | 1% | $62,509 |
| 12 | Minneapolis | 4 | 1% | $59,095 |
| 13 | Toledo | 4 | 1% | $61,949 |
| 14 | Tulsa | 4 | 1% | $59,389 |
| 15 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $59,195 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 7 | 0% | $61,001 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $67,759 |
| 18 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $67,028 |
| 19 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $66,873 |
Mechanical Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of mechanical designer experts
Oregon State University
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University of Maryland - College Park
Marshall University
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
University of Hawaii at Manoa
York College of Pennsylvania
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
Murray State University
Arizona State University
New Mexico Tech
Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University
University of Delaware
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of Denver
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Idaho State University
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat general advice would you give to a Mechanical Designer?
Jiayue Shen: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in Mechanical Engineering Technology, contemplate acquiring certifications like the FE or PE license, or additional training in high-demand specialized areas such as semiconductors. Moreover, gaining practical experience through academic clubs, undergraduate research, internships, or co-op programs can increase your appeal to employers, potentially resulting in higher salary offers.
What Mechanical Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jiayue Shen: It's essential to stay curious and eager to learn, as the field is continually evolving. Keeping abreast of the latest technologies and trends through seeking out learning opportunities and maintaining a curiosity about new developments is crucial. Additionally, building a robust professional network and seeking mentorship can offer valuable insights and guidance. Embracing interdisciplinary projects is also key, as the field is expanding beyond purely mechanical aspects. Being dynamic and proactive in interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds will be beneficial, as collaboration across disciplines is increasingly important in this field.
What will help Mechanical Designers increase their earning potential?
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Designer?
Devin Roach PhD: Maximizing your salary potential starts with setting yourself apart from other students by developing specialized, marketable skills. To achieve this, students should aim to acquire targeted experiences, such as learning full stack programming, participating in internships that hone specific skills, or dedicating their time to a focused extracurricular activity.
What Mechanical Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Devin Roach PhD: Apart from a strong knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals, students should focus on developing proficiency in emerging technologies such as machine learning (ML) applied to mechanical systems. Additionally, skills in computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation software will continue to be essential, especially as these tools evolve to incorporate advanced features like generative design and optimization algorithms. Moreover, expertise in sustainable design principles and renewable energy systems will likely become increasingly important as industries prioritize environmental sustainability. Finally, strong communication and collaboration skills will remain crucial, especially as mechanical engineers work in interdisciplinary teams and interact with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
What will help Mechanical Designers increase their earning potential?
Devin Roach PhD: I would advise all graduates starting their careers in Mechanical Engineering to prioritize continuous learning and skill development. Stay updated on the latest advancements in the field such as emerging technologies, updated design standards, or innovative manufacturing processes. Additionally, seek out opportunities for hands-on experience to enhance your practical skills and industry knowledge. Networking with professionals in your field and joining professional organizations like ASME can also provide valuable connections and resources for career growth. Finally, don't underestimate the importance of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, as they are often just as crucial as technical expertise in succeeding in the workplace.
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Designer?
Brendan O'Toole Ph.D.: Maximizing salary potential may depend on what type of job or field the new graduate enters. Studies have shown that certifications and advanced degrees can lead to higher earning potential. Depending on the job and field an advanced degree in engineering, business, or project management may be required in order to advance. New ME graduates working in certain mechanical design and HVAC fields may need to get a Professional Engineering license in order to maximize their earning potential.
What Mechanical Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brendan O'Toole Ph.D.: Mechanical Engineering jobs vary depending on the industry or even subfield within a specific industry. Things that are important to all fields and jobs would be time management and communications skills. Improving these things can be helpful in all aspects of work and life in general. New graduates should learn how to make themselves useful for the specific job they are in. This may require learning more Computer Aided Design and Analysis tools, or project management tools, or specific lab or manufacturing tools or programs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay and will most likely find its way into all work fields (engineering and others). New graduates should look for innovative ways to apply AI to their new jobs, even if it is not being used when they first start.
What will help Mechanical Designers increase their earning potential?
