Become A Mechanical Engineering Manager

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Working As A Mechanical Engineering Manager

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
$102,990
Average Salary

What Does A Mechanical Engineering Manager 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.

Duties

Mechanical 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 Engineering Manager

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.

Education

Mechanical 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 Qualities

Creativity. 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 Registrations

Licensure 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.

Advancement

A 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 Engineering Manager jobs

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Mechanical Engineering Manager Career Paths

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Project Engineering Manager Project Manager

Construction Manager

10 Yearsyrs

Senior Project Engineer Plant Manager

Director Of Continuous Improvement

14 Yearsyrs

Program Manager Senior Manager

Engineering Director

13 Yearsyrs

Application Engineer Project Engineer

Engineering Manager

10 Yearsyrs

Process Engineer Project Engineer

Engineering Program Manager

10 Yearsyrs

Operations Manager Plant Manager

Manufacturing Director

14 Yearsyrs

Project Engineering Manager Engineering Manager

Manufacturing Manager

10 Yearsyrs

Engineering Manager Program Manager

Operations Director

9 Yearsyrs

Project Manager Construction Manager

Operations Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Engineering Manager Operations Manager

Plant Manager

11 Yearsyrs

Engineering Director Senior Project Manager

President Of Operations

11 Yearsyrs

Application Engineer Product Manager

Product Development Manager

8 Yearsyrs

Senior Project Engineer Senior Product Engineer

Product Engineering Manager

9 Yearsyrs

Process Engineer Product Manager

Product Line Manager

9 Yearsyrs

Program Manager Management Consultant

Product Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Senior Project Manager Program Management Consultant

Program Manager

8 Yearsyrs

Operations Manager Project Manager

Purchasing Manager

9 Yearsyrs

Project Manager Senior Project Manager

Senior Product Manager

9 Yearsyrs

Senior Project Manager President Of Operations

Vice President & General Manager

12 Yearsyrs

Engineering Director Senior Director Of Engineering

Vice President Of Engineering

13 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Senior Mechanical Designer 5.8 years
Senior Mechanical Engineer 5.1 years
Staff Mechanical Engineer 5.1 years
Mechanical Engineering Manager 5.0 years
Engineering Operations Manager 4.7 years
Product Engineering Manager 4.6 years
Engineering Manager 4.6 years
Design Engineering Manager 4.6 years
Project Engineering Manager 4.5 years
Mechanical Designer 4.5 years
Tool Engineer 4.5 years
Engineering Program Manager 4.5 years
Principal Mechanical Engineer 4.4 years
Engineering Supervisor 4.4 years
Process Engineering Manager 4.3 years
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer 4.3 years
Mechanical Engineering Technologist 4.3 years
Manager Of Engineering Department 4.1 years
Mechanical Systems Engineer 3.9 years
Lead Mechanical Engineer 3.7 years
Mechanical Design Engineer 3.7 years
Engineering Coordinator 3.7 years
Mechanical Engineer 3.4 years
Design Engineer 3.4 years
Global Engineering Manager 2.9 years
Contract Mechanical Engineer 1.8 years
Mechanical Engineering Internship 0.6 years

Top Careers Before Mechanical Engineering Manager

Top Careers After Mechanical Engineering Manager

Mechanical Engineering Manager Demographics

Gender

Male
89.8%
Female
6.6%
Unknown
3.7%

Ethnicity

White
77.9%
Asian
11.8%
Hispanic or Latino
7.6%
Unknown
2.0%
Black or African American
0.8%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
17.4%
Chinese
15.2%
French
15.2%
Carrier
13.0%
German
10.9%
Mandarin
4.3%
Italian
4.3%
Russian
2.2%
Portuguese
2.2%
Finnish
2.2%
Persian
2.2%
Cantonese
2.2%
Japanese
2.2%
Romanian
2.2%
Greek
2.2%
Arabic
2.2%

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Mechanical Engineering Manager Education

Schools

University of Massachusetts - Lowell
10.7%
Purdue University
6.9%
Rochester Institute of Technology
6.1%
George Washington University
6.1%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
6.1%
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
6.1%
Milwaukee School of Engineering
5.3%
San Jose State University
4.6%
Southern Methodist University
4.6%
Iowa State University
4.6%
University of Phoenix
4.6%
University of Texas at Arlington
3.8%
Arizona State University
3.8%
Texas Tech University
3.8%
University of Colorado at Boulder
3.8%
Pennsylvania State University
3.8%
University of California - Berkeley
3.8%
Stanford University
3.8%
Oklahoma State University
3.8%
University of Utah
3.8%

