MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
WHAT IS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING?
Who makes it possible for you to use your cell phone every day? What about your roller blades, surf board or video games? Your iPod?
Who will design ultra-miniature machines and tiny implantable medical devices that navigate the human body searching for disease and damaged tissue? Who will design more resource-efficient and recyclable products that help improve the environment?
Mechanical engineers! They're responsible for virtually everything you see or use during the course of your day. In fact, chances are a mechanical engineer had something to do with it.
If something moves or uses energy, a mechanical engineer was probably involved in its design or production. Mechanical engineers create and develop mechanical systems for all of humankind – enhancing safety, economic vitality and enjoyment throughout the world. Concerned with the principles of force, energy and motion, mechanical engineers use their knowledge of design and manufacture, joined with operational processes, to progress the world around you. The advancements made by mechanical engineers range from lifesaving medical devices, athletic equipment and personal computers to air conditioners, automobile engines and electric power generation plants. Mechanical engineers also design the machines that produce these products! Virtually every aspect of life is touched by mechanical engineering.
WHAT ARE THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING?
Spanning multiple industries, the career opportunities for mechanical engineers are diverse and found worldwide throughout thousands of companies ranging from large multinational to small local firms. Mechanical engineers impact society by working in one or more of the following industries:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Chemical
- Computer and Electronics
- Construction
- Consumer Products
- Energy
- Engineering Consulting
- Government
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING?
Some mechanical engineers are joining forces with the life science professions and working in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. The entertainment industry even relies on mechanical engineers for sound production, special effects, amusement parks and theater equipment. Job function and responsibilities range from product and systems design engineering to power plant operations, quality control and project management. With experience and further education, some mechanical engineers move into legal or management positions. Others choose fields such as research and teaching.
A Changing World – An Evolving Profession
In the 20th Century, the explosive development and expansion in computer technology gave way to computer-aided-design (CAD) and sophisticated computational software tools which literally changed the face of mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineers could more easily develop efficient solutions to complex technical problems. Today, nanotechnology is making its mark on the profession – attracting mechanical engineers to design technology at one-billionth of a meter. As bioengineers, mechanical engineers are able to experiment with nanoparticles that could be made to isolate and kill cancer cells or to better treat Alzheimer's disease. Also, the growing concern for the planet and the quality of life for future generations have spurred continuing efforts by mechanical engineers to develop equipment and processes to clean up existing environmental problems and prevent their recurrence.
These technologies and a host of others will continue to have an impact on lives throughout the 21st century, and their development and refinement require the skills, intuition and creative ability of mechanical engineers. At the same time, mechanical engineers are expected to understand and convey the real-world consequences of technology development alternatives to decision-makers and the public.
WHAT ARE THE EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS?
Employment prospects for mechanical engineers are strong – particularly where local economies are growing and new technologies are emerging. Science and Engineering Indicators report that by 2012, U.S. occupations in science and engineering fields are expected to grow by 1.25 million or 26 percent. According to Mechanical Engineering magazine, $1 trillion in products and about 2 million jobs worldwide will be affected by nanotechnology over the next 10 years. Consider for a moment that for every worker in the field of information technology, another 2.5 jobs are created in related areas. That means that nanotechnology has the potential to create 7 million jobs globally in the next 10 years!