Types Of Mechanical Engineering Jobs

Last Updated on July 29, 2023

Types Of Mechanical Engineering Jobs

Choosing the Mechanical Engineering Jobs, Best jobs for mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering jobs salary is a difficult thing to do, especially if you are a newly certified or have just graduated from an institute that deal with Mechanical Engineering. The article below will help you make the right decision. 

Mechanical engineers are employed in many different industries, ranging from aerospace companies to biomedical technology firms. Typical job duties include drafting work for machining, designing parts used in automobiles, testing different components to determine their durability, and developing new concepts for businesses. Electrical engineering jobs are normally closely related to mechanical engineering, but they are slightly different because the former deals with electrical power and energy while the latter concerns mechanical forces such as movement and friction.

Mechanical engineering jobs are essential to the growth of the world’s economy. Mechanical engineers work with machines and equipment, and they need to be able to understand the way those machines work in order to maintain them properly. There are many different types of mechanical engineering jobs, and each one requires a different set of skills and experience.

You may complain that it is hard to get the right information online, but the article below gives you the best and latest information on mechanical engineering subjects.

You will also find related posts on mechanical engineering salary, roles and responsibilities of mechanical engineer to what do mechanical engineers do, mechanical engineering courses requirements on infolearners.

Types Of Mechanical Engineering Jobs

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Let’s take a look at some mechanical engineering jobs that run the gamut from entry-level to positions requiring experience and higher degrees. 

Test engineer

Test engineers design and implement tests to ensure that a product is properly functioning and upholding its intended quality. They are part of the entire process from designing test parameters to drafting the final testing procedures. They generally work with the design team, write plans, troubleshoot errors, write final quality assurance procedures, train staff, and prepare reports for upper management. 

A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. It’s also common for test engineers to hold master’s degrees in fields like Software Engineering or Computer Science. 

The average salary for a test engineer is $71,478 per year. 

Project engineer

Project engineers are pivotal players to bring new processes or products to life. A project is a set of activities that engineers, drafters, and designers make happen. These projects tend to have a project manager who ensures all deliverables and timelines are moving forward smoothly. It’s the job of a project engineer to communicate with the project manager about the technical aspects of what’s needed. 

Depending on the type of project and company, a product engineer’s duties vary. But, they generally assist in preparing the project’s schedule, planning resources and assigning technical responsibilities as necessary. They also help to make sure that forecasts are aligned with goals and reality. 

On average, they earn $67,607 annually. 

Sales engineer

Sales engineers are in charge of handling the technical piece of a sales process. This means that they work with the sales team to educate customers on the technical and functional components of a product or service. They are well-versed in the technical aspects of their product and service, so their role is to ensure that customers are satisfied and supported if they need assistance. They also may run the product demo to convert a prospect into a paying customer. It’s a good fit for those with both technical acumen and sales skills. 

On average, sales engineers earn $87,598 per year. 

Product quality engineer

A product quality engineer creates strategic plans to increase output and enhance business processes. They may set a company’s quality standards and testing systems, create documentation for error reporting, and define the process for resolving issues. 

It’s typical for quality engineers to progress into executive or managerial positions. To become a product engineer, most companies like to see a minimum of a bachelor’s degree but prefer to hire someone with a master’s degree. 

The average annual salary of a senior product engineer is $81,511. 

Mechanical design engineer

A mechanical design engineer is responsible for creating, developing, and testing tools, machines, and sensors. They combine their knowledge of physics, mechanics, and chemistry and apply it to creation. They also are in charge of collecting data on the performance of their devices and then overseeing the manufacturing process. 

Mechanical design engineers must earn their bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. 

On average, they earn $70,964 annually. 

Process engineer

Process engineers, or chemical engineers, are tasked with creating a scientific process to transform raw materials into products. Commonly, they are hired by pharmaceutical companies or work within the food and beverage industry. They may recommend the types of processes and equipment that will be necessary for the transformation, too. 

As a process engineer, you can expect to earn an average salary of $74,822 per year. 

Systems engineer

Systems engineers work within the realm of internet technology to ensure that services are properly installed, maintained, and managed. This can include IT security, email, networking, and disaster recovering. They are experts in hardware and software and work alongside IT teams to maintain proper and efficient functioning of IT within an organization. 

A systems engineer makes an average salary of $77,768. 

Best jobs for mechanical engineers

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Here are the six best-paying jobs in mechanical engineering:

1. Automation engineer

National average salary: $90,024 per year

Primary duties: Automation engineers design, build and maintain self-operating machines and processes. They work closely with clients to understand the process or task being automated. An automation engineer then designs, tests, programs and maintains the machine or system.

Automation engineers need to stay up to date on safety and health regulations, including sanitation and how close the automated systems will be to people. These tasks often require precise motions and careful timing. Automation engineers often work in the manufacturing and food processing industries, where robots are used on the assembly line to perform specific tasks.

Education requirements: These engineers usually have a master’s or bachelor’s degree and several years of experience.