Brendan O'Toole Ph.D.: A Mechanical Engineering (ME) degree prepares students for a wide variety of careers. New ME graduates working for companies with large engineering teams will probably work in one area such as design, analysis, project management, manufacturing, testing, or customer/field support. ME graduates working for smaller companies or startups will be expected to work in more of these areas since the engineering team will be smaller. It is important for new graduates to get some experience so that they can figure out what type of job they like. If they find that they do not like the type of work they are doing in their first job, then they should look for a different type of job. They should also realize that their initial degree exposed them to a wide variety of general math, science, and engineering topics. They learned how to gather information and use resources available to solve problems. But there is much more to learn. Each job will require unique skills and more learning.
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Designer?
Amir Riaz Ph.D.: Many of the skills that you developed during the course of your Bachelors degree are fundamental, such as self learning, teamwork, engineering approach to practical problems. These you will continue to develop further as you progress in your career. Looking to the future, learn coding and engineering softwares, e.g. ANSYS, pay attention to machine learning and additive manufacturing.
What Mechanical Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amir Riaz Ph.D.: Mechanical engineering education gives you a broad foundation from which to make an impact in the most diverse set of practical fields, ranging from quantum computing to biomedical engineering to designing spacecraft, and everything in between. Be inquisitive and creative. Every practical problem that you encounter in your field has an engineering solution linked to what you have learned in class and is waiting to be discovered by you.
What will help Mechanical Designers increase their earning potential?
Amir Riaz Ph.D.: Learn new skills from professional and technical courses. Obtain a Master's degree at some point.
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Designer?
Mohammed Daqaq: This is a difficult question to answer and is very much dependent on how satisfied an individual is about their job. I can comment on what I hear from students with regards to their ME education. Most engineers choose ME because of its breadth and that it allows them more freedom to maneuver the job market once they graduate. They can clearly see that, despite being one of the most traditional engineering disciplines, it is still very trendy with employers. They also like the hands-on nature of the discipline where they get to design, optimize, and build physical components that work and move together to achieve a desired task. As for the dislikes, some students complain about the fact that ME requires an in-depth understanding of many mathematical concepts which many students find to be challenging.
What Mechanical Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mohammed Daqaq: Given its breadth, I feel that ME is the most versatile engineering degree. It covers many different fundamental fields including thermofluidic sciences, dynamical systems, controls, design, mechatronics, robotics, etc. With minor additional training, ME graduates can also easily adapt to work in the aerospace industry, nuclear, and bioengineering domains. Thus, an ME degree is always trendy and companies seek to hire ME graduates regardless of how the market changes.
What will help Mechanical Designers increase their earning potential?
Mohammed Daqaq: It depends on what aspect of the job they are hired to do. Some graduating MEs work in industrial plants where they are expected to deal with and fix engineering related problems, or work on the design and testing of innovative industrial solutions. Many MEs end up in the sales and maintenance departments of companies that manufacture specialized machinery and equipment. Some ME graduates are hired by the research departments of companies and federal labs where they participate in the research and development of new technologies, etc. A recent trend that we have been observing with our graduates is that they are being sought after by major consulting companies especially in business development and finance. Such companies like the versatility of the engineering education, and the logical/structured way of thinking that engineers are trained to follow during their studies.
Dr. Yousef Sardahi
Associate Professor of Mechanical EngineeringMarshall University
Engineering
What Mechanical Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Yousef Sardahi: In the next 3-5 years, several skills are expected to become increasingly important in the mechanical engineering field:
Advanced Computational Skills: Proficiency in simulation and modeling software (like ANSYS, SolidWorks, or MATLAB) will be crucial as these tools become more integral in designing and testing complex systems.
Robotics and Automation: With industries moving towards automation, skills in robotics, automated systems, and knowledge of AI integration will be highly sought after.
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing: Expertise in 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques will be valuable as these technologies revolutionize product development and manufacturing processes.
Renewable Energy Technologies: As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, mechanical engineers with knowledge in solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies will be in high demand.
Data Analysis and IoT: Skills in data analytics and understanding the Internet of Things (IoT) will be important as more mechanical systems are connected and produce large amounts of data.
Materials Science: Knowledge in advanced materials, such as composites or smart materials, will be crucial for developing more efficient and sustainable products and systems.
Systems Engineering and Integration: The ability to understand and integrate various subsystems within a larger system will be key, especially in complex projects.
Project Management and Leadership: As projects become more complex, skills in project management and leadership will be essential for overseeing projects and leading teams effectively.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The ability to work effectively across disciplines, understanding aspects of electrical engineering, computer science, and even business, will be increasingly important.
