Mechanical Engineer Career Profile

Mechanical Engineers - Overview

Mechanical Engineering is an engineering specialty that involves many different science principles for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. In order to be successful, it requires a solid understanding of key concepts including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics and energy. Mechanical Engineers use these principles and others in the design and analysis of things like machinery, aircraft, automobiles, medical devices and much more.

Mechanical Engineers – Education

The first level of education that is obtained for a Mechanical Engineer is a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering , which is offered at many Universities throughout the United States (as well as many other industrialized countries).Mechanical Engineering programs typically take 4+ years and result in a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSc). Within the US, most Mechanical Engineering programs are accredited through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) to ensure standardization of course requirements between universities.

Becoming a Mechanical Engineer

After obtaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering, many will begin to focus on an area of specialization and will pursue a secondary degree or will enter the workforce full time within that area of specialization. There are also several tools that Mechanical Engineers use that require hands on use to become experts. These tools are usually involved in CAD (Computer Aided Design), CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), Failure Models and Effect Analysis (FMEA). These tools allow for models and analysis to take place before a product is prototyped.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is a popular membership associate for Mechnical Engineering professionals.

Career Paths for Mechanical Engineers

Some Mechanical Engineers go on to get a postgraduate degree such as a Master of Science or Master of Engineering Management (MEng.Mgt, MEM). The Master's and Engineer's degrees may consist of either research, coursework or a mixture of the two. There is also a Doctor of Philosophy program that consists of a significant research and is usually an entry point to an academic career.