Mechanical Engineers help solve difficult abstract problems with practical real-world solutions that will run safely, efficiently, and reliably. Touching on countless aspects of our daily lives, from the movement of machines to the human body itself, this is one of the most diverse fields of engineering.
WHO ARE THEY?
Mechanical engineering is the study of objects and systems in motion, and it
is among the most diverse fields of engineering, touching upon innumerable
aspects of our daily life—from the movement of machines to the human body
itself. Mechanical engineers are creative and analytical. They’re problemsolvers
Mechanical engineering is the study of objects and systems in motion, and it
is among the most diverse fields of engineering, touching upon innumerable
aspects of our daily life—from the movement of machines to the human body
itself. Mechanical engineers are creative and analytical. They’re problemsolvers
and difference-makers. Virtually every product that helps humankind was at
some point touched by a mechanical engineer. They ask questions,
design and develop solutions, and constantly test and re-test to ensure the
solutions they are building run safely, efficiently, and reliably. Mechanical
engineers work across almost every industry you can think of, including health
care, energy, transportation, biotechnology, robotics, and more. They solve
huge problems, from world hunger to space exploration. At a company like
Boeing, you might even get to work on the International Space Station or the
NASA docking system!
solutions they are building run safely, efficiently, and reliably. Mechanical
engineers work across almost every industry you can think of, including health
care, energy, transportation, biotechnology, robotics, and more. They solve
huge problems, from world hunger to space exploration. At a company like
Boeing, you might even get to work on the International Space Station or the
NASA docking system!
WHAT DO THEY DO?
Mechanical engineers turn brilliant ideas into reality. They analyze complex
problems and figure out how mechanical and thermal devices might help
solve them. They build solutions and then test and update those solutions
to ensure that the products and services that make it to the consumer will
work well and last. They may also oversee the manufacturing of these
products and services. At Boeing, mechanical engineers work on creating
physics models of how things will work—including work on the International
Space Station, NASA’s Space Launch System, the Starliner next-generation
space capsule, and the NASA docking system! Mechanical engineers design
and oversee the manufacturing of a huge breadth of products, from medical
devices to refrigeration and cooling systems, and elevators to automobiles.
Mechanical engineers turn brilliant ideas into reality. They analyze complex
problems and figure out how mechanical and thermal devices might help
solve them. They build solutions and then test and update those solutions
to ensure that the products and services that make it to the consumer will
work well and last. They may also oversee the manufacturing of these
products and services. At Boeing, mechanical engineers work on creating
physics models of how things will work—including work on the International
Space Station, NASA’s Space Launch System, the Starliner next-generation
space capsule, and the NASA docking system! Mechanical engineers design
and oversee the manufacturing of a huge breadth of products, from medical
devices to refrigeration and cooling systems, and elevators to automobiles.
HOW DO I BECOME ONE?
Mechanical engineers will likely need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical
engineering or mechanical engineering technology, and more senior
positions may require a master’s degree in a related field. Mechanical
engineering degrees will equip students with skills in mathematics, life
and physical sciences, and engineering and design. To prepare for this
career, students should concentrate on building the foundations of these
skills in high school, taking courses such as algebra, calculus, statistics,
biology, physics, and computer science, along with courses like CAD if your
school offers them. Internships and co-ops will also be important for those
who want to advance in this career. Students interested in mechanical
engineering must be creative and have strong listening and problem-solving
skills, in addition to proficiency in math and science disciplines.
Mechanical engineers will likely need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical
engineering or mechanical engineering technology, and more senior
positions may require a master’s degree in a related field. Mechanical
engineering degrees will equip students with skills in mathematics, life
and physical sciences, and engineering and design. To prepare for this
career, students should concentrate on building the foundations of these
skills in high school, taking courses such as algebra, calculus, statistics,
biology, physics, and computer science, along with courses like CAD if your
school offers them. Internships and co-ops will also be important for those
who want to advance in this career. Students interested in mechanical
engineering must be creative and have strong listening and problem-solving
skills, in addition to proficiency in math and science disciplines.
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