Overview of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a field of engineering that encompasses the design, development, testing, manufacturing, maintenance, and control of mechanical and thermal systems and electro-mechanical systems. These systems may range from small machines to large manufacturing plants and complex machines. It is a very diverse field of engineering that touches upon many other disciplines such as aerospace, chemical, electrical, industrial, materials, metallurgical, and transportation engineering.

Career Opportunities Associated with Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering provides a wide range of career opportunities, including positions in research and development, manufacture, operation and maintenance, inspection and testing, and technical sales. Mechanical engineers can find employment in almost any industry, including automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, biomedical, energy, robotics, medical equipment, agricultural equipment, defense, and pharmaceuticals. Some of the most popular job titles for mechanical engineers include product design engineer, automotive engineer, aerospace engineer, biomedical engineer, and renewable energy engineer.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Mechanical Engineering

There are many internship and co-op opportunities related to mechanical engineering. These types of positions provide students with experience in the field while allowing them to gain valuable practical experience. These sorts of programs provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in the design and development of mechanical components and systems, as well as the opportunity to gain further knowledge in mathematics, engineering physics, and manufacturing principles. Many employers offer internships and co-op opportunities for college students that are studying mechanical engineering.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within Mechanical Engineering

Most universities offer a range of tracks or concentrations within Mechanical Engineering, such as robotics, automation, energy engineering, materials engineering, and mechatronics. These tracks or concentrations will develop a student’s ability to tackle a certain problem from a multidisciplinary perspective. Depending on the particular program, some of these tracks may require more math, engineering physics, and manufacturing principles than others.

How Mechanical Engineering Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Mechanical engineering prepares students for graduate school or further education in a variety of ways. Students who pursue a degree in mechanical engineering are exposed to numerous disciplines, which provides a valuable interdisciplinary foundation for further learning. Additionally, mechanical engineering provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working on research projects and designing components and systems. This experience helps prepare students for the rigors of graduate school and gives them the skills they need to excel in their chosen field of study.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Mechanical Engineering

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on mechanical engineering is substantial. With the rise of AI, engineers are increasingly using AI-based technologies and tools to develop and build more efficient and reliable machines and systems. AI-based technologies are being used to enhance the performance of mechanical systems, analyze large datasets, forecast future market trends, and automate mundane engineering tasks for faster and more accurate results. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way mechanical engineering projects are designed and implemented.

The Career Outlook for Mechanical Engineering

The career outlook for mechanical engineering is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for mechanical engineers is expected to grow by 6% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. With the increasing demand for technologically advanced products and systems, more businesses and industries are likely to need mechanical engineers in the near future.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Mechanical Engineering:

California State University Maritime Academy, Salary: $83,137

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Salary: $80,396

University of Pennsylvania, Salary: $78,166

Kettering University, Salary: $76,471

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Salary: $75,414

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Salary: $74,806

University of Southern California, Salary: $74,693

Santa Clara University, Salary: $74,547

University of California-Berkeley, Salary: $73,836

Oakland University, Salary: $73,808

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.