what is a mechanical engineer?
A mechanical engineer is a trained professional who, from the time an idea is conceived until a product is released on the market, employs engineering fundamentals and problem-solving skills to ensure that the product delivers the best possible results. As a mechanical engineer, you evaluate your work by applying the laws governing motion, energy, and force. Therefore, your designs will be safe, productive, dependable, and cost-effective.
As a mechanical engineer, you wield considerable influence. As a mechanical engineer, your objective should be to develop technologies that satisfy human needs. The efforts of a single mechanical engineer enable or facilitate the production of virtually all consumer products and services currently available. This includes, among other disciplines, planning for the future in health care, energy, transportation, world hunger, space exploration, and climate change.
Due to the diverse nature of the issues and innovations that mechanical engineers tackle, your skill sets are highly transferable. To satisfy this massive need, your role is to design and develop a new component, machine, system, or process. This encompasses large and small systems, such as automobiles, satellites, and sensors and switches. Everything with moving parts or assembly requirements necessitates your services as a mechanical expert.
Would working as a mechanical engineer suit your skill or interest? Then read on to discover what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a mechanical engineer role.
view jobs near youaverage mechanical engineer salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in May 2021 that mechanical engineers made a median annual salary of $95,300. Half of the workers in a particular occupation made more than the median wage, while the other half earned less. About 10% of the population made less than $60,750, and 10% made more than $136,210.
Your pay is often commensurate with your years of experience in mechanical engineering. An intern's compensation, for example, is far lower than that of a senior mechanical engineer or manager of mechanical engineers, but so are the dangers involved in the internship. When making the contract, the mechanical engineer and management decide how much the intern will be paid.
Mechanical labor inherently carries risks. There is almost no room for error when doing some tasks. The higher the difficulty level, the greater the potential for failure and the more significant the price.
The complexity of the task in some industries can also lead to higher pay for a mechanical engineer. For instance, mechanical engineers working in scientific research and development services earned $102,050 compared to mechanical engineers working in machinery manufacturing who earned $79,770 in 2021.
Would you like to know what a mechanical engineer earns? Where are the highest salaries paid to mechanical engineers? Then check out this salary comparison tool and find out all about the salary of a mechanical engineer in the USA.
types of mechanical engineers
Various types of positions that fall under the job profile of mechanical engineer that you can choose from are:
- biomedical and environmental engineer: This discipline is founded on investigating fluid mechanics and its numerous applications in medicine and engineering.
- combustion engineer: Combustion processes are used by many industries for various purposes, including energy generation, transportation, indoor climate control, and waste disposal.
- ground vehicle systems engineer: Mechanical engineers' design of surface cars aims to reduce transportation-related pollution and resource consumption.
- heat transfer and energy systems engineer: The study of heat transfer and thermodynamics, and its application to the development of state-of-the-art architectural systems, is at the heart of this discipline.
- manufacturing engineer: Mechanical engineers invest much time and energy researching, developing, and implementing the many manufacturing processes and procedures that connect product design with production.
working as a mechanical engineer
The duties of a mechanical engineer are well-known to be those generally associated with the profession. However, only some individuals comprehend the strenuous physical demands of the position. Those who enjoy staying busy and can devote long shifts will enjoy working in this industry.
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mechanical engineer job description
As a mechanical engineer, you play a vital role in designing, developing, and producing various mechanical systems and components. Your duties and responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to:
- designing products: You are responsible for designing engines, machines, instruments, controls, or robots that meet specific requirements and objectives.
- utilizing CAD software: To bring your designs to life, you will utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- specifying materials and components: You select appropriate raw materials and components to produce the designed products.
- building models and prototypes: Before the final production stage, you would construct models and prototypes of the product.
- analyzing test data: After testing the prototypes, you carefully analyze and compare the collected data with similar designs.
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mechanical engineer work environment
As a mechanical engineer, you'll spend most of your time indoors in the office. However, there would inevitably be times when on-site visits to projects or factories may be necessary to deal with particular concerns, examine equipment, or provide technical assistance. Field trips are a great way to see how designs are put into action and ensure they meet expectations. While most of your time would be spent in the office, you occasionally travel to different sites to use your mechanical engineering skills.
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who are your colleagues?
Mechanical engineers are in demand in various industries, including those that provide goods and services to consumers and businesses. Engineers and technicians from various engineering fields and experts in fields as varied as architecture, HVAC, and computer-aided design (CAD) are your potential colleagues. Unit production managers, automotive engineers, factory managers, and general laborers are some of the professionals you might work alongside in a manufacturing setting.
