Mechanical Engineers

Career summary

#No alternate titles for this occupation CJ

Mechanical engineers work on projects such as:

• Designing renewable energy systems
• Developing more efficient machines

Mechanical engineers draw their designs using drafting tools and computer-assisted design (CAD) software. They also study blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings. They work with clients and other designers to fine-tune designs.

Mechanical engineers build a prototype (or model) of a design so they can test to see if it works properly. They adjust the design and construction so that machines and tools function as intended.

They calculate the cost and get bids from different companies for materials and production. Some may assess the system's impact on the environment.

Engineers may oversee the construction and assembly of the machines and tools they design. This allows them to continue fine-tuning their designs in order to improve their function.

Mechanical engineers also develop a maintenance schedule for machines and tools. If there are problems, mechanical engineers evaluate and find solutions to the problem. They tell mechanics which repairs to make and test the fixed system.

Mechanical engineers may work in a company with many departments. They may be responsible for all mechanical tools and machines for each department. They provide technical advice and consultation to others. They also manage groups of people who may do the actual construction and installation of tools and machines.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aerospace Engineers
• Bioengineers
• Biomedical Engineers
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Engineering Technicians
• Petroleum Engineers
• Renewable Energy Engineers
• Robotics Engineers
• Validation Engineers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to mechanical engineers.

• Research, design, install, and test mechanical equipment and systems. This includes systems that reduce costs by using less energy or making less pollution.
• Talk to clients about their system needs.
• Study blueprints, drawings, and schematics.
• Draft and draw designs, using drafting tools or computer software.
• Develop and oversee the production of the final product. Research and estimate all costs.
• Work with engineers and other employees during all aspects of the project.
• Develop and test new ways to use machines and equipment. Match equipment together to use the least amount of energy, do the most work, or make the least pollution.
• Test the performance of designs. Check data for examples of energy waste and other areas to improve.
• Change the design of equipment and machinery to meet certain standards. This includes performing certain tasks, using less energy or making less pollution.
• Inspect mechanical equipment and systems for energy use, failures, or problems.
• Set maintenance schedule for machines and equipment. Reduce costs for owners by reducing energy use.
• Manage people who build, assemble, install, and maintain machines and equipment.
• Give technical and environmental information to people who install or repair machines and equipment.

Common work activities

Mechanical engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Analyze data or information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Process information
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Think creatively
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Document and record information
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Teach others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Develop goals and strategies

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, mechanical engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They spend a large part of their day talking to clients or coworkers about projects.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, letters, memos, and in person on a daily basis.
• Regularly work as part of a group or work team.
• Are responsible for work outcomes and results of other workers.
• Have some responsibility for the health and safety of others. The equipment they design must be safe.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment. They may wear safety attire, such as masks and hard hats, to protect themselves.
• May on occasion be exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Work near others. They often share the same office space with other engineers.

Work performance

• Must be highly accurate and thorough in performing the job. Errors could seriously endanger the safety of those who use their products.
• Make decisions that strongly affect their employer and clients. This is because they rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set most daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere. They abide by strict weekly deadlines.
• Repeat the same activities.

Hours/travel

• Generally work a set schedule.
• Work 40 hours per week.
• Often work longer hours to meet project deadlines.

Physical demands

Mechanical engineers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for mechanical engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for mechanical engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

Skills and abilities

Mechanical engineers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.

Use math and science

• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
• Design equipment and technology to meet user needs.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Mechanical Engineering

Other programs of study to consider

• Engineering Mechanics
• Engineering, General
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Pre-Engineering

Training

To work as a mechanical engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Many four-year colleges and universities offer this program of study. You may need between four and five years to complete this program.

Some jobs require a master's or doctoral degree (PhD). For instance, if you are interested in teaching mechanical engineering at a college you need a PhD. Also, many student engineers go to graduate school to specialize in one area of mechanical engineering.

In a typical four-year program, classes include math, basic science, introductory engineering, and social science. Courses may include mechanics and materials, thermal-fluids, and product engineering. You may also study design and manufacturing and mechanical vibration.

