Mechanical Engineering Jobs
Mechanical engineering is a profession that plays a vital role in numerous industries including construction, manufacturing, robotics and machinery. With diversity ranging from automobile engines to nuclear reactors, mechanical engineers devise the mechanisms that turn potential ideas into practical solutions. The mechanical engineer participates in all phases of project development from research and design through finished manufacturing.
Education and Licensing Requirements
Entry-level positions in mechanical engineering require a Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline. Heavy emphasis is placed on mathematics and science throughout the curriculum. This includes demonstrating a thorough understanding of geometry, algebra, calculus, biology and physics as well as advanced subject matter such as fluid mechanics and hydraulics. To facilitate faster career advancement, many mechanical engineers also choose to pursue a post-graduate degree.
Regardless of the state where they practice, a mechanical engineer must possess a Professional Engineers (PE) license. Qualifying requirements include a bachelor's degree from a college accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Candidates must also accumulate appropriate work experience supervised by a licensed engineer. There are additional tests administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying that must also be successfully completed.
Job Growth and Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics places the median annual salary for a mechanical engineer at £78,160 as of 2010. Growth rates within the profession are projected at 11% from 2008 through 2018. Mechanical engineering jobs are most prevalent in the Midwest, while those with the highest associated wages are located in California and on the east coast.
