Become A Mechanical Engineer: Schooling, Licensing, Jobs & Salary Info

When it comes to engineering, the discipline of mechanical engineering is probably the broadest because of how much it encompasses. A mechanical engineering touches virtually every aspect of automobiles, aerospace, computers, automation, and almost every other industry you can imagine that has moving parts. Mechanical engineer typically specialize in part of the industry, and there are many different fields you can choose to specialize in.

Read on to learn more about what mechanical engineers do, what they specialize in, and how you can become one.

What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineers work everyday to make our lives easier. From ground breaking rockets, to lifesaving medical devices, mechanical engineers are responsible for creating new, ground breaking inventions. By using their extensive knowledge in design, materials, and manufacturing, mechanical engineers are solving many issues in the world today.

Learn about mechanical engineering technician and more.

What do Mechanical Engineers do?

Depending on where you work as a mechanical engineer will determine your day to day. There are many different industries you can work in, from house hold goods to military equipment. Say you decide during your schooling that you want to take your love of coffee and transfer it to creating the perfect coffee maker. Your day will look incredibly different than someone who is focused on car parts or fluid mechanics. Because careers in mechanical engineering are so diverse, there isn’t a real reliable daily schedule of job to-dos.

Most mechanical engineers work on teams, with tasks interrelated yet sometimes separate. As a mechanical engineer, you must have great communication and time management skills. You may be working in an office setting, using computer aided design (CAD) technology. Or, you could be in the “field,” working in the oil or energy industry. Your work setting will be as varied as your daily tasks.

Will I Make A Good Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical engineers are tinkerers at heart, discovering new ways to improve products and create new inventions that save time and energy. Here are some traits that help make successful mechanical engineers:

• Engineering, Physics Mathematics are all part of mechanical engineering. In order to excel in this field, you must be able to calculate math problems accurately.
• Excelling in mechanical engineering goes deeper than love and understanding of the core STEM principles. You have to be able to creatively problem solve within the perimeters of your project. You’re designing or building complex products and you need to possess the creative vision, as well as the problem-solving tactics, to overcome any potential roadblocks.
• You must be able to work on a team because mechanical engineers often work on teams, especially at large companies.
• You need to be constantly learning. Our world and the way we connect with things is constantly changing. The tools and technologies used in your field will evolve, so you’ll need to stay on top of the trends by learning and adapting.

Mechanical Engineering School

To have a career as a mechanical engineer, you must have, at the very least, a bachelor’s degree. In order to earn a bachelor's degree, you’ll need first to graduate high school or get your GED. In high school, your focus should be on math and science, as well as humanities and computers. Take a heavy math load including geometry, trigonometry, algebra, calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology. You’ll need to be sure that you’re looking at schools with a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) when it comes time to apply to college. Accredited programs are important to hiring managers, especially for your first couple of jobs. After that, your experience may speak louder than your degree.

There is another option, but you’ll still need your high school diploma or GED, and that’s to get a two-year, pre-engineering degree so you can work as a mechanical drafter before transferring to a four-year program.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs:

A bachelor’s degree program typically takes four years to complete, but sometimes it can take a bit longer. Through the mechanical engineering curriculum, you’ll learn the essential elements necessary to getting your license. From the designing through the manufacturing, you’ll have a full range of knowledge how it all works. You’ll design, test, and learn the tools of your trade. Examples of classes you’ll take are Intro to Engineering, Product Realization, Metals Selection, and Heat Transfer.

Master’s Degree Programs:

Although not entirely necessary, master’s degrees are available. They are good for those who want more advancement opportunities or to specialize further. These master degree programs generally take two years to complete. The curriculum usually includes courses such as Product Definition, Simulation Modeling, Experimentation, Patent Law, and Project Management.

Specialized Areas: Biomedical, Design and Innovation, Transportation Systems, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Design and Development, Biomedical and Engineering Fluid Mechanics, Combustion and the Environment, and more.

Mechanical Engineering Licensing

To work as a professional engineer, you’ll need a license. Each state happens to have a different set of requirements. However, the necessary steps needed to reach the licensing stage are similar.

• Exam: As you get close to graduating with a bachelor’s degree, you’ll have to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. You’ll have to pass this before you can even be considered qualified for taking the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, which you have to have to become licensed.
• Intern: Once you have graduated from your chosen program and have passed the FE, you can become an intern or an engineer-in-training (EIT). It’s the first step toward getting your license.
• Experience: You’ll work, for four years, under the tutelage of a professional engineer. Your school will help you find an appropriate internship.
• Licensing Requirements By State: It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the requirements for your state. We will go into more state-by-state detail further on in this article.
• Preparation: This is the final step you’ll take before taking your state’s Principles and Practice of Engineering licensing exam. There are all types of online and in-person study courses available. Weigh your options and do what’s most convenient for you.
• Take the exam. Some states may require you to keep your licensed renewed yearly, and most states will honor a license from other states.

Mechanical Engineering Jobs Outlook

The Bureau of Labor statistics reports that demand for mechanical engineers is expected to grow much faster than average through 2032, by around 10 percent. As technology continues to develop into more areas of our lives, mechanical engineers of many different disciplines will continue to be in demand.

Mechanical Engineer Salary Info

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineers made an average salary of $105,220 in 2023, with the top 10 percent making $157,470 or more.

Highest Paying States for mechanical engineers in 2023

State by State Licensing Requirements

For Engineers with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering careers provide high job satisfaction, while maintaining an average stress factor. So, if you’re a naturally curious person who enjoys solving problems, then mechanical engineering may be the right fit for you.

References

http://ncees.org/licensing-boards/