What do you do as a Mechanical Engineer?
I have been accepted to a college with Mechanical Engineer major, and I want to know what I can expect to see when I get a Job as one. Will I be filing reports, testing designs or sitting at a desk? Can I expect to get any hands on work or is it all through programs like an auto-CAD? #mechanical-engineering
2 answers
Justina’s Answer
It has been my experience in interacting with mechanical engineers that they can either do experimental work (hands-on) or theoretical work. Experimental work ranges from field technicians who repair (e.g., repair instruments) to R&D engineers who build/create while theoretical work is using software to design/build models. Colleges tend to be heavier on theoretical with less focus on experimental - this does not reflect the actual world.
Sam’s Answer
My job in new product development is very broad in scope, meaning I am responsible for every mechanical aspect of the product I'm working on. For example,
Brainstorming, idea generation, and concept creation
Patent searching
Design calculations and simulations
Prototype development
Writing reports and procedures and giving presentations
Product assembly and testing
Training technicians and customers
I would say I have a very good job because I'm always doing something different, which mixes-up the work day and keeps the job fresh. I like this. It's a good fit for me and I'm blessed to have found such a job.