Majors

Mechanical Engineering 56.9%
Business 11.4%
Engineering 4.9%
Mechanical Engineering Technology 4.0%
Engineering And Industrial Management 4.0%
Management 2.8%
Drafting And Design 2.6%
Electrical Engineering 2.5%
Project Management 2.3%
Industrial Technology 1.2%
Manufacturing Engineering 1.1%
Aerospace Engineering 1.1%
Heating And Air Conditioning 0.9%
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians 0.9%
Finance 0.7%
Systems Engineering 0.5%
Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies 0.5%
Engineering Science 0.5%
Graphic Design 0.5%
Mechatronics And Robotics 0.5%

Degrees

Bachelors
53.1%
Masters
25.0%
Other
13.9%
Associate
3.9%
Doctorate
2.4%
Certificate
1.4%
License
0.2%
Diploma
0.2%

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

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Real Mechanical Engineering Manager Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Outset Medical, Inc.	San Jose, CA	May 10, 2016	$150,000
Mech Quality Engineer Manager	Apple Inc.	Cupertino, CA	May 20, 2014	$141,750 - $161,750
Mechanical Engineering Manager	G&H Precision, Inc.	CA	Jan 28, 2016	$135,762
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Felsomat USA, Inc.	Schaumburg, IL	Jul 05, 2011	$135,000 - $155,000
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Felsomat USA, Inc.	Schaumburg, IL	Mar 15, 2013	$135,000 - $165,000
EUV Mechanical Engineering Manager	Cymer LLC	San Diego, CA	Dec 26, 2016	$132,558 - $182,600
Mech Quality Engr MGR	Apple Inc.	Cupertino, CA	Jan 10, 2016	$132,454 - $173,056
Mechanical Engineering Manager	PB Americas, Inc.	Newark, NJ	Mar 08, 2011	$128,076
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Jabil Circuit, Inc.	Cedar Park, TX	Sep 28, 2016	$126,690
Mechanical Engineer (Engineering Manager)	Paterson & Cooke USA, Ltd.	Golden, CO	Dec 14, 2012	$126,000 - $136,000
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Genesis Engineering LLC	Houston, TX	Jan 27, 2012	$122,000
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Continuum Electro-Optics, Inc.	Santa Clara, CA	May 06, 2012	$120,000
Mech Quality Engr MGR 1	Apple Inc.	Cupertino, CA	Oct 01, 2014	$105,726 - $129,900
Mechanical Engineer (Engineering Manager)	Paterson & Cooke Ltd.	Denver, CO	Dec 14, 2009	$103,100 - $120,000
Mechanical Engineering Project Manager	Yale America, Inc.	LaGrange, GA	Jun 01, 2012	$100,000
Mechanical Engineer, QPS Manager	Ricon Corporation	CA	Oct 01, 2012	$100,000
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Off-Highway Engineering Inc.	Hampton, VA	Oct 01, 2011	$98,800
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Off-Highway Engineering, Inc.	Hampton, VA	Nov 01, 2011	$98,800
Mechanical Integrity Engineering Manager	Techcorr USA Management LLC	Pasadena, TX	Oct 01, 2009	$97,198
Mechanical Engineer Manager	B & W Global Partners, LLC	Troy, MI	Oct 01, 2009	$90,000 - $115,000
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Haider Engineering, P. C.	Farmingdale, NY	Nov 10, 2016	$89,024
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Larsen & Toubro Technology Services Ltd	Bohemia, NY	Aug 29, 2014	$88,200
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Midtronics, Inc.	Willowbrook, IL	Sep 19, 2010	$88,000
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Midtronics, Inc.	Willowbrook, IL	Sep 20, 2013	$86,000 - $96,000
Mechanical Engineering Manager	Resin Partners, Inc.	Anderson, IN	Sep 05, 2015	$86,000
Mechanical Engineer (Engineering Manager)	Paterson & Cooke Ltd.	Denver, CO	Oct 01, 2009	$85,200 - $100,000
Mechanical Engineer/Manager	Liebherr Aerospace Saline, Inc.	Saline, MI	Apr 23, 2010	$83,275

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Top Skills for A Mechanical Engineering Manager

Top Mechanical Engineering Manager Skills

New Product Development
Procedures
Mechanical Design

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Managed the new product development processes for various design projects ranging in cost from $300K to $7M.
Established standards for quality control and assembly procedures.
Managed Mechanical Design and Development of instrument clusters for the automotive industry.
Assisted customers with vehicle modifications to ensure installation safety requirements.
Performed project management function on several projects.