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Mechanical Engineers

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
http://www.asme.org/

California Society of Professional Engineers
(affiliate of the National Society of Professional Engineers) 
910 Florin Road
Sacramento, CA 95831
(916) 422-7788
http://www.cspe.com/index.html

Junior Engineering Technical Society
1420 King Street, Suite 405
Alexandria, VA 22314-2715
(703) 548-5387
http://www.jets.org/default.htm

California Department of Consumer Affairs
State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95833-2926
(916) 263-2222
http://www.dca.ca.gov


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.