Model engine mechanic vs senior mechanical engineer

The differences between model engine mechanics and senior mechanical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a model engine mechanic and a senior mechanical engineer. Additionally, a senior mechanical engineer has an average salary of $103,836, which is higher than the $76,923 average annual salary of a model engine mechanic.

The top three skills for a model engine mechanic include C++, linux and LS-DYNA. The most important skills for a senior mechanical engineer are mechanical engineering, CAD, and solidworks.

Model engine mechanic vs senior mechanical engineer overview

	Model Engine Mechanic	Senior Mechanical Engineer
Yearly salary	$76,923	$103,836
Hourly rate	$36.98	$49.92
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	69,146	98,063
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	6	6

What does a model engine mechanic do?

A model engine mechanic repairs and deals with small engines that power machinery such as lawn mowers, chain saws, or recreational sporting equipment. They are responsible for diagnosing, adjusting and repairing machinery. They are also responsible for performing routine machinery maintenance, lubricating parts, reinstalling parts, and interacting with the client to explain equipment issues. For this position, they need a mechanics certification.

What does a senior mechanical engineer do?

A senior mechanical engineer is responsible for designing and improving mechanical equipment, as well as industrial devices and machinery. Senior mechanical engineers verify the materials and resources, ensuring that the processes meet the budget goals from clients' specifications and requirements. They also monitor the manufacturing process, developing strategic procedures for operations improvement, and maximizing staff productivity. A senior mechanical engineer runs multiple diagnostic tests to guarantee the stability and efficiency of the item and coordinating with the client for any plan adjustments as needed.

Model engine mechanic vs senior mechanical engineer salary

Model engine mechanics and senior mechanical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Model Engine Mechanic	Senior Mechanical Engineer
Average salary	$76,923	$103,836
Salary range	Between $56,000 And $105,000	Between $79,000 And $136,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	Cornerstone Research	Google
Best paying industry	Technology	Energy

Differences between model engine mechanic and senior mechanical engineer education

There are a few differences between a model engine mechanic and a senior mechanical engineer in terms of educational background:

	Model Engine Mechanic	Senior Mechanical Engineer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering	Mechanical Engineering
Most common college	Carnegie Mellon University	Michigan Technological University

Model engine mechanic vs senior mechanical engineer demographics

Here are the differences between model engine mechanics' and senior mechanical engineers' demographics:

	Model Engine Mechanic	Senior Mechanical Engineer
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4%	Male, 94.2% Female, 5.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 16.1% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 15.8% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between model engine mechanic and senior mechanical engineer duties and responsibilities

Model engine mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage automation projects including purchasing, scheduling fabrication and assembly, debugging, and delivery to customer.
Provide fundamental understanding of thermoacoustic mechanism and assistance to device prototyping design of glass incorporating thermoacoustics.
Develop the flow of the accurate timing model for Verilog simulations for more accurate simulations results using SiliconSmart and PrimeTime.
Develop the flow of the accurate timing model for Verilog simulations for more accurate simulations results using SiliconSmart and PrimeTime.

Senior mechanical engineer example responsibilities.

Create DFMEA documents to help manage risks and improve initial quality.
Set up and manage PCB manufacturing including all chemical baths, lasers, and exposure equipment.
Restructure VHDL code and chip/module hierarchy to achieve timing goals for the dual cache controller and the chip.
Achieve timely convergence of complex designs by building RTL models from validation area and integrating them, before official model release.
Lead FPGA development of key digital communication component used in successful demonstration of spacecraft radio link.
Provide mechanical design and sustaining engineering expertise to troubleshoot manufacturing defect trends and achieve a more robust and producible product.

Model engine mechanic vs senior mechanical engineer skills

Common model engine mechanic skills

C++, 29%
Linux, 14%
LS-DYNA, 9%
Prototyping, 5%
In-House, 5%
CATIA, 4%

Common senior mechanical engineer skills

Mechanical Engineering, 15%
CAD, 7%
Solidworks, 7%
Mechanical Design, 5%
Mechanical Systems, 5%
HVAC, 4%

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Model Engine Mechanic vs Senior Mechanical Engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

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