What is a Mechanical Engineer?
The field of mechanical engineering as we know it today came about around the same time as the industrial revolution which started in Europe in the late 1700s. Even so, we see evidence of mechanical engineering being employed by countless societies across the globe for thousands of years, It is considered to be the broadest category of engineering and encompasses many different sub-fields.
Mechanical Engineers have a pivotal role in all sectors: manufacturing, biotech, computers and electronics, automation, automotive and of course...aerospace. A Mechanical Engineer conceptualises designs, improves upon them and brings them to life: this could be a design for smartphones, tools, engines or anything you can imagine.
A Mechanical Engineer can design and build everything. Be that small parts such as miniature connectors to larger machine tools like vices or drill presses. It is their job to bring a product to life, from the beginnings of design aesthetics to the functionality and hardiness of the product.
Some of the products that a Mechanical Engineer might be expected to work on are: transmissions, aircraft engines, space shutting engines, control systems, semiconductors, fuel cells, robots and turbines. Basically, if it moves, a Mechanical Engineer is there to see that it moves properly.
What are the responsibilities of a Mechanical Engineer?
- Assessment of project requirements
- Assessment of mechanical component, device and engine performance
- Coming up with budgets, timeframes and specs with clients or managers
- Maintaining equipment to ensure it is reliable, efficient and above all - safe
- Executing research
- Producing new designs and testing them
- Presenting new ideas
- Testing, evaluating and testing some more the product
- Overseeing the manufacturing process
- Creating reports
- Data analysis
Where can a Mechanical Engineer work?
Wherever there is innovation, you will find Mechanical Engineers. That means you are employable everywhere. If you want to up your chances of finding a job, industries like: pharmaceuticals, defence, electric consumer goods, construction, automotive and of course aerospace are looking for professionals like you.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Work, these’s were the industries that hired Mechanical Engineers the most in 2020:
- Architectural and construction: 22%
- Machinery 13%
- Science, research and development - 7%
- Transport equipment building - 12%
- Computer and electronic goods - 7%
What makes a good Mechanical Engineer?
The best Mechanical Engineers pride themselves of raw innovative prowess and take pleasure in figuring out complex problems. The ability to communicate clearly is a must both in spoken and written form and working in teams will be commonplace so be prepared to share responsibilities. The future is in your hands and you must be excited about the prospect of working on cutting-edge technologies whilst also learning to make things work more efficiently.
A good engineer gains a great sense of accomplishment designing and building products that solve mechanical problems within tight time restraints. You will find yourself working with people who are not at all familiar with the field and you need to be ready to explain to them how things work so when we say communication skills are a must - we’re not just referring to your team but potential clients too. It’s your job to explain the processes effectively and clearly.
Furthermore you may often be expected to take a leading role in mechanical design and other associated projects so leadership skills are a plus.
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