Career as Mechanical Engineer

In the career as mechanical engineer, one is responsible for designing and overseeing the machinery systems involved in manufacturing industries. He or she designs machinery that runs on a high -voltage of electricity energy. It may involve electric generators, internal combustion engines, refrigeration or air conditioning machines, steam and gas turbines. A mechanical engineer may design elevators and escalators inside buildings and malls. He or she uses a computer system to design, run simulations and test the functioning of machines.

Identifying problems

In the career as a mechanical engineer, one is responsible for identifying problems in a machinery system. He or she analyses mechanical and thermal devices to solve a specific problem arising in the proper functioning of the machine. A mechanical engineer investigates the failure of equipment or difficulties. He or she diagnoses faulty operations to recommend remedies.

There are several mechanical engineering jobs available for the aspirants. Some of the mechanical engineering jobs are mentioned below:

Auto research engineer: An auto research engineer is professionally accountable for improvement in the performance of cars. He or she is involved in improving traditional features of cars which include aerodynamics, new possible fuels and suspension.

Heating and cooling systems engineer: A heating or cooling systems engineer is responsible for creating and maintaining environmental systems. He or she ensures humidity and temperature must be kept within certain limits. A heating and cooling systems engineer develops systems for cars, trains, airplanes, schools, offices and other workspaces. 

Robotic Engineer: A robotic engineer is responsible for planning, building and maintaining robots. He or she is responsible for planning how a machine will use sensors to detect light or smell. A robotic engineer is responsible for determining how sensors will be fitted in the designs of robots. 

A mechanical engineer works in an office environment. He or she is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing process. In the career as a mechanical engineer, one communicates with other departments as required for the project. He or she is involved in creating prototypes and product tests.  A mechanical engineer is responsible for effectively communicating with other departments as per the requirement of the project. He or she is responsible for checking the manufacturing equipment and machinery. A mechanical engineer is required to travel to manufacturing sites or customer offices. He or she may be required to frequent bending and heavy weight lifting.

Does Mechanical Engineer require travelling?

Likely

In the career as mechanical engineer, one is often required to travel to manufacturing sites or customer offices to check the manufacturing machine is functioning properly and resolving other related issues.

Employment Shifts

Full Time

A mechanical engineer works full-time. Work from home, on-call work, part-time or hourly basis employment shift is not provided in the career of a mechanical engineer. Yes, the career as a mechanical engineer falls into a certain shift. A mechanical engineer works from early mornings till late evenings. Shifts may also vary depending on the requirement of the organisation.

Employment Nature

Contractual, Permanent

In the career as mechanical engineer, one finds employment opportunities on both permanent as well as contractual basis. The contractual term completely depends on the requirement of the organisation. The contract’s duration may also be extended depending on the work performance of the mechanical engineer.

Work Place

Office

A mechanical engineer works in an office environment with other engineers. He or she is often required to visit manufacturing sites or customers’ offices. In the career as a mechanical engineer, one requires travel to manufacturing sites and customers’ offices to test manufacturing machinery or other components. He or she analyses the functioning of the machine, identifies the problem and resolves it. 

Presence in Geographical Area

Urban

In the career as mechanical engineer, one finds alluring opportunities in urban areas. Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and New Delhi provide promising opportunities for mechanical engineers.

Time Pressure

Likely

Yes, in the career as a mechanical engineer, one is often requires to work under frequent time pressure.

Overtime Details

A mechanical engineer may be required to to work overtime or more than 10 hours a day to meet the deadlines. 

Weekly Hours of Work

Min 45 Hours

The standard working hours may get extended due to excess work pressure in the career as mechanical engineer. A mechanical engineer may be required to work overtime or 9 to 10 hours to meet the deadlines.

Some mechanical engineer skills which can help in a student's career are mentioned below:

Designing skills: In the career as mechanical engineer, one is required to create sketches of designs of equipment, devices and other components of machinery systems on paper with charcoal pencils. He or she designs 3-D sketches using AutoCAD software on the computer.  

Research skills: In the career as mechanical engineer, one must be able to research effectively. He or she is responsible for researching and implementing findings for developing new products using various tools and technologies. 

Interpersonal management: In the career as mechanical engineer, one is required to supervise the technical staff. He or she is required to effectively communicate with other departments according to the requirement of the project. A mechanical engineer works with other engineers as well to fulfil the requirements of the project. 

Technical skills: In the career as a mechanical engineer, one must possess strong technical skills. He or she is required to identify the problems in the manufacturing of products and provide best possible alternative solutions. A mechanical engineer is required to bend and lift heavy objects frequently to test systems and improve them.

Also read - Career as Mechatronics Engineer

We have mentioned below certifications that individuals may opt for who want to establish a career as Mechanical Engineer.

Civil Engineer: A civil engineer is a professional engineer who has specialised in civil engineering. He or she is responsible for engineering projects that include designing, building, supervising, operating, constructing and maintaining infrastructure. A civil engineer may design and supervise the construction of roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, bridges and water supply and sewage treatment systems. 

Design Engineer: A design engineer is responsible for studying, researching and developing ideas for designing new products for human use. He or she may be required to modify products or processes for improvements in the performance. A design engineer works in every possible large scale manufacturing entity to develop consumer products. 

Project Engineer: A project engineer is a professional responsible for engineering technical projects. He or she is responsible for preparing, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring assigned engineering projects. A project engineer ensures compliance to performance standards and specifications. 

Electrical Engineer: An electrical engineer is a professional responsible for designing and developing electrical systems. He or she resolves problems and tests equipment. An electrical engineer applies the principles of physics and mathematics of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. He or she is responsible for processing information and transmitting energy through circuits. 

According to a report, it is expected that India will move up to fifth position from sixth position on the global manufacturing competitiveness index. India will make a stronghold in the manufacturing sector in the coming years. Hence, it will provide numerous opportunities to mechanical engineers in India. The salary remuneration is dependent on the skills of mechanical engineers. Skill gaps should be bridged to make new graduates of mechanical engineering aware of the latest tools and technologies used in the industry.