PRESENTATION OUTLINE
WhAT THEY DO
- Analyze problems and see if a device could solve the problem
- Design or redesign mechanical and thermal devices
- Develop and test prototypes of devices they design
- Analyze test results and change if needed
- Oversee the manufacturing process for the device
What They Do (continued)
Mechanical engineers typically use computers. They work with electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines as well as power-using machines. Mechanical engineers typically work in offices.
How Do You Become One?
Mechanical engineers need a bachelor’s degree. To conduct research they need a graduates.
You need a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology for most entry level mechanical engineering job.
The important qualities are creativity, listening skills, math skills, mechanical skills, and problem solving skills.
Pay
The average starting salary is around $52,000.
The top salary is around $120,000.
The median annual wage is $80,580.
Outlook
There were 258,100 mechanical engineer jobs in 2012. Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2012 to 2022.
The outlook is positive because mechanical engineers will be needed to design the next generation of vehicles and vehicle systems, such as hybrid-electric cars and clean diesel automobiles. Machinery will continue to be in demand as machines replace more expensive human labor in various industries.
Interview Question 1
Give an example of a possible math problem you would encounter.
Range from simple algebra to simple geometry problems like fitting the elevator into the shaft.
Question 2
What was your most challenging engineering project?
When a contractor gave me a building that didn't fit my product. The dimension are too tight, too loose, too small, or too big. So I had to come up with custom rails, brackets, etc.
Question 3
What was your greatest success in mechanical engineering?
When the vendors that was making our caps or our fixtures decided to just stop manufacturing all together over night. So I didn't meet the deadline so I lost thousands of dollars a day. So my co-worker and I had to come up with jobs that needed to be dealt with immediately. We had to find a vendor that made something similar to our product. So we had to give them (from scratch) engineering drawing and technical drawing with everything we needed.
