Mechanical Engineer: Job Description, Education, Career Prospects & Salary

The field of mechanical engineering deals with the application of physics and other science fields for creating useful vehicles, structures and other mechanical objects. Candidates can either take up the general path to become a mechanical engineer or specialize in a field of interest - aerospace, automotive, robotics etc. Engineers are trained to utilize a variety of skills and techniques for designing, development and testing of mechanical objects. A mechanical engineer can either work alone or as part of a team, depending on the nature of the project undertaken. Given below are details on the job description, how to get trained, job skills required and career prospects.

Job Description
A host of expert technical skills are required for becoming a successful mechanical engineer. These professionals play an important role in the creation of effective tools for a wide range of industries. For instance, the engineer may be given the task of formulating an air-conditioner which is better and more efficient than the existing air-conditioning equipment. Mechanical engineers may also be busy checking flaws in various equipment and engineering products. Computer efficiency is a must to have a successful career as a mechanical engineer. The designing and documentation work behind engineering research is often done with the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD).

The work environment and the work setting of mechanical engineers depend on the industry they choose and their job description. Though engineers spend most of their time in front of computer, they may also be involved in some hands-on work with mechanical objects, materials and structures. Engineering professionals are involved in a variety of projects that may include working on engines, tools and machines to make them more efficient and user-friendly.

Mechanical engineers are employed not only in the development and manufacturing field, but they are also found in fields like sales, maintenance and management. The field of mechanical engineering is not a limited field, but it encompasses a wide range of disciplines. These engineers remain busy in the development, repair and testing of a variety of mechanical structures and objects. Some of these are listed below.

Machines
Engines
Tools
Turbines
Generators
Air-conditioning Equipment
Refrigeration System
Industrial Manufacturing Equipment
Elevators
Robotics Manufacturing

Educational Requirement & Training
Candidates who aspire to become a mechanical engineer need to have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. The bachelor's degree is the least requirement for obtaining entry level jobs in this field of engineering. A master's degree helps candidates in landing higher salary jobs and making the most of their career. If you want to enter the area of management, you can also decide to obtain a master's degree in engineering management. Engineers who serve the public also need to fulfill the necessary licensing requirements.

To be able to obtain this license and become a licensed mechanical engineer, candidates need to first complete a degree program which is approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), pass two exams (Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam) along with spending a few years as an engineering intern or engineer-in-training.

 Job Skills
To remain competitive in this field, candidates also need to possess some other essential skills. Core engineering knowledge and continued professional development are essential to making a successful career. Skills that candidates needs to have include a string knowledge of mechanical systems, a solid understanding of engineering design principles, problem solving capability, excellent communication skills, mathematical skills, information technology skills, power of visualization, persistence and determination among others.

Career Prospects
In the year 2006, the United States had employed around 227,000 mechanical engineers. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth rate for mechanical engineering jobs is expected to increase at a rate of 4% through to the year 2016. However, industries like biotechnology, nanotechnology and materials science will bring the maximum job opportunities.

Annual Salary
The annual salary for entry level job positions ranges between $49,333 and $68,268. Mechanical engineers who work for the federal government earn a high salary of around $84,720 annually. Salaries also vary depending on the geographical location and the work experience you carry.