What are mechanical engineering jobs?
Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, production and operation of engines, machines, and other apparatuses. Mechanical engineers are always in high demand by companies who are behind the development of new technologies for manufacturing and production processes.
Ready to take your career to the next level?
There’s never been a better time than now to start your career in Mechanical Engineering – with so many industries relying on this field, now is an excellent time to get in on the ground floor. This article will break down all you need to know about mechanical engineering jobs, from what they entail and what you need for education and certifications, through to which industries offer them and where they’re located.
Qualifications for mechanical engineering jobs:
To make it as a mechanical engineer you need to have knowledge in mathematics and science. You’ll also need to know how materials work together structurally. And last but not least you’ll need to be creative since you will be designing things. Most mechanical engineers have a bachelor’s degree and certification. To become certified, you need to pass two exams that the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) writes and maintains.
They’re called the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. The FE exam tests basic mechanical engineering principles on a variety of topics while the PE exam tests your knowledge in different fields, such as thermal or fluid systems. Before you can sit for either test, you must be a college graduate with at least three years of work experience OR have several years’ work experience combined with an advanced degree.
Many mechanical engineering jobs:
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing engines and machines. They design everything from automation systems and robotics to pumps and electric motors. And mechanical engineering isn’t just a single career; it’s also a field that graduates can work in a variety of industries. From Fortune 500 companies like Apple or Boeing to small businesses, you can find your perfect fit – expected salary according to US Bureau of Labor Statistics is $90,490 per year or higher. Search through the following list to find jobs in your area:
Mining & drilling equipment manufacturing
Industrial machinery manufacturing
Manufacturing, mechanical design and related services, except medical and dental equipment and supplies manufacturing
Automobile dealers
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
Water transport terminals
Aerospace product and parts merchant wholesalers
Airport terminal operators
Other transportation equipment wholesalers
Other transportation equipment repair, except aircraft .
Advantages:
Start your career as a mechanical engineer jobs you’ll be involved in complex projects all over the world. You’ll be designing, creating, troubleshooting and inspecting engines, machinery, automation systems and more. You’ll get to work with electronic controls and manufacturing systems at the highest level, so you can make important decisions that can impact everything from energy storage to medical devices. Not only that but you might also get to travel a lot if you want; many companies will send their mechanical engineers on international trips helping with product launches or maintenance. Not bad for a job.
Job outlook:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 18% increase in jobs for mechanical engineers between 2016 and 2026. This is a faster rate of growth than the average for all jobs. It’s safe to say that if you take a job as a mechanical engineer you will have plenty of opportunities to move up within your field.
Employment breakdown:
As of May 2015, 77% of mechanical engineers are employed in private firms. An additional 14% work in state governments, while 7% work in local governments and 2% work in the federal government. The average starting salary for new graduates with a bachelor’s degree is $55,600 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .
Disadvantages:
Mechanical engineering jobs are available all over the United States, with the most common locations being California, Texas, Florida, Washington and Pennsylvania. But if you want to live in a certain city or state you’ll have to start looking early. If you don’t get your foot in the door as a mechanical engineer it’s going to be very hard to break into that industry again, since many companies only hire mechanical engineers from their hometowns. So if you want to live and work in California for example, it’s best not to graduate from college there unless you plan on staying there for a long time (more than one year).
Other mechanical engineering jobs:
Mechanical engineers are constantly in demand in the following industries:
Oil and gas extraction
Aerospace manufacturing
Other manufacturing industries
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
Other transportation equipment wholesalers .
Millwork, cabinet making and similar Woodworking, furniture finishing, cabinet making and similar Manufacturing, mechanical design and related services, except medical and dental equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers .
