MECHANICAL ENGINEERS California Occupational Guide Number 5 Interest Area 5-A 1996
THE JOB
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS design, produce, maintain and improve all kinds of mechanical devices, components, engines and systems. 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. They need to know about all forms of energy needed to produce motion or heat - solar, water, wind and nuclear energy as well as conventional fuels. The field is diverse, and Mechanical Engineers can work in different areas including: design, testing, manufacturing/plant engineering, sales or teaching.
Mechanical Engineers played a very important part in the creation of the mass production factories of the 1920's. Today, US manufacturing industries are turning to cost-saving technologies including automated processing and robotics to improve their competitiveness and productivity. Once again Mechanical Engineers are playing a major role. Using CAD (computer-aided design) they are developing new types of automated systems utilizing laser-processing and machining and advanced sensor and imaging technologies. Mechanical Engineers also design and develop service, or mobile robots, and automated guided vehicles, including space exploration vehicles. Many Mechanical Engineers work in machinery and systems design. Design engineers are mainly concerned with new product development but also upgrade existing designs to achieve desired performance goals.
Computers have become an integral part of the design engineer's job. Using CAD systems, engineers create realistic geometric models of objects on a computer terminal screen. They can rotate these images to view them from any desired angle, and even simulate and analyze the effects of different operating conditions and try out alternative designs. Computer-models are eliminating the need for handmade drawings and experimental physical prototypes.
Testing of products in order to verify or improve their quality is an integral part of both design and manufacturing. Test engineers select or develop the testing apparatus and procedures to be used. If problems arise during testing, or if the product does not perform according to specifications, test engineers may recommend changes in overall design, in particular components or materials, or in certain manufacturing procedures.
Mechanical Engineers who work in manufacturing are responsible for all aspects of production from development or selection of manufacturing methods to overseeing day-to-day operations on the factory floor. Engineers must be able to design, install and operate complex manufacturing systems made up of people, materials, robotics and other automated equipment. Along with this, they develop and monitor preventive maintenance programs. They may work on teams with design and/or test engineers, and often develop the product and the production process concurrently.
Sales of sophisticated technical products frequently require knowledge of how the device or system operates. Therefore, Mechanical Engineers are sometimes employed as sales representatives. They solicit new business and furnish technical assistance to customers; they also provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems and needs.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Mechanical Engineers are employed in virtually every industry, with most working for manufacturing firms and a substantial number employed by consulting services. Although some engineers spend most of their time in an office, many jobs require working part of the time in a plant, testing laboratory, machine shop, or installation site. Engineers also travel to professional conferences and training sessions to keep abreast of recent advances in the field. Many of them belong to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Engineering is normally not a physically strenuous job. However, the pressure of deadlines or the need for emergency repairs can cause considerable stress.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 24,290 Estimated number of workers in 2005 31,710 Projected Growth 1993-2005 31% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 7,740
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The employment outlook for Mechanical Engineers nationally is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all other occupations. Some growth will occur as US manufacturers turn to cost-saving technologies, including robotics and automation to improve their productivity. Other opportunities will occur in high tech fields such as bioengineering, computer mechanics, composite materials, cryogenics and thermosciences. Engineers with skills in CAD, computer-integrated- manufacturing (CIM), robotics and other forefront technologies will be the most competitive.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages vary somewhat between geographical areas and kind of employer. Recent surveys for both the public and private sectors indicate that starting wages are at the $2,800-$3,300 monthly range. Experienced engineers have a monthly range of $4,100- $4,300 and higher. Top wages for a supervising engineer can top $8,000 per month.
Fringe benefits usually include paid vacation, sick leave, retirement, health, dental and vision insurance plans. Some employers also offer stock option and/or profit-sharing plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A bachelor of science in mechanical engineering (BSME) or a related engineering degree is the minimum requirement for most entry-level positions. Some employers prefer a master's degree; others hire only those who have at least two years' experience.
Mechanical Engineers whose work may affect the public welfare (such as consulting engineers and those in decision-making positions in certain governmental agencies) must be registered by the State. To obtain registration, engineers must have at least a BSME degree and two years' engineering experience. They must pass the Engineer-in-Training examination and, later, the professional examination in mechanical engineering. While registration is not required for all jobs, a registered engineer may have a competitive edge for advancement to more responsible positions.
Important college prep courses include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and physics. Courses in mechanical drawing and drafting, computer science, machine shop and business administration are helpful.
ADVANCEMENT
Mechanical Engineers must keep up with new technologies and developments in their field through reading, advanced courses, conferences and professional society seminars. Those who are hired with bachelor's degrees may be expected to work toward their master's. Most companies pay some or all of the costs for career-related education. Experienced engineers may promote to senior or project engineer. Some move into management after several years of technical work.
FINDING THE JOB
Prior to graduation, students may sign up for interviews with recruiters on campus. Job seekers may also reply to ads in campus, local or national newspapers and in professional journals. Networking through professional society meetings could also lead to jobs. Applicants may also use the services of professional recruitment agencies and register with the nearest California Employment Development Department Job Service.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Society of Mechanical Engineers Western Regional Office 119 - C Paul Drive San Rafael, CA 94903-2022 (415) 499-1148
California Society of Professional Engineers (affiliate of the National Society of Professional Engineers) 910 Florin Road Sacramento, CA 95831 (916) 422-7788
Junior Engineering Technical Society 1420 King Street, Suite 405 Alexandria, VA 22314-2715 (703) 548-5387
California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95833-2926 (916) 263-2222
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Industrial Engineers No. 3 Electrical/Electronics Engineers No. 12 Civil Engineers No. 39 Production Planners No. 271 Drafting Occupations No. 338 Nuclear Engineers No. 367
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Mechanical Engineer 007.061-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Mechanical Engineers 221350
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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