What they do
Did you know that mechanical engineers designed and tested the first successful rollercoaster. Overall mechanical engineers design mechanical products and test them. Some even get to use a CDA computer program to make designs for customers they talked to. Also mechanical engineers study blueprints, schematics and technical drawings. A fun aspect of the job is that they test the products they make and improve products and systems already made. In addition you may work in a large company that has many departments and manage groups that are making your product.
Related Occupations
- Drafters
- Engineering Technicians
- Environmental Engineers
- Petroleum Engineers
Working Conditions
- Medium level of social contact
- Communicate daily with co-workers
- Work often as part of a group or team
- Almost always work indoors
- May wear safety attire like hard hats, masks.
- Work near others
- Must be highly accurate with work
- Rarely consult with supervisor
- Work in moderately competitive atmosphere
- Repeat same activities daily
- Work about 40 hours a week
- May work overtime to meet project deadlines
Training
- Have a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Be creative
- Be curious and detail oriented
- Have strong analytical skills
- Try to work in an internship while in college
- At start you will work under guidance of experienced engineers
Educational Programs
- Biological Systems Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Helpful High school Courses
- Computing Systems
- CAD Design Software
- Biology
- Science Technology and Engineering
- Linear Algebra
- Computer Math
- Calculus or Pre-Calculus
Wages
In Washington the average hourly wage is 28.93 an hour to 42.57 an hour. This comes out to be about 5,014 to 7,378 monthly. The national yearly wage is 67,590 a year. Benefits include paid vacation, sick leave and health and life insurance. Most companies also offer a retirement plan.
Outlook
The outlook for becoming a mechanical engineer is very bright. From 2004 to 2009 there is expected to be a better than average growth of 13.3% and about 269 new openings a year. This would be a good job to pick because of all the new job openings.e