Communication and Soft Skills: Strong communication skills, both for technical and non-technical audiences, along with teamwork and problem-solving skills, will always be invaluable in the engineering field.
What will help Mechanical Designers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Yousef Sardahi: To maximize salary potential in mechanical engineering, focus on companies with growth opportunities, develop in-demand skills and specializations, and enhance your marketability through continuous learning and effective networking. Negotiating skills and considering geographical influences on salary also play a key role.
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Designer?
Dr. Yousef Sardahi: In the next 3-5 years, several skills are expected to become increasingly important in the mechanical engineering field: Advanced Computational Skills, Robotics and Automation, Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, Renewable Energy Technologies, Data Analysis and IoT, Materials Science, Systems Engineering and Integration, Project Management and Leadership, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Communication and Soft Skills.
Uises Gonzalez-Valle
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Designer?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: We are currently transitioning to an era where computers are becoming a fundamental part of every field and engineering (especially ME and MET) is one of the more beneficiated fields as well as one that is adopting this transition faster. Thus, as a technical skill, anything related to computers is beneficial for professional development. Computer-aided design (CAD), Data Analysis, Machine learning, and a good awareness of cybersecurity are some examples of computer-based skills that are fundamental for an engineer in our current society. In addition to this, interpersonal skills are also important for an engineer; adaptability, communication, cross-disciplinary knowledge, and project management are some skills that will contribute to building a great engineer.
What Mechanical Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: The beginning of professional life is not simple independent of the career path that you follow and ME and MET can have their own complications. However, some good advice would be to develop independence and adaptability which are key traits of an engineer, and always keep yourself updated with the most recent technological developments. If you are independent and adaptable, you have all the skills to learn and further your professional development. In addition, I would say it is essential to start building a network, including peers and mentors. Having a strong network of peers and mentors helps you significantly to progress in your professional line. From day-to-day to daily changing decisions, having a strong network to support would significantly help in building your professional path. Lastly, I would say that having a good Work-life balance is vital too, since our personal life is as important as our professional life. Remember, we should work to live instead of live to work.
What will help Mechanical Designers increase their earning potential?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: The beginning of professional life is not simple independent of the career path that you follow and ME and MET can have their own complications. However, some good advice would be to develop independence and adaptability which are key traits of an engineer, and always keep yourself updated with the most recent technological developments. If you are independent and adaptable, you have all the skills to learn and further your professional development. In addition, I would say it is essential to start building a network, including peers and mentors. Having a strong network of peers and mentors helps you significantly to progress in your professional line. From day-to-day to daily changing decisions, having a strong network to support would significantly help in building your professional path. Lastly, I would say that having a good Work-life balance is vital too, since our personal life is as important as our professional life. Remember, we should work to live instead of live to work.
Song Choi Ph.D.
Assistant DeanUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
What skills stand out on Mechanical Designer resumes?
Song Choi Ph.D.: On a ME student resume, the things that I would look for vary depending on the position description, but it would be under the 'projects that were conducted by the student as 1) extramural undergraduate research projects that may be part of work/study, senior design/capstone projects, other course-related projects, and personal interest projects.
Next may be their overall performance in classes via a GPA and/or descriptions of skills within the projects described above. As leadership, organization, and communications are also very important assets, close scrutiny of positions on/for the projects, and involvement and roles in student chapters of professional societies, clubs, extramural activities, etc.
Overall, GPA is not of primary importance, but it does show how quickly a student can/may pick up new ideas and concepts thoroughly.
What soft skills should all Mechanical Designers possess?
Song Choi Ph.D.: Critical thinking - logical, problem-solving methodology... I'm not quite sure to categorize this as soft/professional skills or hard/technical skills, but probably one of the most necessary assets.
Communication - written, verbal, and overall listening (helps focus on the problem statement and requirements). Most, if not all, projects/tasks are worked in large groups; thus, listening and expressing correctly is important.
Time management - scheduling of tasks and deadlines are important in all levels of engineering, from small fabrication projects/tasks to medium-sized manufacturing projects/tasks to large development/research endeavors. In Hawaii, one of the most important has been the transportation of materials, parts, components, etc., as most items are flown or shipped to us, and the overall project schedule is dependent on the availability of sub-units.
