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Mechanical Engineer

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Are you fascinated by how machines work, how to improve them, and how to design new ones? Mechanical engineers combine a strong understanding of physics and mathematics with creativity and analytical abilities to solve real-world problems, including design, manufacturing, and testing of machines and systems. They work in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, robotics, manufacturing, and energy.

Day-to-Day Duties

As a mechanical engineer, you may be involved in the following tasks:

  • Designing and developing new machines, systems, and devices
  • Testing and evaluating existing machines and systems to improve performance
  • Analyzing data to identify problems and develop solutions
  • Creating computer simulations to model and analyze mechanical systems
  • Working with other engineers and technicians to bring products to market
  • Teaching or conducting research in the field of mechanical engineering

Challenges

Some of the challenges that mechanical engineers face include:

  • Keeping up with the latest technological advancements
  • Working under tight deadlines
  • Solving complex problems
  • Managing multiple projects simultaneously
  • Working in a team environment
  • Meeting the needs of customers and clients

Projects

Read more

Are you fascinated by how machines work, how to improve them, and how to design new ones? Mechanical engineers combine a strong understanding of physics and mathematics with creativity and analytical abilities to solve real-world problems, including design, manufacturing, and testing of machines and systems. They work in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, robotics, manufacturing, and energy.

Day-to-Day Duties

As a mechanical engineer, you may be involved in the following tasks:

  • Designing and developing new machines, systems, and devices
  • Testing and evaluating existing machines and systems to improve performance
  • Analyzing data to identify problems and develop solutions
  • Creating computer simulations to model and analyze mechanical systems
  • Working with other engineers and technicians to bring products to market
  • Teaching or conducting research in the field of mechanical engineering

Challenges

Some of the challenges that mechanical engineers face include:

  • Keeping up with the latest technological advancements
  • Working under tight deadlines
  • Solving complex problems
  • Managing multiple projects simultaneously
  • Working in a team environment
  • Meeting the needs of customers and clients

Projects

Some of the projects that mechanical engineers may work on include:

  • Designing and developing a new type of engine
  • Creating a prototype for a new product
  • Troubleshooting a problem with an existing machine
  • Developing a new manufacturing process
  • Conducting research on a new material
  • Teaching a course on mechanical engineering

Growth Prospects

Mechanical engineering is a growing field, with a projected increase in employment of 4% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for mechanical engineers in the automotive, aerospace, and robotics industries.

Skills

Some of the skills that mechanical engineers need include:

  • Strong analytical skills
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Creativity and innovation

Qualifications

Most mechanical engineers have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Some employers may also require a master's degree or doctorate. Mechanical engineers must be licensed in some states.

Personal Growth

Mechanical engineering is a challenging and rewarding field that offers opportunities for personal growth. Mechanical engineers can develop their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. They can also learn about new technologies and industries.

Personality Traits

Some of the personality traits that are common among successful mechanical engineers include:

  • Curiosity
  • Creativity
  • Analytical thinking
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork skills

Self-Guided Projects

There are many self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career in mechanical engineering. Some of these projects include:

  • Building a model car or airplane
  • Designing and building a simple machine
  • Conducting experiments to test different engineering principles
  • Shadowing a mechanical engineer
  • Interning at a company that employs mechanical engineers

Online Courses

There are many online courses that can help students learn about mechanical engineering. These courses can provide students with a foundation in the basic principles of mechanical engineering, as well as more advanced topics. Some of the skills that students can learn from online courses include:

  • Computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Finite element analysis (FEA)
  • Thermodynamics
  • Fluid mechanics
  • Solid mechanics

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about mechanical engineering, but they are not enough to prepare students for a career in the field. Students who want to become mechanical engineers will need to supplement their online learning with hands-on experience and coursework from an accredited university.

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Salaries for Mechanical Engineer

City
Median
New York
$130,000
San Francisco
$135,000
Seattle
$135,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$130,000
San Francisco
$135,000
Seattle
$135,000
Austin
$130,000
Toronto
$137,000
London
£95,000
Paris
€61,000
Berlin
€96,000
Tel Aviv
₪472,000
Singapore
S$143,000
Beijing
¥467,000
Shanghai
¥550,000
Shenzhen
¥505,000
Bengalaru
₹170,000
Delhi
₹730,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Mechanical Engineer

Take the first step.
We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to Mechanical Engineer. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
This classic textbook offers a comprehensive treatment of matrix theory, including a thorough discussion of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and is suitable for advanced undergraduates or graduate students.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360, covering the basics of CAD, CAM, and CAE. It great resource for beginners who want to learn how to use Fusion 360.
Provides an in-depth exploration of eigenvalues and eigenvectors from a geometric perspective, offering a unique and visually appealing approach to understanding the concepts.
This French-language textbook classic in the field of linear algebra, offering a rigorous and comprehensive treatment of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, among other topics.
Explores the interplay between graph theory and eigenvalues, providing a deep understanding of the spectral properties of graphs, which are essential for applications in network analysis and data science.
Focuses on the numerical computation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices, providing practical algorithms and techniques for solving large-scale problems, making it essential for researchers and practitioners in scientific computing.
Covers the emerging field of tensor networks and its applications in quantum information theory, including a discussion of the role of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in understanding quantum entanglement.
Covers numerical methods for linear algebra, including algorithms for computing eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and is suitable for students and researchers in scientific computing and engineering.
Written by a renowned expert in the field, this book offers an in-depth look at the design, analysis, and performance of rocket propulsion systems, covering both liquid and solid propellants.
Is written for machinists who want to use Fusion 360 to create toolpaths and g-code for their CNC machines. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic CAM to advanced toolpath optimization.
This German-language textbook provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to linear algebra, including a thorough treatment of eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
This classic text, written by a pioneer in the field, focuses on the design and analysis of propulsion systems for aircraft flying at high speeds, including supersonic and hypersonic regimes.
Explores the theory and applications of stochastic matrices, which are matrices with nonnegative elements and row sums equal to one, including a discussion of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in the context of Markov chains.
This open-source textbook covers eigenvalues and eigenvectors as part of its comprehensive treatment of linear algebra, making it a valuable resource for gaining a broad understanding of the topic.
This classic textbook on quantum mechanics includes a thorough discussion of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in the context of quantum systems, making it a valuable resource for students and researchers in physics.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of jet propulsion and gas turbine engines, including their history, thermodynamics, and performance characteristics.
Provides an overview of propulsion systems used in spacecraft, covering the principles, performance, and design of chemical, electrical, and nuclear propulsion systems.
Provides a historical perspective on the development of rocket propulsion, tracing its origins from ancient China to the present day.
Covers the design and performance of propulsion systems used in underwater vehicles, including submarines, remotely operated vehicles, and autonomous underwater vehicles.
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