Mechanical Engineers

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  Career Profile

Mechanical Engineers

What they 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.

Also Called: Application Engineer, Design Engineer, Equipment Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Product Engineer, Project Engineer, Test Engineer, Application Engineer, Design Engineer, Equipment Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Product Engineer, Project Engineer, Test Engineer

$64,560
Starting Salary (2023)
$99,510
Median Salary (2023)
10.0%
Projected Job Growth
281,290
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products, using drafting tools or computer-assisted drafting equipment or software.
Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Cooperation
Innovation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Mathematics
Judgment and Decision Making
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving

Expected Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Common Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

More Info

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