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work schedule
You should anticipate putting in anywhere from 30 to 40 hours a week as a mechanical engineer, though the exact number will depend on your position and industry. However, it's essential to remember that some mechanical engineers might put in more hours than usual if the project's deadline is approaching or a particularly significant phase needs to be completed.
Most mechanical engineers spend their weekdays at the office. A mechanical engineer who is employed full-time usually works from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Nonetheless, the start and end times may be changeable based on the company's policies and your role within the organization.
While mechanical engineers often enjoy time off in the evenings and on the weekends, this is only sometimes the case. During essential phases of the project, when deadlines are exceptionally tight, or in the event of an emergency, you may be required to work late into the night or on the weekend to get everything done on time or handle any unforeseen problems that develop.
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job outlook for mechanical engineers
Your employment outlook for a mechanical engineer is favorable, with the diversity of opportunities and steady, albeit slower, growth. Between 2021 and 2031, it is anticipated that the number of available positions for mechanical engineers will increase by 2%. This growth rate is anticipated to be below the average for all occupations. Alternatively, due to the need to hire new individuals to cover vacancies, there is anticipated that there would be approximately 17,900 openings for mechanical engineers each year over the next 10 years.
Mechanical engineers have the benefit of being able to work in a variety of industries and on numerous initiatives. Consequently, employment growth for mechanical engineers varies significantly by industry. As increasingly complex automation machinery is integrated into industrial processes, the demand for mechanical engineers with experience in the planning and designing of such machinery will increase.
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benefits of working for randstad as a mechanical engineer
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a mechanical engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers, thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad, too!
mechanical engineer skills and education
Bachelor's degrees are required to enter the field of mechanical engineering, and colleges offer numerous courses that teach the technical and interpersonal skills required for success in the field. By pursuing a master's degree in engineering with a mechanical engineering concentration, you acquire specialized knowledge and skills in areas such as life cycle analysis, Six Sigma quality control, and project management, among others.
It is possible to take a multidisciplinary approach to engineering by enrolling in courses such as "Engineering in the Global Environment," "Technology Innovation and Strategy," and "Principles of Engineering Management." Professional Engineer (PE) certification opens various professional doors, including the ability to operate independently and in a leadership capacity. State regulations dictate how frequently you must renew your license. By obtaining a license and continuing your education, you increase your employment opportunities and expand your scope of practice as a mechanical engineer.
skills and competencies
You need the following skills and competencies to succeed in a mechanical engineer role:
- creativity: Creativity is essential for you as an engineer specializing in mechanical design and construction. You are responsible for creating sophisticated tools and machines, requiring a creative mindset to succeed in this field.
- listening skills: Talent for listening plays a crucial role. Collaboration with other professionals like architects and computer scientists is common for you as a mechanical engineer.
- mathematical knowledge: Being well-versed in mathematics is a key asset. Applying concepts from calculus, statistics, and other high-level mathematical disciplines is a regular part of your work. You use these skills for analysis, design, and problem-solving.
- competence with machines: Competence with machines is a must. As an engineer with mechanical expertise, you can apply fundamental mechanical principles and procedures to develop innovative products and systems.
- ability to analyze situations: Capacity to analyze situations and provide workable solutions is highly valued. Your strong problem-solving skills are vital to incorporate scientific ideas and discoveries into the design and construction of practical goods.
FAQs about working as a mechanical engineer
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about mechanical engineers.
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what's the job of a mechanical engineer?
Mechanical engineers design energy-generating and energy-consuming devices. Examples of power generation apparatus include electric generators, internal combustion engines, steam turbines, and gas turbines. Mechanical engineers design more than just elevators and escalators for indoor use.
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does mechanical engineering require math?
Most of your jobs will require you to know how to do math. Mechanical engineers use math for various tasks, such as using physics formulas to figure out values like energy and force, using algebra to build suspension systems, and writing computer code based on algorithms.
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how much is a mechanical engineer paid?
In May of 2021, a mechanical engineer earned a median salary of $95,300 per year. This is a fairly high-paying professional career.
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why are mechanical engineers important?
Mechanical engineers handle air and water pollution, seawater desalination, engine efficiency, alternative fuels, and biodegradable materials to battle climate change and work toward a sustainable future.
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what are the career opportunities as a mechanical engineer?
Mechanical engineers are in high demand in the computer and electronic product production, transportation equipment manufacturing, and scientific research and development service sectors.
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how do I find a job as a mechanical engineer?
Applying for a mechanical engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our mechanical engineer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
submit your resume
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