- Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems.
- Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs.
- Many engineers develop new products. During the process, they consider several factors. For example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers specify the functional requirements precisely; design and test the robot's components; integrate the components to produce the final design; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. This process applies to the development of many different products, such as chemicals, computers, power-plants, helicopters, and toys.
- In addition to their involvement in design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance.
- These engineers supervise production in factories, determine the causes of a component’s failure, and test manufactured products to maintain quality.
- They also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects.
- Supervisory engineers are responsible for major components or entire projects.
- Engineers use computers extensively to produce and analyze designs; to simulate and test how a machine, structure, or system operates; to generate specifications for parts; to monitor the quality of products; and to control the efficiency of processes.
- Nanotechnology, which involves the creation of high-performance materials and components by integrating atoms and molecules, also is introducing entirely new principles to the design process.
- Most engineers specialize; one of which is Mechanical engineer.
- Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices.
- Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Engineers in this discipline work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines.
- They also work on power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material-handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing.
- Some mechanical engineers design tools that other engineers need for their work.
- In addition, mechanical engineers work in manufacturing or agriculture production, maintenance, or technical sales; many become administrators or managers.
- It is important for engineers, as it is for workers in other technical and scientific occupations, to continue their education throughout their careers, because much of their value to their employer depends on their knowledge of the latest technology.
- Engineers in high-technology areas, such as biotechnology or information technology, may find that their technical knowledge will become outdated rapidly.
- By keeping current in their field, engineers will be able to deliver the best solutions and greatest value to their employers.
- Engineers who have not kept current in their field may find themselves at a disadvantage when seeking promotions or during layoffs.
- Mechanical engineers are involved in the production of a wide range of products, and continued efforts to improve those products will create continued demand for their services.
- In addition, some new job opportunities will be created through the effects of emerging technologies in biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology.
- Additional opportunities outside of mechanical engineering will exist because the skills acquired through earning a degree in mechanical engineering often can be applied in other engineering specialties.
Engineers apply the principles of natural science and mathematics in their work. Other workers who use scientific and mathematical principles include the following:
- Agricultural and Food Scientists
- Architects
- Atmospheric Scientists
- Biological scientists
- Chemists and materials scientists
- Computer and information systems manager
- Computer scientists
- Computer software engineers and computer programmers
- Drafter
- Engineering and natural sciences managers
- Engineering technicians
- Environment scientists and specialists
- Geoscientists and hydrologists
- Mathematicians
- Physicists and astronomers
- Sales engineers
- Science technicians
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
This career information is drawn from data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.