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Job outlook for mechanical engineering managers in the United States
Mechanical engineering manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected mechanical engineering manager job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 4,400 new jobs for mechanical engineering managers are projected over the next decade.
Mechanical engineering manager salaries have increased 11% for mechanical engineering managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 40,158 mechanical engineering managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 74,789 active mechanical engineering manager job openings in the US.
The average mechanical engineering manager salary is $116,922.
Are mechanical engineering manager jobs in demand?
Mechanical engineering manager job and salary trends over time
Mechanical engineering manager jobs over time
Mechanical engineering manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 40,158 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 42,086 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 41,963 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 40,763 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 38,984 | 0.01% |
Average mechanical engineering manager salary over time
Mechanical engineering manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $116,922 | $56.21 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $113,247 | $54.45 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | $110,064 | $52.92 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $107,687 | $51.77 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $105,349 | $50.65 | +1.5% |
Mechanical engineering manager jobs by state
Most common states for mechanical engineering managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 270 | 39% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,460 | 21% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 179 | 19% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 247 | 18% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,262 | 17% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 124 | 17% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 902 | 16% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 659 | 16% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 123 | 16% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,268 | 15% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 489 | 14% |
| 12 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 240 | 14% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 809 | 13% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 735 | 13% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 681 | 12% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 350 | 12% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 233 | 12% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 162 | 12% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 131 | 12% |
| 20 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 106 | 12% |
Most common cities for mechanical engineering managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Redondo Beach | 6 | 9% | $144,828 |
| 2 | Merrimack | 1 | 4% | $114,549 |
| 3 | Sunnyvale | 2 | 1% | $158,511 |
| 4 | Centennial | 1 | 1% | $103,232 |
| 5 | Livermore | 1 | 1% | $157,945 |
| 6 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $121,006 |
| 7 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $103,133 |
| 8 | Chula Vista | 1 | 0% | $137,678 |
| 9 | Cleveland | 1 | 0% | $101,141 |
| 10 | Columbus | 1 | 0% | $99,289 |
| 11 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $110,153 |
| 12 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $115,081 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $145,841 |
| 14 | Memphis | 1 | 0% | $105,625 |
Mechanical Engineering Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of mechanical engineering manager experts
Oregon State University
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University of Maryland - College Park
Pennsylvania State University - Abington
Marshall University
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
University of Iowa
University of Hawaii at Manoa
York College of Pennsylvania
University of Maryland - College Park
San Jose State University
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
Chapman University
Clemson University
Ohio University
York College of Pennsylvania
Kettering University
Union College
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat general advice would you give to a Mechanical Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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.
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Engineering Manager?
Yi Yang PhD: For new graduates beginning their careers in engineering, I would advise them to consider the broader impact of their work and look for opportunities to expand their management potential. While engineering is a highly technical field, it's important to recognize the value of leadership roles in preserving a culture of innovation. By taking on these positions, you can help ensure that companies prioritize long-term innovation over short-term gains (cutting R&D to boost the balance sheet), thus preserving the engineering culture that drives meaningful progress.
What will help Mechanical Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
Yi Yang PhD: First of all, be really good at what you do. Always negotiate for a higher salary based on your qualifications and market value. Additionally, consider exploring opportunities in management and actively contribute to strategic decision-making. Taking calculated risks, such as joining a startup, can also lead to valuable experiences and skill development that can enhance your earning potential in the long run.
What Mechanical Engineering Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yi Yang PhD: In the next 3-5 years, I believe management skills will become increasingly important. Engineers who can bridge the gap between technical complexity and business strategy, driving innovation and growth in their organizations will be very valuable.
Dr. Yousef Sardahi
Associate Professor of Mechanical EngineeringMarshall University
Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Engineering Manager?
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.
What Mechanical Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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.
Uises Gonzalez-Valle
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
What general advice would you give to a Mechanical Engineering Manager?
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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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.
What skills stand out on Mechanical Engineering Manager resumes?
Casey DeRoo Ph.D.: Rather than a concrete skill, previous experience in managing teams to accomplish engineering-related tasks is sure to make you a standout. Showcasing familiarity with work management software (e.g., Jira) or budget/total effort tracking systems is important. Find out what software the company you're seeking employment with uses, and be sure to highlight this if you're familiar with it.
Song Choi Ph.D.
