Median annual earnings of mechanical engineers were $62,880 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $50,800 and $78,040. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $93,430. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of mechanical engineers in 2002 were:
| Federal government | $72,500 |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 65,610 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 65,430 |
| Aerospace products and parts manufacturing | 65,160 |
| Other general puropse machinery manufacturing | 55,850 |
According to a 2003 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in mechanical engineering received starting offers averaging $48,585 a year, master's degree candidates had offers averaging $54,565, and Ph.D. candidates were initially offered $69,904.
Mechanical engineers research, develop, design, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. They work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. They also develop power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. Mechanical engineers also design tools that other engineers need for their work. The field of nanotechnology, which involves the creation of high-performance materials and components by integrating atoms and molecules, is introducing entirely new principles to the design process.
Computers assist mechanical engineers by accurately and efficiently performing computations, and by permitting the modeling and simulation of new designs as well as facilitating changes to existing designs. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are used for design data processing and for turning the design into a product.
Mechanical engineers work in many industries, and their work varies by industry and function. Some specialize in energy systems; applied mechanics; automotive design; manufacturing; materials; plant engineering and maintenance; pressure vessels and piping; and heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning systems. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers may work in production operations in manufacturing or agriculture, maintenance, or technical sales; many are administrators or managers.
.Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations though 2012. Although overall employment in manufacturing industries—where employment of mechanical engineers is concentrated—is expected to decrease slightly, employment of mechanical engineers in manufacturing should increase more rapidly as the demand for improved machinery and machine tools grows and as industrial machinery and processes become increasingly complex. Also, emerging technologies in biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology will create new job opportunities for mechanical engineers. Additional opportunities for mechanical engineers will arise because a degree in mechanical engineering often can be applied in other engineering specialties. In addition to job openings arising from growth, many openings should result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
.General information about mechanical engineers as well as information on careers, education, and training is available from:
Information about heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning engineering, a mechanical engineering specialty, is available from:
Information about automotive engineering, a mechanical engineering specialty, is available from:
See the introduction to the section on engineers for information on working conditions, training requirements, and other sources of additional information.
Because the type and quality of training programs vary considerably, prospective students should carefully investigate training programs before enrolling. Opportunities will be best for individuals with an associate degree or extensive job training in engineering technology. Many engineering technicians assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development. They also assist in design work, often using computer-aided design (CAD) equipment. Training is available at technical institutes, community colleges, extension divisions of colleges and universities, and public and private vocational-technical schools, and in the Armed Forces.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos112.htm
The breadth of the Mechanical Engineering program also provides for greater mobility for career shifts later in life. Mechanical engineering is a profession conceded with devices that perform a nearly infinite variety of tasks involving mechanical work and energy conversion. Both basic and applied engineers work in laboratories and advanced degrees are usually required. Product Engineering Product Engineers bridge the gap between science and application. They interface with basic and applied research engineers on one hand and design engineers and manufacturing on the other.
Summary of: http://www.mecheng.ohio-state.edu/students/careers.html
Primary objectives are product design, rapid prototyping and tooling, and Rapid product development. A listing of fundamental differential mechanics equations is also provided. Site with information on mechanical theory and 6 Sigma, some online conversion programs and many e-drawings for SolidWorks. It also contains a resume of the site owner. Site contains information about the venue and the programm.
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Examples include transportation equipment, environmental control systems, materials handling systems, machine tools, robots, and automated manufacturing equipment. Mechanical Engineers are also involved with power conversion systems ranging from internal combustion engines to large power-generating stations. Today, US manufacturing industries are turning to cost-saving technologies including automated processing and robotics to improve their competitiveness and productivity. Using CAD (computer-aided design) they are developing new types of automated systems utilizing laser-processing and machining and advanced sensor and imaging technologies. Engineers also travel to professional conferences and training sessions to keep abreast of recent advances in the field.
Summary of: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/ENGMECH.HTM
Some mechanical engineers design heat, water, or gas systems for factories. Others design and test robotic products. They talk to customers to learn more about their needs. Work ActivitiesThe following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own.
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The industry offers a wide choice of options extending across many interdisciplinary interdependent specialties. They not only design and create new products, but also develop materials for them and ways of making them. In a way, mechanical engineers are involved in creating the future. They work as part of a team with other engineers as well as financial, business and management professionals on a project together. They could work in many industries including private or public sector industries of various types, and their work varies by industry and function.
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Your team of 12 engineers is testing the performance of engines at different temperatures. In a concrete way, mechanical engineering touches every aspect of life on our planet. Mechanical engineers design or work with computers, machines, power systems, factory production lines or vehicles for sea, land, air and space. Career Tracks in Mechanical Engineering As a Design Engineer you will be the creative force behind the leading-edge technologies of the twenty-first century. Order from JETS-Guidance, 1420 King Street, Suite 405, Alexandria, VA 22314, or through our order page.
Summary of: http://www.jets.org/publications/mech.cfm
They work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. Mechanical engineers also design tools that other engineers need for their work. Mechanical engineers work in many industries, and their work varies by industry and function. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. The middle 50 percent earned between $50,800 and $78,040.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos033.htm
var SessionId = "D1EC4B1E-39F6-4A8A-B282-41D1031E652D"; Journals - Professional Engineering Publishing, magazines and on-line Engineering information - PEPublishing. It publishes research papers by leading scientists and researchers. The content of The Imaging Science Journal embraces conventional chemical, electronic, digital and hybrid imaging systems and processes. The journal publishes occasional special issues and Issue 1 of the 2000 volume is devoted to the subject of thermography. The whole range of materials engineering and technology is addressed, including metallic materials, polymers, composites and ceramics.
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Students learn to design, build, and test mechanical systems. Overview Machines are everywhere, big and small, from bulldozers to electric shavers. Engineering teams design these machines, and technologists and technicians are important members of those teams. Your program probably includes a senior project that lets you work as part of an engineering team solving a real problem. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science.
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