Collaboration - as most if not all engineering projects are dependent on multiple sub-categories. Due to the collaborative nature of engineering, communication is of importance again.
Creativity, innovation, and initiative - it's really about making our future better, more convenient, safer, cleaner, etc. Think outside of the box or live outside of your comfort zone.
Detail-oriented - it is about replicating results. Everything an engineer performs should be documented and clear.
Honesty and integrity as there have been too many fabricated claims and fraud as well as engineering espionage.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Mechanical Designers?
Song Choi Ph.D.: Fundamental competence and understanding of the mathematics (calculus), (physics), and fundamental engineering courses, generally the 2nd year and 3rd year courses. If the position requires more development/research type work, a higher competence, and understanding in the 4th year, more specific topic courses would be required. Project descriptions would be extremely important to assess these details.
For general engineering work, overall competence in all facets of mechanical engineering would be preferred - mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, and materials/manufacturing.
As more and more mechanical engineering projects require the use of computer software and packages, a fundamental understanding of programming and the use of specific software - AutoCad, SolidWorks, MatLab, Simulink, computer languages, etc. would be assets.
If critical thinking is categorized as a technical skill involving logical thinking, it should also be considered...
Documentation of all aspects of engineering.
What skills will help Mechanical Designers earn the most?
Song Choi Ph.D.: This would be critical thinking, communication, initiative, creativity, and leadership.
Stephen Kuchnicki Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Chair, Department of Civil and Mechanical EngineeringYork College of Pennsylvania
Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering
What skills stand out on Mechanical Designer resumes?
Stephen Kuchnicki Ph.D.: The skills that stand out are, oddly enough, not necessarily the skills one associates with a mechanical engineering degree. That's because those skills are assumed - sure, you have mechanical design experience in your toolbox, but who doesn't with an ME degree? What stands out are skills beyond the norm. Some knowledge of electronics is good because mechanical engineers work with electrical engineers all the time. Team skills - especially leadership - always stand out. Practical knowledge of machining - not as a machinist, but to understand that parts need to get made and how to design something that is more readily made by a professional machinist - is always a plus as well. Many of these skills come from having to build projects and get your hands dirty, so to speak. Just making something on paper doesn't do the trick because that troubleshooting is lost - as well as the very important engineering step of validating your design. That is, you designed your device to do A, B, and C. How well does your device do those things?
What soft skills should all Mechanical Designers possess?
Stephen Kuchnicki Ph.D.: Teamwork skills are critical. Engineers do not work alone often, if at all. The ability to communicate in a professional environment is also key. This can be the more traditional communication, like writing a report or giving a presentation, or something more modern like writing an email or even calling a supplier or a customer on the phone. Engineers have to do all of these things at some point or another, and a student with the confident ability to do so is well positioned for today's job market.
Another skill our employers say is crucial is adaptability. Modern engineers work with new technology and new products all the time. Engineers have to be willing to adapt their thinking to incorporate new ideas if they get the job done better. You simply can't afford to be caught in "how you've always done things."
Tied to this is the ability to keep learning. One of the things a good engineering program does is get its students to understand the need to learn independently and set them up to do so. It is very, very unlikely that what an engineer faces in the field will be like what they've seen before. There may be some new techniques that will help them accomplish their goal. Or they may work in a new industry - one of the jobs then becomes to learn more about the standards and techniques of that industry. If they have learned how to gain new knowledge independently, this isn't a problem for them.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Mechanical Designers?
Stephen Kuchnicki Ph.D.: Problem-solving with a foundation of sound engineering principles. Engineers are always trying to solve some problem or another. A lot of our classes are really about how you approach an unfamiliar problem logically and solve it. Sure, we have analysis and math involved in these problems in a class setting, but in the end, we are trying to get students to think logically from what they know to what they don't. That skill is transportable anywhere - I am thinking of students we've had working as co-op employees in a large vehicle manufacturing facility. There was a part that was getting dented somewhere in the process. These students had to figure out how they were getting dented and how to prevent it in the future. That's not something you see in a class - but the logical approach we keep stressing to them helps immensely.
What skills will help Mechanical Designers earn the most?
