Become A Mechanical Engineer
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Mechanical Engineer
- Interacting With Computers
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
Deal with People
Make Decisions
$71,885
Average Salary
What Does A Mechanical Engineer Do
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.
DutiesMechanical engineers typically do the following:
- Analyze problems to see how mechanical and thermal devices might help solve a particular problem
- Design or redesign mechanical and thermal devices or subsystems, using analysis and computer-aided design
- Develop and test prototypes of devices they design
- Analyze the test results and change the design or system as needed
- Oversee the manufacturing process for the device
Mechanical engineers design and oversee the manufacture of many products ranging from medical devices to new batteries.
Mechanical engineers design power-producing machines, such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Mechanical engineers design other machines inside buildings, such as elevators and escalators. They also design material-handling systems, such as conveyor systems and automated transfer stations.
Like other engineers, mechanical engineers use computers extensively. Mechanical engineers are routinely responsible for the integration of sensors, controllers, and machinery. Computer technology helps mechanical engineers create and analyze designs, run simulations and test how a machine is likely to work, interact with connected systems, and generate specifications for parts.
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How To Become A Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineers who sell services publicly must be licensed in all states and the District of Columbia.
EducationMechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineering programs usually include courses in mathematics and life and physical sciences, as well as engineering and design courses. Mechanical engineering technology programs focus less on theory and more on the practical application of engineering principles. They may emphasize internships and co-ops to prepare students for work in industry.
Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study with practical work, enabling students to gain valuable experience and earn money to finance part of their education.
ABET accredits programs in engineering and engineering technology. Most employers prefer to hire students from an accredited program. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.
Important QualitiesCreativity. Mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery. A creative mind is essential for this kind of work.
Listening skills. Mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists. They must listen to and analyze different approaches made by other experts to complete the task at hand.
Math skills. Mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
Mechanical skills. Mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems.
Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific discoveries and use them to design and build useful products.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsLicensure is not required for entry-level positions as a mechanical engineer. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
- A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
- A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
- A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering.
Several states require engineers to take continuing education to renew their licenses every year. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the other state’s licensing requirements meet or exceed their own licensing requirements.
Several professional organizations offer a variety of certification programs for engineers to demonstrate competency in specific fields of mechanical engineering.
AdvancementA Ph.D. is essential for engineering faculty positions in higher education, as well as for some research and development programs. Mechanical engineers may earn graduate degrees in engineering or business administration to learn new technology, broaden their education, and enhance their project management skills. Mechanical engineers may become administrators or managers after obtaining the requisite experience.
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Mechanical Engineer jobs
Mechanical Engineer Demographic
Gender
-
Male
85.0% -
Female
10.3% -
Unknown
4.7%
Ethnicity
-
White
68.3% -
Asian
16.4% -
Hispanic or Latino
10.1% -
Unknown
4.2% -
Black or African American
0.9%
Languages Spoken
-
Spanish
27.8% -
Chinese
9.5% -
Mandarin
9.4% -
French
8.5% -
Carrier
7.9% -
German
6.6% -
Arabic
4.6% -
Russian
3.9% -
Cantonese
3.7% -
Hindi
3.1% -
Japanese
3.0% -
Portuguese
2.9% -
Italian
2.0% -
Vietnamese
1.5% -
Korean
1.4% -
Persian
1.0% -
Romanian
0.9% -
Ukrainian
0.9% -
Greek
0.9% -
Dutch
0.7%
Mechanical Engineer
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Mechanical Engineer Typical Career Paths
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Senior Mechanical Engineer 5.1 years
-
Staff Mechanical Engineer 5.1 years
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Design Engineering Manager 4.6 years
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Mechanical Engineering Manager 4.5 years
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Mechanical Designer 4.5 years
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Tool Engineer 4.5 years
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Lead Mechanical Design Engineer 4.4 years
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Principal Mechanical Engineer 4.4 years
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Design/Applications Engineer 4.4 years
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Senior Mechanical Project Engineer 4.3 years
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Mechanical Systems Engineer 3.9 years
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Electro-Mechanical Engineer 3.8 years
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Product Design Engineer 3.8 years
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Mechanical Design Engineer 3.7 years
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Lead Design Engineer 3.7 years
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Lead Mechanical Engineer 3.7 years
