Mechanical Engineer is a professional who designs, manufactures, and evaluates mechanical devices. Mechanical engineers work in various industries that design a wide range of products. They handle industrial machinery, heating, and cooling systems, transportation systems, robotics, and tools. Mechanical engineers mainly work in manufacturing, research, and development companies. Learn, how to become a Mechanical Engineer.
Post Highlights:
- Educational Qualifications
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Educational Qualifications
Individuals require the following education levels-
- High School Diploma or GED (minimum)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (required)
- Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred)
Mechanical Engineering Certifications-
- Assistive Design Certificate
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
- Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
- Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
- Digital Manufacturing and Design Technology Certification
- EPA Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
- Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)
Certification/License
The licenses are as follows-
- For leadership positions – Professional Engineering (PE) License
Work Experience
The experiences are as follows-
- Mechanical Design Experience
- Automotive or Robotics Experience
- Battery Engineering Experience
- Hands-On Hardware Experience
- Industrial-Automation Machine Engineering Experience
- Vehicle Harness Design Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
The responsibilities are as follows-
- Analyze problems and develop solutions
- Assist maintenance planning/scheduling
- Assist with Predictive Maintenance Programs
- Collaborate with project managers and other team members
- Conduct experiments and evaluations to improve product designs
- Create manufacturing documentation
- Create plans and designs using CAD technology
- Design, manufacture, and install components as per the requirements
- Drive new business capture activities for future programs
- Ensure all the products meet compliance regulations
- Estimate budgets and time scopes for each project
- Interact with vendors, suppliers, and consultants accordingly
- Review drawings and models
- Write technical documentation for machine operators
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Abilities/Skills
The competencies are as follows-
- Ability to maintain collaborative relationships
- Ability to write comprehensive technical documentation
- Able to read schematics
- Able to run simulations and analyze test data
- Excellent budgeting and cost-containment skills
- Good time management skills
- Highly analytical mind
- Hydraulics knowledge
- Multitasking ability
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Superior computer skills (CAD, CAM, and Matlab/LabView programs)
- Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
Work Environment
- Required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear and see
- May require an occasional travel
- May be exposed to manufacturing noise, ambient temperatures, close quarters, hazards
- Exposure to vibrations and industrial lighting
Physical Requirements
- Ability to ascend and descend stairs
- Ability to grasp and use small parts
- Occasionally kneel, crouch, and bend as required to perform tasks
- Occasionally lift or move up to 10-15 pounds
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Top Industries
The job places are as follows-
- Agriculture Industry
- Automobile Industry
- Biotechnology Industry
- Defense Industry
- Manufacturing Industry
- Nanotechnology Industry
Job Types
The job titles are as follows-
- Associate Mechanical Engineer
- Building Mechanical Engineer
- Facilities Mechanical Engineer
- Junior Mechanical Engineer
- Mechanical Contact Engineer
- Mechanical Design Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Mechanical Product Engineer
- Mechanical Project Engineer
- Metallurgical/Mechanical Engineer
Salary Information
Mechanical Engineers earn differently at different places depending on their education, experience, and the company volume. The average salary of a Mechanical Engineer is $28.78 hourly and $85,015 yearly in the United States. The hourly or monthly salary increases with the obtaining of work experience. It means more work experience will fetch more salary. The highest hourly paying cities for Mechanical Engineers near the United States are San Diego ($44.61), San Jose ($34.92), Houston ($31.80), Dallas ($31.64), Los Angeles ($31.55), etc.
Benefits/Perks
The most common benefits are as follows-
| 401(K) | Opportunities for Advancement |
| 401(K) Matching | Paid Time Off |
| Life Insurance | Parental Leave |
| Dental Insurance | Professional Development Assistance |
| Disability Insurance | Profit Sharing |
| Employee Assistance Program | Referral Program |
| Employee Discount | Relocation Assistance |
| Flexible Schedule | Retirement Plan |
| Flexible Spending Account | Tuition Reimbursement |
| Health Insurance | Vision Insurance |
| Health Savings Account | Work from Home |
Related: Other Welding Professions
