Mechanical Engineering

Job Description:

Mechanical engineers design power-producing machines, such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. Mechanical engineers design other machines inside buildings, such as elevators and escalators. They often work on a wide range of projects.

Salary average: Mechanical engineers have an average salary from $62,000 to $110,000 per year. The national average is about $83,459 per year.

Occupational Outlook:

The job outlook for this career is a 10.0% employment growth between 2022 and 2032. There will be an estimated 28,500 job openings for this career.

Links to Learn More About This Career:

Educational Requirements:

Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technologies. Mechanical engineering programs usually include courses in mathematics and life and physical sciences, as well as engineering and design.

University of Kentucky

Address: Lexington, KY

Website: https://www.uky.edu/

Information on the Major: https://www.engr.uky.edu/research-faculty/departments/mechanical-and-aerospace-engineering/graduate/mechanical-engineering

Western Kentucky University

Address: Bowling Green, KY

Website: https://www.wku.edu/

Information on the Major: https://www.wku.edu/me/

University of Louisville

Address: Louisville, KY

Website: https://louisville.edu/

Information on the Major: https://engineering.louisville.edu/academics/departments/mechanical/

Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:

Mechanical engineers need knowledge of engineering science and technology
They need math, design skills, and analytical skills to come up with new ways of doing things.
They have to have the ability to work well with others, be thorough and pay attention to detail, and be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently.
They also need to manage a project team of technicians, designers, and other engineering professionals

Software Knowledge Needed For This Career:

Mechanical engineers need to know how to use Mathcad, Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, Microsoft Excel, etc. Mechanical engineers use computers extensively, and they are routinely responsible for the integration of sensors, controllers, and machinery. Computer technology helps mechanical engineers create and analyze designs, run simulations, and test how a machine is likely to work.

Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career

Pros (Positives to this Career)

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering fields, so you can design and oversee the manufacture of many products.
Mechanical engineering is perfect for creative minds to design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery.
Mechanical engineers make good money, around $80,000 a year, which is higher than most jobs.

Cons (Negatives to this Career)

Mechanical engineers often work at a computer or at a desk designing, so not a lot of hands-on projects.
Mechanical engineers may have to get re-licensed periodically as technology changes rapidly.
Mechanical engineers work more than 40 hours a week, with lots of overtime, and frustrating work.

Typical Working Conditions For This Career:

Mechanical engineers generally work in offices, but they may occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs their attention. In most settings, they work with other engineers, engineering technicians, and other professionals as part of a team. Most mechanical engineers work full-time and some work more than 40 hours a week.