Assistant DeanUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
What skills stand out on Mechanical Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Managers?
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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Managers?
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 Engineering Managers 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.
Donald Yeung
Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education, Affiliate Professor, Computer Science DepartmentUniversity of Maryland - College Park
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
What skills will help Mechanical Engineering Managers earn the most?
Donald Yeung: Finally, in terms of compensation, I believe the Computer Engineering degree in our department garners the highest average starting salary across the entire UMD campus. The Electrical Engineering degree is not far behind. I don't know if specific skills within ECE garner more pay. But I can say that these days, Data Science (i.e., Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence) is the fastest-growing field, probably bar none. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, I think, puts the growth in this field at around 30% from now until 2026. I would expect the starting salaries in these jobs to be the very highest. So, perhaps having a background in Data Science and Machine Learning might get you a higher-paying job. But I also think it's dangerous for students to look at such statistics to guide what courses they take today (elective courses, that is). What's hot today may not be tomorrow. A career is 40 years, not the next 5 or 10 years.
What skills stand out on Mechanical Engineering Manager resumes?
Donald Yeung: A degree at a highly rated engineering school is always a plus. For example, the ECE dept at UMD has a good reputation among local employers as well as employers elsewhere, such as Silicon Valley. Many of our students go to companies in these areas, and so we have a reputation based on the quality of students that go out. I think employers know what they're getting. Beyond the school from which you receive your degree, your GPA is also important. How well you do in the program you come from is important, too, obviously. And employers also know about grade inflation or deflation at different schools, so they can calibrate any student's GPA against what experience they've had with previous students' records. Besides that, employers also look for experience outside of the degree program, so internships, research experiences, any significant project experience, etc., are also a real plus.
What soft skills should all Mechanical Engineering Managers possess?
Donald Yeung: In terms of soft skills, communication is by far the most important, I would think. This could be ascertained during the interview process. Also, being able to work in a team is a plus, too. This might be demonstrable from large project experiences. For example, our students participate in teaming projects outside of the ECE program like Terp Racing, Hyperloop project, etc. This could demonstrate a student's exposure to working on large teams.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Mechanical Engineering Managers?
Donald Yeung: In terms of hard technical skills, I believe the courses students take along with their GPA in these courses is one level of demonstration. (As I mentioned above, employers know about our program probably down to specific courses, and so if someone gets an A+ in some notoriously challenging course, that's probably known and appreciated). Some employers will give technical interviews and require students to solve problems on their feet. But I think most employers will judge this based on a student's transcript.
Yasser Dessouky
Professor and ChairSan Jose State University
Industrial and Systems Engineering
What skills stand out on Mechanical Engineering Manager resumes?
Yasser Dessouky: Besides being very comfortable with various professional social-media platforms, the new engineering students must embrace developing their skills in artificial intelligence and data science techniques. Besides being an excellent team member, today's remote world requires engineers to have independent problem-solving skills for a career to thrive.
Mike DeVore Ph.D.
Professor & Program ChairCincinnati State Technical & Community College
Mechanical Engineering Technology
What skills stand out on Mechanical Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Managers?
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: -Computer-Aided Design
-Knowledge of manufacturing processes
-A good mathematics foundation
-Technical communication
-Problem solving
What skills will help Mechanical Engineering Managers 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.
What skills stand out on Mechanical Engineering Manager resumes?
Tom Springer Ph.D.: -Classroom or work-related experience with electrical circuit design and electrical schematic analysis
-Exposure to control system design and theory, communications systems principles
-Lab experience with power/analog electronics testing or test methodology
-Understanding of digital design using hardware verification languages: System Verilog
-Experience leading engineering projects
What soft skills should all Mechanical Engineering Managers possess?
Tom Springer Ph.D.: -Good communication skills
-Ability to exercise critical thinking and innovative problem solving
-Able to work under supervision and mentoring
-Works well in a team-oriented environment
What hard/technical skills are most important for Mechanical Engineering Managers?
Tom Springer Ph.D.: -Experience/exposure to Automated Test Equipment (ATE) -Setup/Programming
-Understanding of basic software architectures and general syntax of coding languages such as C/C++
-Knowledge using Linux or Unix terminal commands
-Experience using Revision Control Systems: Subversion (SVN), CVS, Git.
