What Does A Mechanical Engineer Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Stan T.Career, Overview

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical Engineers 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.

Salary
$95560
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match


What they do

Mechanical Engineers 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.

  • Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
  • Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems, or processes to meet requirements.
  • Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
  • Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including the selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Mechanical Engineers confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information. They perform personnel functions, such as supervision of production workers, technicians, technologists, or other engineers.

A typical day for a Mechanical Engineer will also include:

  • Design integrated mechanical or alternative systems, such as mechanical cooling systems with natural ventilation systems, to improve energy efficiency.
  • Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems, or processes to meet requirements.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
  • Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
  • Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Mechanical Engineers also direct the installation, operation, maintenance, or repair of renewable energy equipment, such as heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or water systems. They may also recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Mechanical Engineers design test control apparatus or equipment or develop procedures for testing products. They might also estimate costs or submit bids for engineering, construction, or extraction projects.

In addition, they recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs.

To some Mechanical Engineers, it is also their responsibility to develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

Average

Is this job meaningful

Average

69% said they were satisfied with their job and 53% said they found their job meaningful.


Frugal Consultancy & Design Limited

I’m a Freelance Engineering Designer who provides mechanical, structural, and related design consultancy services to other businesses in the manufacturing, engineering & construction sectors. I worked for various companies on a staff basis between 2004-2012 before going freelance. I was always creative at school, counting art, graphics, and D&T among my favourite subjects. I chose … Read More


I have two functions. As the support engineer, I start my day answering all emails we receive from our customers. It can take me up to 2 hours, depending on how many emails we receive. Throughout the day, if a customer calls, I’m available to assist them as well. When I’m not doing that, I … Read More


Pros

Suitable for people who like to solve problems mentally.

Suitable for people who want recognition and wants career advancement and a prestigious career.

This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.

Very high salary (top 25% highest paid careers).

Cons

Not suitable for people who like to start and carry out projects.

It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.

Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).

How much do they make

Average salary

$95560 per year

Average hourly wage

$46 per hour

Entry-level Mechanical Engineers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $58,410 to $71,880 per year or $28 to $35 per hour.

Salary by experience Annual Hourly
Highest (Top 10%) $141,060 $68
Senior (Top 25%) $114,380 $55
Median $90,160 $43
Junior (Bottom 25%) $71,880 $35
No experience (Bottom 10%) $58,410 $28

This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Mechanical Engineers based on their average annual salary.

Salary by industry Annual Hourly
Other Pipeline Transportation $127170 $61.14
Waste Treatment and Disposal $122400 $58.84
Oil and Gas Extraction $117000 $56.25
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing $115470 $55.51
Insurance Carriers $114160 $54.88
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories $111240 $53.48
Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services $110210 $52.99
Office Administrative Services $110190 $52.98
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods $108220 $52.03
Scientific Research and Development Services $107930 $51.89

View more salary by industries here.

Where can they work

Where can Mechanical Engineers work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Mechanical Engineers including the average salary in that industry.

Employers Total Employed Annual Salary Hourly Wages
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services 63150 $99050 $47.62
Machinery Manufacturing 28200 $86630 $41.65
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing 16220 $104710 $50.34
Scientific Research and Development Services 15710 $107930 $51.89
Federal Executive Branch 13610 $103050 $49.54
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing 12550 $102200 $49.13
Management of Companies and Enterprises 10950 $100730 $48.43
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing 9310 $92830 $44.63
Employment Services 8770 $90430 $43.48
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing 7360 $84320 $40.54

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours
0%

40 hours
31%

More than 40 hours
69%

Working schedule

83%

17%

0%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week
16%

Every day
70%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week
18%

Every day
78%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week
7%

Every day
93%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never
27%

Once a year
24%

Once a month
23%

Once a week
26%

Every day
1%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all
1%

Slightly competitive
12%

Moderately competitive
37%

Highly competitive
31%

Extremely competitive
20%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Never
17%

Once a year or more
3%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
7%

Every day
73%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Never
18%

Once a year or more
20%

Once a month or more
25%

Once a week or more
29%

Every day
8%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Never
55%

Once a year or more
25%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
7%

Every day
13%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Never
62%

Once a year or more
19%

Once a month or more
7%

Once a week or more
7%

Every day
7%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Hard
You will need a considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Careers in this difficulty category usually require a Bachelor’s degree and several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. Similar careers include Database Administrators, Chemists, Art Directors, and Accountants.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma
0%

High School Diploma or equivalent
0%

Post-Secondary Certificate
0%

Some College Courses
5%

Associate’s Degree or similar
7%

Bachelor’s Degree
83%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
5%

Master’s Degree
0%

Post-Master’s Certificate
0%

First Professional Degree
0%

Doctoral Degree
0%

Post-Doctoral Training
0%

Relevant majors

Electromechanical Engineering

A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the problems associated with combining electrical and mechanical components with special emphasis on manufacturing and automated processes. Includes instruction in applied mechanics, instrumentation and monitoring, machine design, automated control techniques, fluid and thermal dynamics, circuit analysis, and solid state electronics.

Mechanical Engineering

A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of physical systems used in manufacturing and end-product systems used for specific uses, including machine tools, jigs and other manufacturing equipment; stationary power units and appliances; engines; self-propelled vehicles; housings and containers; hydraulic and electric systems for controlling movement; and the integration of computers and remote control with operating systems.

Engineering Mechanics

A program with a general focus on the application of the mathematical and scientific principles of classical mechanics to the analysis and evaluation of the behavior of structures, forces and materials in engineering problems. Includes instruction in statics, kinetics, dynamics, kinematics, celestial mechanics, stress and failure, and electromagnetism.


Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None
4%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
0%

3 to 6 months
0%

6 months to 1 year
10%

1 to 2 years
7%

2 to 4 years
26%

4 to 6 years
26%

6 to 8 years
18%

8 to 10 years
6%

Over 10 years
3%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration
16%

1 month
5%

1 to 3 months
23%

3 to 6 months
14%

6 months to 1 year
13%

1 to 2 years
24%

2 to 4 years
4%

4 to 10 years
1%

Over 10 years
0%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Thinker

People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.

The Builder
90%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.


The Thinker
95%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.


The Artist
38%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.


The Helper
29%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.


The Leader
24%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.


The Organizer
57%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.


You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement
76%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions
74%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition
81%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships
67%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support
67%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence
76%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ


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