Engineering is a broad field of study hence, provides a lot of job opportunities. The broadest of all the disciplines in this field is mechanical engineering. And this means that there are different types of mechanical engineering jobs available.
We can’t deny that mechanical engineers are world changers. We seem not to get enough of their ingenuity as we come across their inventions every now and then.
So, read on to see the different jobs one can get in mechanical engineering and the estimated annual earnings.
What Is Mechanical Engineering?
According to Wikipedia, mechanical engineering is an engineering discipline that combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.
This field requires an understanding of focus areas such as mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, structural analysis, and electricity.
For this reason, mechanical engineering continuously creates headways that place them in constant pursuit of development in areas like nanotechnology, mechatronics, and composites.
What Does A Mechanical Engineer Do?
Mechanical engineers are a vital part of our lives. So, here is what their job description looks like.
How To Become A Mechanical Engineer?
The quest to becoming a certified mechanical engineer is no small feat. Therefore, to make it a dream come true, you will first need to get a bachelor’s degree from an accredited mechanical engineering school.
Also, mechanical engineering programs majorly deals with the practical application of engineering principles. Hence, you may have to undergo a series of internships to work in the industry.
Additionally, some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. While some offer a 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plan that enables students to gain relevant experience and earn money to finance part of their education.
You can also seek to get your license in a state where you wish to work in.
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What Are The Qualities Of A Mechanical Engineer?
There are distinct qualities a mechanical engineer must possess to do well in this field. Some of those characteristics are;
Types Of Mechanical Engineering Jobs And Their Salaries
According to BLS, employment of mechanical engineers is predicted to grow by 4 percent in the next ten years, as fast as the average for all occupations.
Mechanical engineers can work in many industries and on many types of projects. As a result, their growth rate will differ from the industries that employ their services.
So, here are the types of mechanical engineering jobs and their salaries. For these jobs, you can expect to work full-time or 40 hours a week. Also, the salaries of these jobs are as seen on Indeed
#1. Machinery Manufacturing Engineer
In this sector, you will be expected to manufacture heavy machines like printing machines, laser marking machines, and lots more like that.
Processes involved in this machine manufacture is welding, bending, forming shapes of different pieces of metal.
The average annual salary for this mechanical engineering job is $82,819.
#2. Automation Engineer
Automation engineers design, test, program and maintains the machine or system. They work closely with clients to understand the process or task being automated.
Automation engineers need to stay up to date on safety and health regulations, including sanitation and how close the automated systems will be to people.
The annual salary of this job is $90,024.
#3. Controls Engineer
A controls engineer is needed in the automobile industry to design automobiles. Also, they design new ways of using power to improve new products. They equally develop maintenance and testing procedures for components.
More so, their annual salary is $62,098.
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#4. Research and Development Engineer
Research and development engineers build new manufacturing methods and products. They also improve existing systems to increase productivity, safety, and efficiency. In addition, they build concept designs, test prototypes, and help take new methods and products to market. They always have to be innovative and analytical to recognize problems and find solutions.
The annual average salary for these set of mechanical engineers is about $92,781.
#5. Computer And Electronic Product Manufacturing Engineer
These computer and electronic product manufacturing engineers oversee the manufacture of components for computer peripherals and like products.
On the other hand, such components are transformed into other products such as toys, cars, and appliances.
The annual salary is $93,070.
#6. Project Engineer
Project engineers see to it that projects meet deadlines and stay within budget. Also, they make sure that effective communication exists among members of the staff.
Acting as a liaison officer, they assure the accuracy of financial forecasts, which tie-in to project schedules.
The average annual salary for this type of mechanical engineering job is $71,489.
#7. Materials Engineer
These mechanical engineers use plastics, metals, and other existing materials to create new materials that can be used for specific products.
They spend a lot of time designing and testing products, this is due to the hands-on experience mechanical engineers are mostly endowed with. Hence, they must be up-to-date with the industry’s standards.
The annual salary is $91,310.
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#8. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Technician
A CAD technician uses CAD software to create technical drawings and plans for products used in the engineering, construction, and manufacturing industries. Additionally, they use it to create designs in 2D and 3D representations.
The blend of their engineering, IT, and mathematical skills to design buildings, machinery, products, and parts is invariably unique. And thus, their annual income is $48,394.
#9. Nanotechnologist
Nanotechnology embraces science, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and computer science. Thus, its application helps to develop new materials and equipment.
The work of a nanotechnologist involves designing and conducting experiments based on monitoring nano-scale systems (either organic or inorganic) with the aid of other researchers across several disciplines.
The annual salary is $97,250.
#10. Mechatronics Engineer
This type of mechanical engineering job is viewed as ‘modern mechanical engineering design’ and is majorly the design of computer-controlled electromechanical systems.
Some examples of mechatronic systems include a CD or DVD player, a computer hard disc drive, a video cassette recorder (VCR), and an anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The annual salary for this set of engineers is $67,446.
FAQs
What is the job outlook for mechanical engineers?
Employment of mechanical engineers is predicted to grow by 4 percent in the next ten years. Therefore, they can work in many industries and on many types of projects.
Are there a lot of job opportunities open to mechanical engineers?
Being one of the broadest in the engineering field, mechanical engineering has a lot of opportunities with some good pay.
How do I become a mechanical engineer?
Apparently, all you need to do to become a certified mechanical engineer is to acquire a bachelor’s degree from any of the mechanical engineering schools. Bagging a master’s and a PhD will also be an added advantage.
Conclusion
Mechanical engineering has proven beyond a reasonable doubt to be a course worth studying, and it has created more job opportunities for Mechanical engineers of different specializations.
So go through this post and discover the various types of Mechanical engineering jobs, and choose which one suits you.
Good luck!
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