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Gabriel
Student
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What is mechanical engineer and what do they do?
What is mechanical engineer and what do they do?
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2 answers
Chosen Osarodion Iyen
Maintenance
74
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Chosen Osarodion’s Answer
A mechanical engineer is a professional who designs, develops, builds, and tests mechanical systems and devices. They apply principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science to create tools, machines, and technologies that solve practical problems in a wide range of industries.
What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?
1. Design and Development:
Create blueprints, models, and prototypes for machines, devices, or systems.
Use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to visualize and refine designs.
2. Analysis and Problem-Solving:
Analyze mechanical systems to ensure efficiency, safety, and durability.
Solve engineering problems like improving energy efficiency or reducing costs.
3. Manufacturing and Testing:
Oversee the production of mechanical components.
Conduct tests to ensure products meet quality and safety standards.
4. Research and Innovation:
Develop new materials, manufacturing techniques, or energy solutions.
Innovate in areas like robotics, renewable energy, or aerospace systems.
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
Diagnose and fix issues in mechanical equipment or systems.
Improve existing technologies to enhance performance.
Industries Where Mechanical Engineers Work
Automotive: Designing and manufacturing vehicles and engines.
Aerospace: Creating aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
Energy: Working on renewable energy, power plants, or HVAC systems.
Manufacturing: Designing machinery for production processes.
Robotics: Developing automated systems and robots.
Healthcare: Innovating in medical devices like prosthetics or imaging equipment.
Required Skills
Strong background in mathematics and physics.
Proficiency in CAD and other engineering software.
Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Creativity and attention to detail.
Communication and teamwork skills.
Education and Training
Degree: A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is the standard requirement.
Licensing: Some roles require professional engineering licensure (PE).
Certifications: Specialized certifications in areas like HVAC, robotics, or project management can boost career opportunities.
Would you like advice on pursuing or advancing a career in mechanical engineering?
What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?
1. Design and Development:
Create blueprints, models, and prototypes for machines, devices, or systems.
Use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to visualize and refine designs.
2. Analysis and Problem-Solving:
Analyze mechanical systems to ensure efficiency, safety, and durability.
Solve engineering problems like improving energy efficiency or reducing costs.
3. Manufacturing and Testing:
Oversee the production of mechanical components.
Conduct tests to ensure products meet quality and safety standards.
4. Research and Innovation:
Develop new materials, manufacturing techniques, or energy solutions.
Innovate in areas like robotics, renewable energy, or aerospace systems.
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
Diagnose and fix issues in mechanical equipment or systems.
Improve existing technologies to enhance performance.
Industries Where Mechanical Engineers Work
Automotive: Designing and manufacturing vehicles and engines.
Aerospace: Creating aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
Energy: Working on renewable energy, power plants, or HVAC systems.
Manufacturing: Designing machinery for production processes.
Robotics: Developing automated systems and robots.
Healthcare: Innovating in medical devices like prosthetics or imaging equipment.
Required Skills
Strong background in mathematics and physics.
Proficiency in CAD and other engineering software.
Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Creativity and attention to detail.
Communication and teamwork skills.
Education and Training
Degree: A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is the standard requirement.
Licensing: Some roles require professional engineering licensure (PE).
Certifications: Specialized certifications in areas like HVAC, robotics, or project management can boost career opportunities.
Would you like advice on pursuing or advancing a career in mechanical engineering?
Sheila Schultz
Engineering Leader
56
Answers
Brighton, Michigan
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Gabriel,
Thanks for the great question. I am a mechanical engineer by training, and so I will comment on what was interesting for me over my career.
Mechanical engineering is a fantastic foundation for many roles. Initially, I worked in the thermal area where I worked on requirements creation, vehicle development/validation testing (including testing at our proving grounds and out in Death Valley), building analytical models, and designing/releasing HVAC/Powertrain Cooling related systems. Next, I had the opportunity to work as a Vehicle Systems Integration engineer for Propulsion systems which included early vehicle concept, development, and production activities. After this, I shifted to system safety role which included software, controls, and physical part safety. I then led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. I currently lead a company which helps businesses operate more efficiently using software tools and artificial intelligence aids. The mechanical engineering foundation enabled me to have a wide variety of career experiences.
A great foundation for this career is math and science classes. To be a mechanical engineer, you would need to go to university for 4 years. Many people enter programs which offer co-op/internships. For these, you can work a few of your school terms. This enables work experience, different career areas to experience, and an opportunity to earn money along the way. For these programs, it could take 5+ years. Mechanical engineering also has many focus areas, so you can pick the area(s) that you find the most interesting. Some examples include: Thermal systems/fluids, Mechanical Structures, Materials, and Automotive design.
Best wishes to you as you explore your future career.
Thanks for the great question. I am a mechanical engineer by training, and so I will comment on what was interesting for me over my career.
Mechanical engineering is a fantastic foundation for many roles. Initially, I worked in the thermal area where I worked on requirements creation, vehicle development/validation testing (including testing at our proving grounds and out in Death Valley), building analytical models, and designing/releasing HVAC/Powertrain Cooling related systems. Next, I had the opportunity to work as a Vehicle Systems Integration engineer for Propulsion systems which included early vehicle concept, development, and production activities. After this, I shifted to system safety role which included software, controls, and physical part safety. I then led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. I currently lead a company which helps businesses operate more efficiently using software tools and artificial intelligence aids. The mechanical engineering foundation enabled me to have a wide variety of career experiences.
A great foundation for this career is math and science classes. To be a mechanical engineer, you would need to go to university for 4 years. Many people enter programs which offer co-op/internships. For these, you can work a few of your school terms. This enables work experience, different career areas to experience, and an opportunity to earn money along the way. For these programs, it could take 5+ years. Mechanical engineering also has many focus areas, so you can pick the area(s) that you find the most interesting. Some examples include: Thermal systems/fluids, Mechanical Structures, Materials, and Automotive design.
Best wishes to you as you explore your future career.