What is mechanical engineering

Our graduates are found throughout the world—in companies ranging from the smallest to the largest in existence. Please take a moment to think about to think about what you have done today. Did you switch on a light, open a door, ride in an elevator, travel by car, or use a computer?

If the answer to this question is yes, then your activities have been influenced by the practice of mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineering is as broad in opportunity as is the difference between microscopic gears and 12 story high boilers.

Mechanical engineering is concerned with the design, manufacture, and operation of components, devices, or systems such as:. This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of mechanical engineers. Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings. Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products.

Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture machines and other devices. Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation.

For more information about general engineering education and mechanical engineering career resources, visit. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. American Society for Engineering Education. Technology Student Association. Engineering Education Service Center. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. National Society of Professional Engineers. Automotive Engineers. Fuel Cell Engineers. Mechanical Engineers. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.

Last Modified Date: Wednesday, September 8, The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties. The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation.

This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area.

For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Additional training needed postemployment to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation. Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

The employment, or size, of this occupation in , which is the base year of the employment projections. The projected percent change in employment from to It is the application of science and technology to solve real-world problems, through the manipulation of moving parts.

Mechanical engineers create prosthetic limbs. They design new technology to improve food production, invent 3D printers and wireless chargers, and develop better water supplies. They even create robotic manufacturing plants. And yes, they also make fast cars, faster planes and even faster rockets. They do this all over the world, and almost every industry you can think of relies on mechanical engineering to thrive.

Mechanical engineers will help find the answers to these big questions and more. Undergraduate students have the option to choose a direct pathway: mechatronics , biomechanics or nano-science and molecular engineering. All undergraduate students complete a senior capstone project , for example by solving medical challenges through Engineering Innovations in Health EIH.

Data science degree options are also available. Many students at both levels utilize the flexibility of the degree to participate in internships, study abroad and pursue research. Mechanical engineers are employed in nearly every kind of industry and business type, from small startups to Fortune companies.

They are involved with seeking new knowledge through research, creative design and development, and with the construction, control, management and sales of the devices and systems needed by society.