Careers for Mechanical Engineering Majors by Daniel Lambraia

A degree in mechanical engineering opens a broad range of possibilities. The knowledge gained enables graduates to pursue a career in fields ranging from aerospace and civil engineering to manufacturing or robotics to construction management.

Design Development

Following the research and development of a basic concept, engineers are often called upon to transform a concept into reality. Initially, they create digital or hard copy blueprints that provide a physical representation of the future part or machine. After creating a blueprint, an engineer often uses a computer-aided design program to create a three-dimensional prototype. After further testing and evaluating, an engineer may need to alter the computer programs based on any flaws or shortcomings noted in the prototype.

Once the final product is created, the engineer again evaluates and tests the creation in order to ensure that it functions as required and meets other specification. When the finished work meets a rigid set of standards, it may then be mass produced as needed.

Materials Engineering

Graduates choosing the field are responsible for developing, processing and testing materials used in a variety of products that might be required in the biomedical, computer, manufacturing or another industry.

Engineers study in detail the characteristics of ceramics, metals, nanometals, plastics or other raw materials in order to create something new. The process may entail using chemical, electrical or mechanical procedures to develop the material needed to meet the client's specifications.

Patent Engineer

In this profession, engineers decide if an invention is worth a patent by examining and testing all of the characteristics of the item or substance. Along with engineering, experts additionally need to learn about patent law.

Research Consultant

The knowledge possessed by a mechanical engineer is necessary to manufacture parts for the aerospace, automotive or other industries. The engineer must become familiar with the problems a client might have in order to devise corrections or adaptations to an existing device. Someone might request the development of a newly manufactured item.

In this instance, the engineer must understand how the device or machine must function in order to get a specific job accomplished. The engineer's opinion is needed to determine the health, environmental and safety properties of the items manufactured. An engineer might also work in an industrial or scientific laboratory and assist in the development of electrical or mechanical components.