Stephen Kuchnicki Ph.D.: I'd have to say that students set themselves apart by having some of those soft skills. They show adaptability and make themselves valuable in multiple roles. They don't stop learning and so are better prepared to adapt. They communicate well and work well as a part of the team, whether in a lead role or a team member role. They do the things that make the team around them better. And they blend that with a sharp analytical mind and the ability to apply logical thinking grounded in basic engineering principles.
Mike DeVore Ph.D.
Professor & Program ChairCincinnati State Technical & Community College
Mechanical Engineering Technology
What skills stand out on Mechanical Designer resumes?
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: The skills that stand out for the resumes of students who graduate from our MET program include CAD skills (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, and NX), experience in additive manufacturing, hands-on skills in manual machining and CNC, knowledge of engineering materials, and well-rounded education that includes two semesters of co-op experience.
What soft skills should all Mechanical Designers possess?
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: Our employers frequently mention the importance of good communication skills, both written and oral. The ability to work in a team is also an important skill.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Mechanical Designers?
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: -Computer-Aided Design
-Knowledge of manufacturing processes
-A good mathematics foundation
-Technical communication
-Problem solving
What skills will help Mechanical Designers earn the most?
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: The most successful engineers have good technical skills, can follow instructions, pay attention to detail, are good problem solvers, and have good communication skills.
Bryant Harrison
InstructorMurray State University
Design Engineering Technology
What skills stand out on Mechanical Designer resumes?
Bryant Harrison: Design Engineers should be able to think creatively and be prepared to use software to solve problems. Students who have acquired certifications in design software have shown some level of aptitude toward using that software to create and design engineering solutions.
What soft skills should all Mechanical Designers possess?
Bryant Harrison: Engineers are constantly working with a variety of people on a project. These people could be other engineers in the same department or other departments, managers, stakeholders, and customers. The ability to communicate both on a technical and non-technical level with these people is likely the most important soft skill for a design engineer.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Mechanical Designers?
Bryant Harrison: Designing, prototyping, testing, and iterating are likely the most important skills for a design engineer. This is what we strive to teach at Murray State in our Design Engineering Technology program. Many sub-skills would fall into these categories, such as CAD, design for manufacturing, 3D printing, and destructive/non-destructive testing.
What skills will help Mechanical Designers earn the most?
Bryant Harrison: We constantly tell students that they must have the full package of hard and soft skills to succeed. Those students who master their soft skills and are constantly expanding hard skills will be the most capable of getting the pay they seek.
Philip Horton
Interim School Director, Clinical Assistant ProfessorArizona State University
The Design School, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mechanical Designers?
Philip Horton: I think there will be a few enduring impacts.
One impact is that there has been a bit of a slow down in the market for a number of firms, due to the economic impacts of the pandemic. But an imminent stimulus package will hopefully provide a fairly quick course correction there.
More enduring is that much of the professional world has learned to work remotely -- at-scale -- over the last year. So how we work and collaborate on projects will continue to transform beyond the pandemic.
Also, public spaces, offices, restaurants, and retail have all been impacted by the pandemic. Many have made tactical changes to the designs of their physical environments and to their services. These responses, and uncertainty about future public health concerns, will change the way we design spaces and services going forward.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Mechanical Designers?
Philip Horton: Interdisciplinarity is key. Here at ASU, we are focusing on "architecture plus..." An emerging professional who wants to better understand financing and development should consider getting their professionally accredited architecture degree, plus a degree or certificate in real estate development. The same could be said for architecture plus construction management, public health, sustainability, urban planning, and more. We believe this will not only help position an emerging professional for a job, but position them to advance and transform the future of professional practice.
How have salaries changed over time for Mechanical Designers?
Philip Horton: Like a lot of fields, salaries in architecture had been stagnant for years following the 2008 Great Recession. But like a lot of fields, salaries were rising remarkably in the years running up to the pandemic. And in spite of some of the economic uncertainty of the past year, it appears that salaries will continue to steadily rise as we move forward from this pandemic.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mechanical Designers?
Dr. Seokbin Lim Ph.D.: Graduates will need to be able to function on teams that are not all centrally located.The pandemic has forced corporate and federal agencies into a social experiment, forcing them to determine how well this collaboration can work when most of the staff, instead of just a few, are located in multiple places.The result seems to reflect that many organizations will be employing far more remote workers. Being able to work on an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers spread throughout multiple companies or corporate offices, or on a team with designers in one city and production staff in another, has alway been an important skill that our graduates seem to master as they progress through their education at New Mexico Tech.
