Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering deals with the forces and energy at work in thermal and mechanical (solid and fluid) systems. It studies the engineering principles underlying the generation, transmission, and utilization of these energies, and the design, production, and application of mechanical devices and systems. It is one of the broadest of the engineering disciplines, and it utilized in areas such as computer aided design and analysis, fluid and thermal sciences, bioengineering, manufacturing processes and control, and instrumentation.*

Sample Occupations

  • Specialization Areas
  • Machine Design
  • Systems Design
  • Manufacturing & Production
  • Energy Conversion
  • Transportation &
  • Environmental Impact
  • Materials & Structures
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Applications Engineer
  • Satellite Developer
  • Mechanical Designer
  • CAD Detailer
  • Tire Designer
  • Transport System Designer
  • Automobile Engineer
  • Instrument Specialist
  • Robotics Designer
  • Plastics Fabrication Engineer
  • Engineering Technology
  • Design Inspector
  • Quality Engineer
  • Materials Handler
  • Research Assistant

Types of Employers

  • Utility Companies
  • National Laboratories
  • Department of Energy
  • Federal Aviation Administration
  • Automotive Companies
  • Consulting Firms
  • Aerospace Companies
  • Manufacturing Companies (Chemical Products, Petroleum, Textiles, Industrial Equipment)

Preparing for your career in

Build teamwork skills by seeking opportunities to participate in group projects, learn to communicate complex work-related terminology in easy to understand terms, learn computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), seek experience through internships, co-ops, or research, pursue design projects and lab experience, join a student chapter of a professional organization to learn more about the specializations and to network, develop strong presentation skills to collaborate with other types of engineers, consider graduate school and plan to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam for greater advancement opportunities

How do I know if its right for me?

ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.

RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.

EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.