4 answers
Kailyn
Student
Salinas, California
3
Questions
Updated
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What do you like/dislike about being a Mechanical Engineer?
What projects have you done? is your team supportive and has good leadership?
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4 answers
Stephen Griffin
New Product Introduction Engineer
9
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
I have worked as a mechanical engineer for around 10 years now and one of the first thing I think of, when reflecting on what I enjoy, is the variety in the type of work you can do, the myriad of roles you can undertake and the wide array of industries you can work in. My own career has seen me delve into product design, quality, manufacturing, technical sales, and continuous improvement. I've worked in the fields of aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods, each with its unique advantages and challenges. This flexibility to switch between industries and roles is undoubtedly one of the biggest perks of being a mechanical engineer.
My personal preference leans towards product design and manufacturing, as I find immense satisfaction in crafting innovative solutions and bringing them to life. I really enjoy when I can work with my hands and build or test something that I have been working on.
Another aspect that I enjoy is the chance to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. The learning experience from colleagues with diverse expertise is enriching. If you're someone who enjoys traveling for work, mechanical engineering offers ample opportunities. My career has taken me across the US and to Asia, Central America, and Europe, an aspect I consider a bonus, although it may not be everyone's cup of tea.
However, every profession has its challenges. In mechanical engineering, it's the constant tug-of-war between project timelines and design development. At times, you may have to compromise on certain design features due to time or budget constraints. The friction between sales and engineering can also be a source of frustration when unrealistic promises are made to customers.
To give you a glimpse into my work, some of my projects include designing metal bushings and bearings for aircraft landing gear, developing repair instructions for aircraft landing gear in collaboration with the FAA, integrating collaborative robots into an assembly line to boost production, designing and building assembly lines for pool products, and aiding in the development of battery cooling lines for electric vehicles.
My personal preference leans towards product design and manufacturing, as I find immense satisfaction in crafting innovative solutions and bringing them to life. I really enjoy when I can work with my hands and build or test something that I have been working on.
Another aspect that I enjoy is the chance to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. The learning experience from colleagues with diverse expertise is enriching. If you're someone who enjoys traveling for work, mechanical engineering offers ample opportunities. My career has taken me across the US and to Asia, Central America, and Europe, an aspect I consider a bonus, although it may not be everyone's cup of tea.
However, every profession has its challenges. In mechanical engineering, it's the constant tug-of-war between project timelines and design development. At times, you may have to compromise on certain design features due to time or budget constraints. The friction between sales and engineering can also be a source of frustration when unrealistic promises are made to customers.
To give you a glimpse into my work, some of my projects include designing metal bushings and bearings for aircraft landing gear, developing repair instructions for aircraft landing gear in collaboration with the FAA, integrating collaborative robots into an assembly line to boost production, designing and building assembly lines for pool products, and aiding in the development of battery cooling lines for electric vehicles.
Mark Albrecht
Mechanical Engineer
14
Answers
Stowe, Vermont
Updated
Mark’s Answer
As a professional in the field of mechanical engineering, my experience spans across product design. This role offered a unique blend of creativity and technicality, allowing me to conceptualize innovative designs. Moreover, it provided me the opportunity to employ finite element analysis, a critical tool for ensuring the safety and reliability of the design.
What I found particularly fascinating was witnessing the transformation of a mere concept into a tangible product, ready for market release. However, like any job, there are less appealing aspects. Regardless of the field, whether it's engineering or any other professional function, paperwork is an inevitable part of the process. While it doesn't particularly irk me, when compared to the creative aspect of design, it is certainly a less exciting responsibility.
What I found particularly fascinating was witnessing the transformation of a mere concept into a tangible product, ready for market release. However, like any job, there are less appealing aspects. Regardless of the field, whether it's engineering or any other professional function, paperwork is an inevitable part of the process. While it doesn't particularly irk me, when compared to the creative aspect of design, it is certainly a less exciting responsibility.
David Emerson
Mechanical Engineer
20
Answers
Crawfordsville, Indiana
Updated
David’s Answer
Great question! A great thing about an engineering education, and specifically mechanical engineering, is that it is a broad base from which you can build your career. You can focus and specialize, or you can be more broad in your interests. I am more of a generalist, and have been able to be involved in a lot of really cool and diverse projects in my career in heavy industry. Sometimes it is as simple as designing a stairway that meets code around existing equipment in order to get a person to where they need to be. Another project allowed me to learn all about sanitary wastewater treatment systems when we converted our sewer systems. Many times I've been asked to figure out how to make a piece of equipment more reliable. Once I got to assemble a team to understand our office needs, work with architects to design a building, interview builders, and work with them to build an office building. In all of these, there are problems that come along and we get the opportunity to figure out the best path around them.
As to the team and leadership, that all depends on the company culture. In this regard, I have been very blessed. I hear stories of other engineers where this is not so, so I recommend doing your homework on a company and talking with folks who work there. You can find them through LinkedIn or other networks pretty easily.
As to the team and leadership, that all depends on the company culture. In this regard, I have been very blessed. I hear stories of other engineers where this is not so, so I recommend doing your homework on a company and talking with folks who work there. You can find them through LinkedIn or other networks pretty easily.
Wajid Ali
Electrician
4
Answers
Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Updated
Wajid’s Answer
I'm working as a mechanic for 8-9 years experience.
I love mechanical engineering.
Mechanical engineering is one of the most attractive fields.
I'm enjoying my work as a mechanic.
But also you have to be careful and active.