My day typically starts with our team being contacted by a customer who wants to test their component(s) or the full-scale engine. From there, they give us a particular set of requirements to look out for and test like pressure, propellants, etc. We then contact the design end of our team to develop a test area at our facility that can accommodate the requirements. I participate in design reviews and prepare documentation. In the activation phase, we physically test the component or engine.
CAREER
Mechanical Engineers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$90,160
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+3.9% (slower than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Mechanical Engineers Do
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Other Job Titles Mechanical Engineers May Have
Application Engineer, Design Engineer, Design Maintenance Engineer, Equipment Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Process Engineer, Product Engineer, Project Engineer, Test Engineer
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Assistant Thermal Systems Engineer ,
National Solar Observatory - Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope
In construction a great day would involve great weather, sunshine, low wind, and a full crew working in their various trades with all their materials/tools on hand and with little to no safety hazards being observed.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
- Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
- Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
- Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
- Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Mechanical Engineers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (56%)
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Mechanical Engineering
Associates
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
You need to have a strong interest in science and math otherwise pursuing this career will be challenging.
Assistant Thermal Systems Engineer ,
National Solar Observatory - Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope
Training in various CAD software, programming, Microsoft, and knowing how to troubleshoot. Training in the proper use of tools from the most basic hand tools to power tools. Having great interpersonal skills is also very important.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Middle School Students
Be curious about the world. Math and science are important subjects to be interested in. Find hobbies that challenge you to learn more about how things work. Build things, even if it's just with cheap hand tools.
High School Students
College Students
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
