Mechanical Engineer

Answer 1

There are many different types of engineering jobs available in the work force. One type is mechanical engineering, which is a branch of engineering that is involved with taking advantage of natural sources of energy. Mechanical engineers design machines and tools that channel energy effectively. Most of them specialize in a certain type of equipment. Some mechanical engineers focus on pollution control; others work with refrigeration systems or automobile engines.

While most mechanical engineers spend a lot of time working directly with machines, some of them are active in other areas. For instance, they may be college professors or work as consultants. Others are more involved with research and development or sales. About seventy-five percent of mechanical engineers work in the manufacturing industry.

In order to become a mechanical engineer, it is usually necessary to get a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Further education will improve one’s chances of a good job; many engineers go to school for master’s degrees after starting their careers in order to advance. Another way to expand one’s knowledge is to subscribe to trade journals and read them regularly.

Depending on the area that one works in, there may be a need to acquire a license, which requires an engineering degree and four years of experience in the field. There is also a test that must be taken before the license is awarded.

Those starting out in mechanical engineering with a bachelor’s degree make an average of about $50,000 a year, while those with a master’s degree usually earn closer to $60,000 when they start out. Mechanical engineers with doctorates can expect a salary of nearly $70,000. Benefits generally include insurance, retirement plans and paid vacations.

Most mechanical engineers have a 40-hour work week, though the number of hours worked may be higher than that at times, especially if they are behind on a project. Some engineers work primarily indoors, while others are out on construction sites much of the time. They sometimes must deal with dangers like heavy equipment or hazardous materials, but work conditions are generally safe. For the mechanically minded, this is a good career path with plenty of opportunity for advancement.