3 answers
Kelly
Student
Esmeraldas
3
Questions
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What do you like about being a mechanical engineer? What do you do in your work?
I am still deciding on what career to pursue! :) #career-choice #career
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3 answers
Brayden Reiland
119
Answers
Corvallis, Oregon
Updated
Brayden’s Answer
Hello!
One of the things that attracted me to mechanical engineering was team work and problem solving. Engineers do a ton of problem solving. Whether is trying to figure out why a machine stopped working or working to design a new part for a project they are always problem solving. For me I have always loved being presented a problem, there being no known solution for the problem, and then using your imagination and problem solving skills in order to solve the problem. One of the great things about being a ME is that in order to problem solve you end up using tools like math and physics in order to help better understand whether or not your solution is going to work. Math and Science is something that ive always enjoyed so being able to use these subjects to then solve my problem making it much more enjoyable.
I also love the team work aspect of engineering. I think one of the biggest misconceptions of science in general is that its done alone in a lab and a single person solves a problem. That is simply not the case and typically it takes a team of people, sharing thoughts and ideas in order to solve a problem. Ive always enjoyed hearing what people have to say and using their experiences to help guide their decision making. I think working with others is the best way to maximize your potential becuase you are able to work off others and when combing everyone's brain power achieve some amazing things.
Hopefully this helps you understand why engineering is a great profession.
One of the things that attracted me to mechanical engineering was team work and problem solving. Engineers do a ton of problem solving. Whether is trying to figure out why a machine stopped working or working to design a new part for a project they are always problem solving. For me I have always loved being presented a problem, there being no known solution for the problem, and then using your imagination and problem solving skills in order to solve the problem. One of the great things about being a ME is that in order to problem solve you end up using tools like math and physics in order to help better understand whether or not your solution is going to work. Math and Science is something that ive always enjoyed so being able to use these subjects to then solve my problem making it much more enjoyable.
I also love the team work aspect of engineering. I think one of the biggest misconceptions of science in general is that its done alone in a lab and a single person solves a problem. That is simply not the case and typically it takes a team of people, sharing thoughts and ideas in order to solve a problem. Ive always enjoyed hearing what people have to say and using their experiences to help guide their decision making. I think working with others is the best way to maximize your potential becuase you are able to work off others and when combing everyone's brain power achieve some amazing things.
Hopefully this helps you understand why engineering is a great profession.
Mark Morgan
Telecom Engineer/Truck Driver
148
Answers
Newburgh, Kentucky
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Kelly!
Brayden's answer is a great answer and so true! For me it is how every day is different. There is planning, documenting, reporting... You know lots of stuff you do sitt'n on your duff. But then... There is the hands on! Making, repairing, replacing.
The other thing for me during my career has been that it's not just an 8 to 5 Monday through Friday. Maintenance and upgrades and things like that have to be done outside of regular business hours. These have to be scheduled and planned... also announced to customers and other members of the team.
Hope this gives you some idea!!
Mark
Brayden's answer is a great answer and so true! For me it is how every day is different. There is planning, documenting, reporting... You know lots of stuff you do sitt'n on your duff. But then... There is the hands on! Making, repairing, replacing.
The other thing for me during my career has been that it's not just an 8 to 5 Monday through Friday. Maintenance and upgrades and things like that have to be done outside of regular business hours. These have to be scheduled and planned... also announced to customers and other members of the team.
Hope this gives you some idea!!
Mark
Dan Kosuda
Field Service Engineer
7
Answers
Long Beach, California
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Mechanical Engineering is a base knowledge that can go in a lot of directions. A typical mechanical engineer may work mostly in an office to support design, repair or integration of components. I myself did not enjoy as much office work so I went the route of field service engineering, which has much less design work little office time. A lot of my time is spent outside, around live machinery, in different environments, and troubleshooting problems. I enjoy this aspect.
You will also need to take into consideration the size of the company and the industry you work in. Generally, the larger the company the more specific your role will be. Smaller companies and startups like to have engineers that can take a project from cradle to grave without relying on too many other teams. Industry can dictate your pay range and also the prospects for future growth.
Specifically, in my role I work as a field service engineer. That means that I don't report to an office. I commute from home to a jobsite which can be 10 miles away or 500 miles away. The company covers all the travel and living expenses. At those job sites I work with a specific job scope to help solve a problem or install new equipment. I'm educated mechanical engineering but I've had to pick up basics in electrical engineering, computer science, controls engineering, reliability and project management to fully support what I do.
You will also need to take into consideration the size of the company and the industry you work in. Generally, the larger the company the more specific your role will be. Smaller companies and startups like to have engineers that can take a project from cradle to grave without relying on too many other teams. Industry can dictate your pay range and also the prospects for future growth.
Specifically, in my role I work as a field service engineer. That means that I don't report to an office. I commute from home to a jobsite which can be 10 miles away or 500 miles away. The company covers all the travel and living expenses. At those job sites I work with a specific job scope to help solve a problem or install new equipment. I'm educated mechanical engineering but I've had to pick up basics in electrical engineering, computer science, controls engineering, reliability and project management to fully support what I do.