What type of skills will young Mechanical Designers need?
Dr. Seokbin Lim Ph.D.: Young graduates will need to be flexible in problem solving, work comfortably in team settings, and possess strong communication skills.
Important skills that the New Mexico Tech Mechanical Engineering department has emphasized to our students are communication skills and hands-on research by using our capstone design series (or Design Clinic). Note that we are the only Mech eng. program with a four-semester-long capstone design series that integrates the technical communication and hands-on in the formal curriculum.
Communication is quite a broad term and hasn't been paid much attention in general engineering disciplines. This is not the case at New Mexico tech's Mechanical Engineering department, where we are not only emphasizing the engineering disciplines but also we put quite a heavy emphasis on communication. It is the essential element for the success in their career as they will spend many hours writing reports, in discussion, and working in teams. Especially during the pandemic, the online interaction with other colleagues or completion of an online task require strong communication skills now more than ever.
What experience really stands out on Mechanical Designer resumes?
Dr. Seokbin Lim Ph.D.: The education curriculum in the New Mexico Tech Mechanical Engineering department is routinely evaluated by both the faculty and an advisory board that consists of external members from nearby national laboratories, alumni, and regional universities. Our department takes this process seriously because this process provides real-world feedback and improves our program by applying their feedback into our curriculum.
Time and time again, comments from those reviewers directly relate to hands-on training and communication skills, and we have applied this feedback in our program for many years. This element in our program has brought significantly positive responses from various sectors outside the university where our students eventually will spend their time in their careers.
From this example, we believe the hand-on and communication skills would stand out among other pools of students, and the addition of these components in their resume would be beneficial.
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Designer?
Abby Guido: We've all heard the buzz about networking, and there is so much buzz because it works. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and active. Connect with all of your past professors, classmates, and anyone and everyone you meet in a professional setting. I often tell students to get into the habit of searching for any classroom guests, or guest lecturers, to connect, thank them for their time, and build their network. Share content. Write articles, or reshare those you find interesting.
Every job I have ever received in my career has been through someone else I know. I share this with students to help them see the value in relationships. I always remember the students that took the time to write a handwritten thank-you note. And I think of them when I get an email asking if I know any students are looking for work.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mechanical Designer job market given the pandemic?
Ajay Prasad: Medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and most consumer goods are still strong. The pandemic is also unlikely to slow the demand in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality. While more manufacturing jobs are believed to return to the U.S., this likely will drive innovation for the automation of manufacturing processes. Going forward, demand is likely to be strong in infrastructure, renewable energy, automotive, and aerospace industries.
What skills stand out on Mechanical Designer resumes?
Ajay Prasad: For mechanical engineers, I would highlight problem-solving, creativity, analytical and computational skills, leadership and teamwork, communication skills, and project management. Most recruiters look for evidence that these skills were demonstrated in practice through in-class and extra-curricular accomplishments as opposed to a mere listing of bullets on the resume.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Mechanical Designers to find work opportunities?
Ajay Prasad: Hiring here in the mid-Atlantic seems to be as strong as anywhere else. This region is a hub for manufacturing of all kinds as well as pharma.
The UD Career Outcomes page highlights where grads tend to gravitate towards: Udel
Zippia also has a database that shows the best states for Engineers: Zippia
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mechanical Designers?
Dr. Mingshao Zhang: Most of the graduates are able to secure the job they wanted. However, for this year, the number of positions are very limited. Most companies canceled their positions due to the uncertainties in their own future. There are definitely many long-lasting impacts. In many aspects, the pandemic changes the working environment, forever. For Engineering students, especially in Mechatronics and Robotics, the students need to recognize that the opportunities outweigh the challenges.
What type of skills will young Mechanical Designers need?
Dr. Mingshao Zhang: Interdisciplinary knowledge base. Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering is a rapidly changing industry, with or without the pandemic. The students need to have a good background in many disciplines, as well as the ability to acquire and apply new knowledge.
What experience really stands out on Mechanical Designer resumes?
Dr. Mingshao Zhang: Internship and Co-op (Cooperative Education) experiences that related to the industry.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mechanical Designers?
