The development history of machines is very complicated. Even though machines have been used for centuries, they are continually getting better. But at the same time, this means that they are getting more sophisticated.
You can’t simply learn mechanical engineering on your own and become a licensed professional. To do this, you would have to become an MS in mechanical engineering. However, choosing a career isn’t just about what you like or dislike. It would be best if you also considered what you could expect with a certain degree in terms of employment, job market, positions you can take at companies, and so on.
This is what we’re going to focus on in this article. After all, you need to have all the information you need before choosing your career path.
Mechanical Engineering and Employment
Before we start talking about details, let’s take a look at some numbers. According to the US Bureau of Labour, the 2019 Median Pay for a mechanical engineer was $88,430 annually and $42.51 per hour.
There were a total of 316,300 jobs in the mechanical engineering sphere in 2019. The job outlook from 2019 to 2029 was set at 4% growth. Even though there are no cross-skill requirements for this job, it’s generally good for engineers to get additional business or computer science education.
When you combine all of this, the job outlook for mechanical engineers is excellent. There are many opportunities out there to work on designing new systems, products or improving existing machines. There are a lot of ordinary jobs but also positions where you can innovate new things.
Most Common Employers of Mechanical Engineers
The title of a mechanical engineer has lots of different paths it can take you on. These engineers can maintain machinery, install new devices, develop systems, designs, or maintain operations. This is why there is a lot of variety when it comes to employment, and you can find jobs in many different sectors such as:
- Manufacturing industry
- Medical industry
- Railroads
- Energy industry
- Construction industry
- Automotive industry
- Aerospace industry
But job opportunities aren’t limited to these sectors alone. There are lots of smaller sectors where people with this educational background can find jobs. Apart from experience and proper education, networking is also crucial to finding jobs as a mechanical engineer.
Best Jobs to do as an MS in Mechanical Engineering
For people who have a degree in mechanical engineering, there are a lot of job opportunities. What’s even better is that many high-earning positions and positions require innovative and creative people. Here are some of the most popular jobs you can do after getting your degree.
HVAC Engineer
HVAC engineers design a variety of air conditioning, ventilation, and heating systems for various uses. As an HVAC engineer, you can design systems used in residential houses, schools, commercial buildings, and much more.
However, your only job is to design them. They are built and installed by other people. You could also potentially find a job to spot mistakes in designs and improve them.
Automotive Mechanical Engineer
If you are passionate about cars or any other automotive vehicles, you could look for a career in the automotive industry. These engineers are in charge of building everything that’s in a vehicle. However, they shouldn’t be mistaken for designers; they are in charge of an automobile’s visual design.
Mechanical engineers are in charge of all the bits and pieces that make a car go, turn, stay stable, give proper suspension, proper braking, and so much more. This is probably one of the most popular job positions for mechanical engineers, especially since the automotive industry is so big.
Engineer of Robotics
Since the robotics industry keeps on growing and improving, there is also a constant growth of robotics engineers. All mechanical engineers who had some sort of specialized education and training in robotics can qualify for these jobs.
As an engineer of robotics, you will design, test, and implement robots and robotics technologies used in many industries. You might work on creating precise robots to perform surgeries or robots that will be used in manufacturing.
CAD/3D Modeling Engineer
These are the generalists of the machine engineering sphere. If you want to be a freelancer as a mechanical engineer, this approach is your best bet. They design many different parts, devices, machines and test them in a virtual environment.
You need to know how to create systems in a virtual environment using specialized software dictated by industry standards. All of your knowledge in mechanical engineering needs to be applied in a virtual environment.
Conclusion
Objectively speaking, pursuing a career in mechanical engineering is a good idea. However, becoming a mechanical engineer isn’t an easy thing to do. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Good luck!