2. Research and development engineer

National average salary: $92,781 per year

Primary duties: Research and development engineers build new manufacturing methods and products. They also improve existing systems to increase productivity, safety and efficiency. They build concept designs, test prototypes and help take new methods and products to market. Research and development engineers need to be innovative and analytical to recognize problems and find solutions. They work in a deadline-driven environment and need to be able to work both independently and with a team.

Education requirements: Depending on the field in which an R&D engineer works, they may need a bachelor’s or master’s degree. For aerospace research and developing engineering and other competitive fields, candidates should have a Ph.D.

3. Senior mechanical engineer

National average salary: $99,376 per year

Primary duties: Senior mechanical engineers work with a team to plan, design and develop products. They might work on mechanical parts, circuit boards, sensors and electrical systems, depending on the design team. Senior mechanical engineers can also help with designing and implementing the manufacturing process and packaging for the product. They need to be able to conceptualize products and solutions, then build and test the products to make sure they are safe and work according to designs.

Additional duties include writing technical reviews and improving products once they’re sold on the market. They might also lead a team and are expected to have an advanced understanding of the production process.

Education requirements: Senior mechanical engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience. They also usually need a PE (Principals and Practice of Engineering) certification.

4. Senior design engineer

National average salary: $100,882 per year

Primary duties: Senior design engineers specialize in creating new products. They usually lead a team from the beginning of the project through production. Senior design engineers often act as project managers by working with customers to understand their goals and requirements, developing a schedule and budget, leading the team through the design process and working to improve processes for future projects. They need to be able to assess and communicate risk, understand high-level design processes and lead product testing.

Senior design engineers often act as a liaison between the engineering team, customer and other stakeholders in projects. They need to be organized, inventive and able to communicate complicated ideas and systems to different audiences. Senior design engineers might work closely with vendors and manufacturers to negotiate costs and deadlines, improve delivery processes or schedule orders.

Education requirements: Senior design engineers should have at least a bachelor’s degree and several years of practical experience. Most candidates have a PE as well.

5. Powertrain engineer

National average salary: $102,363 per year

Primary duties: Powertrain engineers are mechanical engineers that work in the automotive industry. They improve the appearance and performance of engines, the powertrain, electrical components and software in modern vehicles. Powertrain engineers might work with motorcycles, cars and commercial vehicles, like box trucks and semi-trucks. They work closely with clients to meet their goals and answer any questions they have.

Powertrain engineers determine project timelines and budgets, build and test prototypes, analyze data and research materials. They are also responsible for making sure that vehicles meet government emissions and safety requirements.

Education requirements: Powertrain engineers usually have a bachelor’s degree but a master’s degree could increase earning potential.

6. Instrumentation engineer

National average salary: $107,881 per year

Primary duties: Instrumentation engineers specialize in equipment that monitors and controls engineering systems. They design, build, test, install, manage and maintain equipment that ensures other engineering systems work correctly. They need to understand how many systems work together, how and where to measure acceptable ranges and stay current on changing health and safety regulations.

Instrumental engineers often act as consultants and offer advice regarding systems, processes and equipment. Instrumentation engineers also often write software programs, business proposals and reports on their findings. They can be involved in purchasing, operations and changing processes. Instrumentation engineers work in many different industries, including nuclear and renewable energy, environmental agencies and independent quality control commissions.

Education requirements: Depending on the industry, an instrumentation engineer may need a bachelor’s or master’s degree to be a competitive candidate.

Mechanical Engineering jobs Salary

Types Of Mechanical Engineering Jobs: Full Career Guide

The median annual wage for mechanical engineers is $88,430. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,130, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $138,020.

The median annual wages for mechanical engineers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

Scientific research and development services$101,780
Computer and electronic product manufacturing$95,260
Architectural, engineering, and related services$90,560
Transportation equipment manufacturing$90,350
Machinery manufacturing$80,720

Most mechanical engineers work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week.

Alternative careers for mechanical engineers

Hence, the best alternative careers for mechanical engineers include:

  • Aerospace industry
  • Project Management
  • Chemical industry
  • Procurement and Purchase
  • Technical Writing
  • Construction industry
  • Academic faculty
  • Supply chain management
  • Operations management
  • Logistics
  • Technical consulting
  • Technical training
  • Technical sales

Aerospace Industry

Mechanical engineers possess skills that can be applied in most fields of study thereby making professionals in the field to be sought after.

In the aerospace industry, mechanical engineers design, manufacture, and test aircraft and the products that the aerospace industry uses on daily basis.

In addition, mechanical engineers design and test spacecraft structures like the satellite. They ensure that satellites withstand the force of a rocket launch. Mechanical engineers also make sure that the satellite’s solar cells work well in orbit and its rocket engine is efficient with fuel use to reach orbit successfully.

They can also carry out projects such as mission systems, airframe structural analysis, and design, or flight tests.

Project Management

Project management deals with connecting individuals, teams, and various tasks between departments that are carrying out a project. As a project manager, you will be tasked with designing, developing, testing, conducting assessments, and planning work strategies for project completion.