Work experience

You should consider participating in an internship with an engineering firm while you are in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

In general, mechanical engineers receive one to two years of on-the-job training. New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. As you gain knowledge and experience you have greater independence and work on more difficult tasks.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Applications
• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
• Drafting
• Electronics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

For entry-level jobs, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Employers may require a master's degree or higher for research, consulting, and managerial jobs.

Employers prefer to hire mechanical engineers who are creative and analytical. They look for people who can solve problems and work with abstract ideas. Oral and written communication skills are also important. Employers look for people who can work on a team. Employers also prefer mechanical engineers who have strong computer skills.

Graduate training is important for advancement and essential for teaching.

Tips

Opportunities are good for those willing to relocate, not only in Washington, but nationally. Some mechanical engineers may also need to be familiar with civil, electrical, or other engineering fields.

Costs to workers

Some workers join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting a license as an engineer-in-training requires:

• an engineering degree from a school approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), or four years of practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer or a combination of education and work experience; and
• passing a written exam.

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

• completion of the engineer-in-training requirements;
• four additional years of active practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of work experience and education; and
• passing a written exam.

Engineers who wish to be licensed as professional engineers must pay $65 to the State for an initial national exam application. After State approval, engineers must pay for the registration examination from the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. The license renewal fee is $116 every two years. Not all engineers in Washington must be licensed.

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program 
PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

#ok4/26/10 lh & 2/15/11, 3/19/13, 12/5/16 cj. 1/30/18 lh. Removed exact fee for the natl exam and left in general statement; rest ok, 4/10/19 cj.

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

#CTW notes: no changes 3/17/08 lh. Modified statements to read like the ones in Aerospace Engineers 3/9/09, cj.Checked licensing info, added CTW & updated fees, 2/14/11, cj. Updated license renewal fee 3/19/13 cj. Updated NCEES ph number; updated natl exam fee from $265 to $350, rest ok 3/2/15 cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Mechanical Engineers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and the engineer's level of training and responsibility.

Mechanical engineers usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, health and life insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Engineering firms
• Navigation and measuring instruments firms
• Aerospace products and parts manufacturers
• Federal government agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow about as fast as average. Growth varies by industry. Mechanical engineers in the engineering services industry are expected to experience much faster than average growth as companies continue to contract work with these firms. Although employment of mechanical engineers in the manufacturing industries is declining, the need for improved machinery and machine tools will create demand. Also, emerging technologies in biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology will create new job opportunities.

Additional job opportunities will arise because a degree in mechanical engineering often can be applied in other engineering specialties. Many job openings should result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers 
1791 Tullie Circle NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
800.527.4723

American Society of Mechanical Engineers 
Two Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
800.843.2763

Careers in Space: A Universe of Options 

Discover Engineering 

eGFI - Dream Up the Future 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Engineering Your Future 

International Society of Automation 
67 TW Alexander Drive
PO Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
919.549.8411

Interview with a Mechanical Engineer 
Career Outlook Quarterly

Nanooze 

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
280 Seneca Creek Road
Seneca, SC 29678

National Society of Professional Engineers 
1420 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
888.285.6773
703.684.2800

SAE International 
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096

Society of Fire Protection Engineers 
9711 Washington Boulevard, Suite 380
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
301.718.2910

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Mechanical Engineers (17-2141.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Applications Engineer, Manufacturing (007.061-038) 
• Automotive Engineer (007.061-010) 
• Mechanical Engineer (007.061-014) 
• Mechanical Research Engineer (007.161-022) 
• Mechanical-design Engineer, Facilities (007.061-018) 
• Mechanical-design Engineer, Products (007.061-022) 
• Solar-energy-systems Designer (007.161-038) 
• Stress Analyst (007.061-042) 
• Test Engineer, Mechanical Equipment (007.161-034) 
• Tool Designer (007.061-026) 
• Tool-designer Apprentice (007.061-030) 
• Utilization Engineer (007.061-034) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Engineer

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Professional