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Design Engineer 3.4 years
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Product Development Engineer 3.4 years
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Senior Project Engineer 3.4 years
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Advanced Engineer 3.3 years
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Mechanical Engineer 3.0 years
-
Associate Mechanical Engineer 2.9 years
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Contract Mechanical Engineer 1.8 years
-
Junior Mechanical Engineer 1.8 years
-
Junior Design Engineer 1.7 years
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Design Engineer Internship 0.6 years
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Mechanical Engineering Internship 0.6 years
Average Length of Employment
Mechanical Engineer Education
-
Northeastern University
10.6% -
Rochester Institute of Technology
7.7% -
Purdue University
6.7% -
Pennsylvania State University
6.2% -
Georgia Institute of Technology -
5.6% -
Texas A&M University
4.9% -
San Jose State University
4.9% -
University of Central Florida
4.7% -
University of Massachusetts - Lowell
4.6% -
Drexel University
4.5% -
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
4.4% -
Arizona State University
4.1% -
University of Florida
4.1% -
University of Pittsburgh -
4.0% -
Iowa State University
4.0% -
University of Utah
3.9% -
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
3.9% -
New Jersey Institute of Technology
3.8% -
Old Dominion University
3.7% -
Auburn University
3.6% -
Mechanical Engineering 67.7%
-
Business 5.2%
-
-
Engineering 3.3%
-
-
Drafting And Design 2.2%
-
-
-
-
Management 1.2%
-
Project Management 1.2%
-
-
-
Civil Engineering 0.8%
-
Computer Science 0.8%
-
-
Systems Engineering 0.7%
-
-
-
Finance 0.7%
-
Bachelors
52.0% -
Masters
27.5% -
Other
9.5% -
Doctorate
4.2% -
Associate
3.8% -
Certificate
2.1% -
Diploma
0.7% -
License
0.1%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Mechanical Engineer
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Real Mechanical Engineer Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer-Mechanical | Stanford University/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory | Menlo Park, CA | Aug 01, 2016 | $193,640 |
| Engineer-Mechanical | Stanford University/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory | Menlo Park, CA | Jan 08, 2016 | $193,640 |
| Senior Engineer Mechanical | BW Offshore USA Management Inc. | Houston, TX | Jun 30, 2016 | $180,000 |
| Director, Mechanical Engineering | Rethink Robotics, Inc. | Boston, MA | Jan 11, 2016 | $160,000 - $170,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory | Menlo Park, CA | Jan 05, 2015 | $160,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Glumac | Irvine, CA | Nov 23, 2015 | $159,224 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Google Inc. | Palo Alto, CA | Aug 28, 2015 | $155,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Google Inc. | Palo Alto, CA | Oct 25, 2016 | $155,000 |
| Manager, Mechanical Engineering | Microsoft Corporation | Redmond, WA | Aug 26, 2015 | $150,670 |
| Mechanical Engineer IV | Applied Materials, Inc. | Santa Clara, CA | Sep 19, 2016 | $150,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Electronic Cooling Solutions, Inc. | Santa Clara, CA | Sep 11, 2015 | $150,000 |
| Technical Professional-Mechanical Engineering | Wood Group Mustang, Inc. | Houston, TX | Jan 08, 2015 | $149,240 |
| Principal Engineer, Mechanical | Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc. | Santa Ana, CA | Nov 09, 2015 | $147,009 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Sugar Land, TX | Sep 07, 2015 | $79,950 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Camera Car Systems, Inc. | Gardena, CA | May 21, 2015 | $79,934 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Altair Productdesign, Inc. | Auburn Hills, MI | Aug 20, 2016 | $79,932 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Svtronics, Inc. | Plano, TX | Nov 01, 2016 | $79,872 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Pioneer Automotive Technologies, Inc. | Farmington Hills, MI | Jun 20, 2016 | $79,851 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Onward Technologies, Inc. | Auburn Hills, MI | Mar 21, 2015 | $79,851 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Smith International, Inc. | Houston, TX | Dec 14, 2015 | $79,846 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Zebra Technologies Corporation | Holtsville, NY | Nov 15, 2016 | $79,830 - $99,800 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Cosentini Associates | New York, NY | Mar 31, 2015 | $68,993 |
| Mechanical Engineers-I | HCL America, Inc. | Newark, DE | Jan 08, 2016 | $68,931 |
| Mechanical Engineer | NAK Construction Services, LLC | Gainesville, GA | Aug 06, 2015 | $68,900 |
| Mechanical Engineer | TG Automotive Group LLC | Troy, MI | Jan 04, 2016 | $68,871 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Polymer Instrumentation and Consulting Services, Ltd. | State College, PA | Aug 18, 2016 | $68,871 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Innovationtek Consulting, Inc. | Dearborn, MI | Sep 14, 2016 | $68,871 |
| Mechanical Engineer-Powertrain/Fuel Economy | G-Tech Professional Staffing, Inc. | Auburn Hills, MI | Sep 01, 2015 | $68,871 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Seosamh Obriain | San Francisco, CA | Sep 30, 2015 | $68,871 |
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Top Skills for A Mechanical Engineer
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Top Mechanical Engineer Skills
- CAD
- Solid Models
- Safety
- Led an organization of 25 technologists including managers, engineers, CAD designers and machine tool operators.
- Create 3D solid models and assemblies of COTS parts for integration into proprietary designs.
- Conducted and oversaw different testing: vibration, environmental, and safety.
- Perform Finite Element Analysis on clamps and other components for fatigue and wear characteristics.
- Designed major modifications of nuclear power generation plant systems to maintain safe operation and implement plant piping and HVAC improvements.
Top Mechanical Engineer Employers
Onward Technologies, Inc.
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