Mechanical engineers can fill this leadership role by applying their communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with people.

This career is one of the best alternative careers for mechanical engineers at the entry-level.

Procurement and Purchase

This is the process of purchasing equipment and parts for various projects at the appropriate price and quality so that the equipment can be delivered at the right time.

If you are procurement personnel, you will make sure that products are delivered to customers or the project development team at the right time.

Your solid mechanical engineering background will help you to assess the product and technical specifications carefully before buying it. Similarly, the product could be worth millions of dollars, so your negotiation and communication skills as an engineer will help you interact with the sellers.

Technical Writing

Writing happens to be a very rewarding career. Mechanical engineers who wish to choose another career can go into writing technical materials.

According to reports, technical writers are very much in demand at the moment. So, mechanical engineers can apply their engineering knowledge to write well-researched technical articles covering different subjects.

Construction Industry

In the construction industry, mechanical engineers design, build, establish, and maintain all kinds of mechanical machinery, tools, and components.

Depending on the level of experience, mechanical engineers can work in the Planning Department, Material management, Construction Management, Site executive/supervisor, Sales, and Marketing team

The construction industry offers the most alternative careers for mechanical engineers.

Academic Faculty

Many students move ahead to acquire graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering after the bachelor’s degree program. If they wish not to practice in the field, they can go ahead to train other students in educational students including colleges and universities.

While teaching engineering students, you will have the opportunity to help students develop problem-solving by looking at the creative aspects of engineering. You will apply real-world examples to bring technical and scientific theories to life.

Additionally, teaching students will enable you to specialize in a particular area of mechanical engineering. During your specialization, you will also carry out personal research.

Teaching and academics happen to be one of the prominent alternative careers for mechanical engineers.

Supply Chain Management

This role deals with handling raw materials, production lines, manufacturing processes, and logistics to ensure that customers receive quality products regularly.

In addition, supply chain management involves improving the chain of distribution by providing the best customer service and at the same time reducing cost as well as employee safety.

This role can be quite tasking if you work with a larger firm where you will work with business managers and technicians. So, you need sharp interpersonal and communication skills to thrive well in this role.

As a mechanical engineer working in this role, your analytical, technical, and research skills will help you to seek out new opportunities and recommend new schemes to make the business more profitable.

Supply chain management is one of the most rewarding alternative careers for mechanical engineers.

Chemical Industry

Chemical industries employ the services of mechanical engineers to work on the chemical processes. Here, mechanical engineers design the mechanical equipment and help with the materials that will be used for production.

The field of mechanical engineering is very interdisciplinary. Many mechanical engineers working in chemical industries find themselves doing similar work with specialists in the field.

Operations Management

This is an important link between all the productions and the marketing aspect of the manufacturing firm. It has a close relationship with the supply chain.

Mechanical engineers can fill the role of operation managers to buy raw materials and deliver products to customers. They also evaluate and improve the day-to-day running of a manufacturing firm.

You also need to plan ahead and put strategies in place for future development. In addition, your analytical skills as an engineer will help you to deal with problems that can limit work processes using the data you get.

Operations management is one of the best alternative careers for mechanical engineers.

Logistics

Logistics deals with the physical movement of raw materials to industries, the distribution of products to customers, and all the financial transactions involved in the whole process. In addition, logistics cover processing and tracking orders, working with departments to check availability of products, forecasting to meet changes in the market, and shipping.

This field requires a lot of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. As a mechanical engineer in logistics, you will have to apply your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills always because every situation needs a cost-benefit analysis. Additionally, your communication skills will help you relate with co-workers whenever there is a tough task to tackle.

Technical Consulting

The role of technical consultants is to help firms solve any business problems facing them. It could be anything that wants to pose a threat to the progress of that company.

As a mechanical engineer, you will have to use data analysis and statistical modeling in order to get creative solutions to such business problems. Keep in mind that you will have to back up the creative solutions with your technical knowledge and analytical skills.

Your technical knowledge and skills may also be needed to guide the implementation of specialist technology or equipment.

Technical Training

Manufacturing companies require their employees to use, install, and operate complex equipment and modern technological systems. This is where the services of mechanical engineers are employed.

With their technical expertise and communication skills, mechanical engineers train employees in manufacturing industries on technical standards, company-specific software packages, manufacturing equipment, and health and safety processes.

As a mechanical engineer who is offering technical training, you will have to create technical training courses and materials for all levels, starting from workers with the most basic technical knowledge to workers with high-level technical skills and engineering backgrounds.

Technical Sales

Mechanical engineers in technical sales apply their knowledge of engineering to present innovative ideas to clients so as to win business for an organization.

Your comprehensive knowledge of engineering will help you to stand-out in technical sales. The knowledge will help you to understand any technical issues and advise clients on how your organization can help them to solve the problems.

To be successful in this role, you will work across an organization with people in research, development, design, and purchasing.

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