Mechanical Engineering Jobs

Mechanical engineering jobs are available in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, research and development, engineering services and government organizations. Mechanical engineering encompases a wide range of disciplines, most of which command competitive salaries.

Mechanical engineers design, build and test a range of devices, including engines and machines, as well as maintaining existing machinery and fixing problems. A bachelor’s degree is required, and those who wish to apply for managerial mechanical engineering jobs will generally need a graduate degree.

Most Common Job Titles and Descriptions

Here are the most common mechanical engineering jobs:

Structural engineers are responsible for making sure that infrastructure developments such as buildings, bridges and tunnels are safe, fit for purpose and built in a cost effective way. They also review older infrastructure to ensure that they are still safe and structurally sound, and assess their long term refurbishment needs. They analyze the strength, load capabilities and stress quotients of buildings to make predictions about their safety and longevity.

Average salary: $65,000

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Robotics engineers design, build and test machines that are able to build other machines, such as those used in factories or in car assembly. They pay particular attention to the structure, bearings, heat transfer characteristics and joints of the robotic machines they design. They are also involved in the maintenance and upkeep of existing robots.

Average salary: $94,000

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Biomedical engineers work within the healthcare industry, designing a range of prosthetics, mobility aids, artificial organs and other useful biomedical machines. They also create diagnostic and therapeutic machines and modify existing equipment for people with specific special needs.

Average salary: $86,000

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Project engineers work on specific engineering projects, overseeing every aspect of their design, creation and testing and overseeing all areas of the project. As well as assessing technical and financial needs and limitations they make sure that projects stay within budget and are completed on schedule, and manage the project team.

Average salary: $66,000

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Mechanical engineering technicians assist more senior engineers in many different ways They create rough project layouts, produce cost estimates and analyze data, often working on site. Mechanical engineers can generally find entry level positions with an associate’s degree.

Average salary: $52,000

Salary Statistics and Growth

Mechanical engineering jobs have generally competitive pay with average salaries for mechanical engineers around $80,000 per year, which is slightly lower than the average for engineering careers. Those who go on to do a master’s degree can increase their earning potential considerably, earning up to $120,000 per year.

Job Field Growth or Decline

Mechanical engineering jobs are expected to increase around 5% between 2012 and 2022, which is slower than the overall average. However, those who stay abreast of recent technological advantages and choose positions that enhance their knowledge will find better job prospects.

Best States for Mechanical Engineering Jobs

• Ohio
• Texas
• Michigan
• Oregon
• North Carolina
• California

Job Certifications, Training, Education Requirements

While mechanical engineering technicians may find entry-level work with an associate’s degree, mechanical engineers will generally need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree is required for senior or managerial positions. Engineers that intend to offer services to the general public will also need to pass a state licensing exam. After four year’s work experience, mechanical engineers can take another licensing exam to become professional engineers. Some states will require engineers to undergo ongoing education to maintain these licenses. Some positions and industries may also require you to obtain optional certifications.

Where Can I Go From Here?

Mechanical engineers have a wide range of options, and many choose to take on a range of different projects in the first few years after graduation before specializing in a particular discipline. Many go on to become managers and project leaders and command high salaries.

Top 10-20 US Employers in This Field

1. Nasa
2. Google
3. The Boeing Company
4. Apple
5. Lockheed Martin Corporation
6. Microsoft
7. E Aviation
8. United States Department of Energy
9. Ford Motor Company
10. Walt Disney Company

Sources:

• http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/mechanical-engineer/
• https://www.sokanu.com/careers/robotics-engineer/salary/
• http://engineeringcareercoach.com/2013/10/16/top-mechanical-engineering-companies-work/
• http://me.eng.sunysb.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60%3Atrends-in-mechanical-engineering-careers-&catid=66&Itemid=99