Post job

What is a mechanical systems engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Andrea Welker Ph.D.,
Brian Denton Ph.D.

The mechanical systems engineer improves the existing mechanical systems by analyzing blueprints and specifications to recommend cost reduction techniques and materials for production. You will participate in failure investigations and be with the management and customers to create solutions to address failure modes for critical equipment. You will also participate in reliability studies to help identify and track risks or vulnerabilities focused on safety, reliability, functionality, and economics. Similarly, you will manage documentation and drawings for equipment and systems, including drawings that do not properly reflect as-built conditions and reviewing and approving updates made from projects.

The minimum educational qualification for the post is a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline and relevant work experience in mechanical engineering. You must have excellent interpersonal communication skills because you will collaborate with all levels of personnel, both internal and external, with professionalism. Experience in applying analytical and problem-solving skills to complex problems is required. With this, you will earn an average of $76,973 annually.

What general advice would you give to a mechanical systems engineer?

Andrea Welker Ph.D.Andrea Welker Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University

Be open to new experiences. Find a good mentor. Become a valued employee. Always remember that you are designing something for someone.
ScoreMechanical Systems EngineerUS Average
Salary
6.7

Avg. Salary $85,387

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.11%

Asian 12.83%

Black or African American 3.31%

Hispanic or Latino 8.91%

Unknown 4.57%

White 70.27%

Gender

female 8.51%

male 91.49%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Mechanical systems engineer career paths

Key steps to become a mechanical systems engineer

  1. Explore mechanical systems engineer education requirements

    Most common mechanical systems engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    78.4 %

    Master's

    12.5 %

    Associate

    6.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific mechanical systems engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Mechanical Systems14.57%
    CAD9.04%
    System Design5.92%
    Solidworks5.06%
    Project Management4.64%
  3. Complete relevant mechanical systems engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mechanical systems engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mechanical systems engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mechanical systems engineer resumes.
  4. Research mechanical systems engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage refueling rig project (SolidWorks models, electronics layout, BOM and PLC programming).
    • Initiate and lead development of in-house rapid prototyping and machine shop facilities, and prepare and institute associated training.
    • Design test equipment used for customers using SolidWorks and AutoCAD as well as SURFCAM software.
    • Implement PLC and system communication network.
  5. Prepare your mechanical systems engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mechanical systems engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mechanical systems engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable mechanical systems engineer resume templates

    Build a professional mechanical systems engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your mechanical systems engineer resume.
    Mechanical Systems Engineer Resume
    Mechanical Systems Engineer Resume
    Mechanical Systems Engineer Resume
    Mechanical Systems Engineer Resume
    Mechanical Systems Engineer Resume
    Mechanical Systems Engineer Resume
    Mechanical Systems Engineer Resume
    Mechanical Systems Engineer Resume
    Mechanical Systems Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for mechanical systems engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a mechanical systems engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first mechanical systems engineer job

Zippi

Are you a mechanical systems engineer?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average mechanical systems engineer salary

The average mechanical systems engineer salary in the United States is $85,387 per year or $41 per hour. Mechanical systems engineer salaries range between $62,000 and $115,000 per year.

Average mechanical systems engineer salary
$85,387 Yearly
$41.05 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do mechanical systems engineers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Mechanical systems engineer reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2023
Pros

It can gurantee you a good salary and if you are creative you can do many things.

Cons

you have to be creative.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

The Different employees i work with and what all i learn from them

Cons

very little


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

Troubleshooting and commissioning

Cons

Undone job, when we're unable to discover certain fault on time.


Working as a mechanical systems engineer? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse architecture and engineering jobs