By Colton Eva
In the marvel that is the modern world, it is easy to miss the magnitude of the level of mechanical sophistication that you are exposed to on a daily basis. The ease with which we move through our spaces, consume and use ready-made products, and a myriad of other amenities and luxuries are the blessing of mechanical engineering.
What is Mechanical Engineering?
According to Ryan from mechanical engineering company The Green Gate Group Ltd “Mechanical engineering is aninfinitely broad field of work in which engineers are involved in the design and development of products or systems.” From the conception of an idea, all the way through the research and development stages including design and development, to the testing and final production, mechanical engineers are what bring these ideas to life.
How do mechanical engineers do this? A thorough understanding of the foundational principles of mechanics and material sciences is what gives mechanical engineers the tools to develop and build these products and systems.
What Kind of Job Can a Mechanical Engineer Do?
A mechanical engineering degree will open doors for you into almost any sector that you would like to be involved in. No matter your preferences or interests, there is a job that you can find as a mechanical engineer working in that field. What kind of jobs can you do as a mechanical engineer?
- Research and Development (across multiple industries)
The basis of much of the technological innovation we have today is due to research and development projects. Armed with a goal and ideas, mechanical engineers do research to develop new products and systems.
- Product Design
Using the insights from research departments, mechanical engineers design specific products or tools that are necessary for manufacturing, construction, production, or any other number of fields.
- Testing
Designing and developing products and tools is just one focus of a mechanical engineers talents. These products need to be tested, redesigned, retested and refined to deliver a mechanically sound and effective endresult.
- Manufacturing
The manufacturing process is far more involved and intricate than many people are aware of and mechanical engineers play a crucial role in this process. From the development of the products to the systems that manufacture them, mechanical engineers have their fingerprints on almost everything.
Which Industries Need Mechanical Engineers?
Ambitious mechanical engineers can make a path for themselves in almost any industry today. Certain sectors and industries lean on the expertise of mechanical engineers more than others, industries like:
- Aerospace
- Energy Production
- Chemical
- Defence and Military
- Robotics
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Material Sciences
Does Being a Mechanical Engineer Pay Well?
Compensation is a representation of the value that you add to the world around you. As a mechanical engineer, your skill set helps pave the way for the future and creates innovations, giving you a platform to make a difference in the world. For this, the compensation for mechanical engineers is very attractive.According to Glassdoor.com, mechanical engineers are paid a salary that is on average over £40,000/ year with salaries as high as £70,000 or more.