Monika Bleszynski: The coronavirus pandemic will unquestionably affect graduates long-term and have a lasting impact on their career trajectories and future earnings. The reasons for this are of course varied. Many internships have been canceled or put on hold, making it difficult for graduates to obtain vital career experience that they need to be competitive right as they enter the workforce. Many projects and higher education research programs have also been delayed, which has temporarily reduced the number of available opportunities on the market. It's likely that the career starting point that many graduates anticipated for themselves may be either deferred or changed, and it may take a number of years for recent graduates to regain lost ground.
What experience really stands out on Mechanical Designer resumes?
Monika Bleszynski: Employers today want to see real-world experience that shows them how effective you are outside the structured environment of the classroom. Internships are great assets to have in your resume, but equally beneficial is freelance work that showcases your particular talent in your field. With internship opportunities on hold due to the pandemic, having freelance work on a resume can really help young graduates stand out and it's a tangible way to showcase skills for employers.
What type of skills will young Mechanical Designers need?
Monika Bleszynski: Workplace environments are changing. It's likely that some young graduates may never physically set foot in the office or workplace for which they are hired. While computer literacy and coding ability are expected for those in computer science and engineering, in the future, excellent communication skills and writing proficiency will become even more important due to the rise in remote work. Efficiently communicating with teams and individuals that may be scattered all over the globe is going to be a necessary skill.
Charles Jenckes
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte
Mechanical Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mechanical Designer job market given the pandemic?
Charles Jenckes: In my opinion, because of the recent triumph of American Science with the development and approval of the messenger RNA vaccine, I believe the Pandemic will be largely abated by August/September of 2021. As a result seniors graduating in May/June will be dealing with an improving job market, especially for engineers. The trends I see are that remote work at least part of the time is here to stay. The lessons learned in the pandemic will not be lost on business. We will see a migration from dedicated offices to shared work environments. In addition as remote working becomes a standard we will continue to see a migration out of large cities. Software skills such as Python and Java will continue to be in demand as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning become a bigger part of regular business.
What skills stand out on Mechanical Designer resumes?
Charles Jenckes: For new graduates
1.Where the candidate went to school and what was studied
2.GPA
3.Any successful internships
4.Projects completed by the student
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Mechanical Designers to find work opportunities?
Charles Jenckes: Here is an answer:
Monster
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Designer?
Daisy Huang: Be flexible. There are many career paths, and many could be good for you. Don't get stuck in a comfort zone where you aren't growing.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Mechanical Designers in the next 3-5 years?
Daisy Huang: Rapid prototyping. This is not cost-competitive for large production runs of mass-market goods, but it's a really great tool for custom goods and high-end products.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Mechanical Designers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Daisy Huang: Above average, but you won't be a millionaire easily (you can with some effort, saving, and investing well). It is very unlikely you'll ever be *super* wealthy, but it's also very unlikely you'll ever not find employment in your field. You'll have a solid ticket to a modestly comfortable life, with some luxuries, too.
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Designer?
Marco Schoen Ph.D.: Stay current. Engineering evolves continuously; new tools, new technologies, and new areas where engineers can contribute, learn, and work. When graduating, students have the feeling they are set for their careers. However, this is not true; they might be set to start their careers. To be consistently successful in their pages, they need to stay informed and updated.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Mechanical Designers in the next 3-5 years?
Marco Schoen Ph.D.: My answer to this question requires me to make an addendum to my response to the first question: "Stay current - but don't overreact:" Every few years, new technology or a new field arises that draws much interest and attracts much attention. For example, MEMS, nanotechnology, and perhaps currently, deep learning are a few to name that qualify as such. As an engineer, we have many interests, little time, and need to stay current. To choose what new field/technology to pursue and what would be beneficial to their career, having a clear career plan and long-term career goal will help prioritize choices. However, as general advice, it is safe for new practicing engineers to stay current with the knowledge that covers the fundamentals and which are omnipotent applicable. To be specific, as automation and autonomous systems become more prevalent, having updated programming skills and expertise in fundamental mathematics will always be helpful.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Mechanical Designers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Marco Schoen Ph.D.: Starting salaries for new engineers have been competitive for many years. Engineers progress on two different pathways: technical and managerial, leading to different pay scales and careers.