-Exposure to System on Chip (SoC) hardware/software
-Experience with Robot Operating System (ROS) or equivalent is a bonus
What skills will help Mechanical Engineering Managers earn the most?
Tom Springer Ph.D.: Skill sets that span domain disciplines are very much in demand. Such as a computer architect or electrical engineer with a strong background in software development
Dr. John Ballato
J. E. Sirrine Endowed Chair and ProfessorClemson University
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
What hard/technical skills are most important for Mechanical Engineering Managers?
Dr. John Ballato: Important hard/technical skills really depend on the nature of the job/position and the organization. This really relates back to the What Skills Stand Out question. Employers want to know that employees have the requisite "toolbox" of basic skills and a willingness and aptitude to learn on the job. No person comes out of school with all the skills and experiences needed for a given job, so organizations inevitably continue to provide training on product-specific skills. Knowing how to learn, wanting to learn, and admitting what you don't know are as important, if not more so, than any hard/technical skills one gains during their education.
What skills stand out on Mechanical Engineering Manager resumes?
Dr. John Ballato: The phrase "well rounded" may be getting old, but it's still true. We like to see graduates who didn't just go to class but worked in a laboratory or did a co-op/internship and had various extra-curricular activities, both personal and professional. Remember that materials science and engineering are leveraging computer science more and more, whether through atomistic or microstructural modeling or newer technologies such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). So having some familiarity with those and how they complement experimental/hands-on studies are helpful.
Another point about skills that stand out is a simple one - do your homework. There are few things more irritating than receiving a resume or email asking for a job, and the student clearly didn't care enough to look up what we do. The resume is a copy and paste and isn't personalized to the specific position, Group, or company. That stands out like a sore thumb.
What soft skills should all Mechanical Engineering Managers possess?
Dr. John Ballato: To me, the most important soft skill has always been communication. And, due to the pandemic where people have had to isolate and possibly quarantine, effective communications are even that much more critical. We're spending less face-to-face time and more screen-to-screen time, which gets boring quickly. So, paying attention, being clear and concise in your communications since you don't have the opportunities as often now to simply walk into someone's lab or office and talk through ideas and next steps. Effective communications are also especially important in materials science and engineering because our field is innately interdisciplinary. This means that you might be the only materials scientist on a team that includes marketing, sales, manufacturing, etc. Knowing your audience, including your project team, and learning how to communicate with them is critical.
What skills will help Mechanical Engineering Managers earn the most?
Dr. John Ballato: Here, too, the answer depends on the field, job position (and location), and organization. MSE graduates generally are well compensated compared to other engineering fields. The most important thing is that you wake up every morning and are excited about the work you're doing. There's no substitute for enjoying your work, regardless of how much you are paid.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mechanical Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Robert Williams Ph.D.: Clearly a huge change we have seen in the past year, that will have some impact into the future, is widespread telecommuting, i.e. working from home. For employees just entering the job market in 2021, they have my sympathy - I think it would be very hard to start in a new job with only meeting your co-workers and boss via Zoom or Teams. On the other hand, in my own experience as a (reluctant but necessary) remote on-line educator, my time on the job daily is much ore efficient in working from home. Some of my engineer friends in industry have said the same thing, they are much more efficient working from home rather than in the lab, office, or plant.
What technical skills for a Mechanical Engineering Manager stand out to employers?
Robert Williams Ph.D.: Modeling, simulation, CAD software; problem solving; design based on analysis and experiment; computer skills; the ability to learn new software.
How have salaries changed over time for Mechanical Engineering Managers?
Robert Williams Ph.D.: Generally, prior to 2020, salaries have risen steadily, even better than inflation. During 2020 there may have been some salary stagnation, but I am confident this will improve soon. From what I have observed in my graduating mechanical engineering seniors in recent years, their starting salaries (and even signing bonuses!) are competitive, and they can rapidly rise as the employee shows competence on the job.
Tristan Ericson Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorYork College of Pennsylvania
Civil and Mechanical Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mechanical Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Tristan Ericson Ph.D.: Engineering jobs will still be available. Some companies are struggling in the pandemic, but some are thriving. Our students are still able to find co-ops, and our graduates are still finding jobs. The market has slowed a bit, but not as much as I expected. Rather, we see a shift in job availability as the need for different technologies changes. Most of our summer 2020 graduating seniors found jobs. It took more time for some of them to secure employment than typical, but their ultimate success rate was higher than I would have anticipated in such an uncertain time. Going forward, I think the need for engineering jobs will gradually increase to levels higher than pre-pandemic. Consider the Biden administration's ambitious infrastructure goals. These alone will place increased demand on engineering, but they are also a broader indicator of society's increased need for innovation and product development. The push for vehicle electrification will provide many new job opportunities in that staple industry.
What soft skills should all Mechanical Engineering Managers possess?
Tristan Ericson Ph.D.: We follow engineering students on co-ops and ask employers about what skills graduates must have. Communication skills are consistently cited. This will be even more necessary going forward as more communication is conducted electronically. I always tell students that you could be the best engineering in the world, but it will be no value to you or anyone else if you can't articulate and advocate for your ideas.
How have salaries changed over time for Mechanical Engineering Managers?
Tristan Ericson Ph.D.: There has been gradual growth over time for engineering salaries. In certain industry sectors the pandemic has stalled that growth with some employees getting no increases or taking pay cuts over the past year. I expect that, emerging from the pandemic, engineers will see growth in earning opportunities, especially in new development sectors.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mechanical Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Patrick Atkinson: In the new normal, it seems that companies are looking for employees who are adaptable. Working remotely, amidst the home environment is different from the traditional office environment, but humans are elastic, and we find ways to carry on. Personally, I like the flexibility it provides and I am also up for a challenge. The pandemic has been a disruptor, but it is up to the optimist in all of us to look at this disruption as an opportunity to hit the refresh button. One key area that was unexpected to me was that the attendance for meetings has approached 100%. People are communicating more than ever. As such, employees who can listen and contribute in a constructive fashion are valuable members of the team. That doesn't mean that everyone in a team has to have the same skills, but it would be a good idea to have a few people in each group who work well in an online discussion.
What technical skills for a Mechanical Engineering Manager stand out to employers?
Patrick Atkinson: Broadly speaking, employers are looking for employees who can jump in, take on a project and move things forward. Since engineers are data-driven, knowing how to read and interpret findings from a variety of sources is key. This can be very challenging if the data conflicts between sources or the data is unclear. Whether the data is from a mathematical model, a physical test laboratory, or from the field, learning how to synthesize the findings and balance the strengths/weaknesses of a given data source are key. At the end of the day, every project needs a way forward and it is the engineer's job to optimize a design to meet the objectives for the product.
How have salaries changed over time for Mechanical Engineering Managers?
Patrick Atkinson: To my knowledge, salaries continue to be strong. Jobs like Biomedical Engineering tend to be more insulated from market fluctuations since people always need healthcare.
Ronald Bucinell Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical EngineersUnion College
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mechanical Engineering Managers?
Ronald Bucinell Ph.D.: The pandemic has forced all colleges and universities to offer courses online. Some schools have been offering online courses for decades. These schools have invested in infrastructure and their faculty have developed pedagogical techniques that are compatible with an online course format. The rest of us were thrown into the fire with less than adequate tools and training, so I believe the quality of the courses have suffered. This is especially acute in engineering where students need to master the theory and develop a physical intuition for the phenomenon they are studying. The development of physical intuition comes from labs and design projects, both of which are not compatible with an online format. In the short term, I do believe our graduates will suffer, because they will have to find ways outside their education to make up for the physical laboratory and design experiences that were taken out of the curriculum to accommodate the online format. Because of an emphasis on continuing education in engineering, I do think they will catch up.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Mechanical Engineering Managers?
Ronald Bucinell Ph.D.: Engineering students need a solid fundamental base of knowledge so they can grow as technology advances. From an undergraduate perspective, I believe the most important courses are courses that include laboratory experiences and courses with design projects. Design is at the heart of engineering and the only way to get comfortable with design, is to experience it. As the relationship between employee and employer continues to change, Professional Engineering licensure is going to become more and more important for students that want a career in engineering.
What soft skills should all Mechanical Engineering Managers possess?
Ronald Bucinell Ph.D.: To be a good designer you need to have a human center perspective. What I mean is that you need to understand problems beyond the technical specifications. Being a human-centered engineer requires breath in education, a strong liberal arts component to an engineer's education. Engineering professionals are constantly selling their ideas to clients, employers, and colleagues, written and oral communication are critical to a successful career as an engineer.