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Seeking Mechanical Engineer Perspectives for an Assignment?
Hi!
Less than a year ago I posted some questions I wanted to be answered by mechanical engineers, all of them to help me decide whether to pursue that degree in university.
Thanks to the answers I received from that post, I made my decision and now I'm studying to become a mechanical engineer.
In this post, I have some other questions to ask mechanical engineers or mechanical engineering students.
(If it is within your possibilities, please fill out this area):
Full name:
Current position:
Company/institution:
Years of experience:
Main field of specialization:
Where you graduated from:
The questions are:
How would you describe mechanical engineering in a few words, and what sets it apart from other branches of engineering?
What are the main fields of application of mechanical engineering today, and how have they evolved with technological development?
Could you share a project you have worked on that has had a positive impact on the community or on people’s lives?
What physical laws or mechanical principles are key in your daily work? How do they manifest in practice?
What ethical, social, or environmental challenges does a mechanical engineer face in professional practice?
Besides technical knowledge, what skills do you consider essential to succeed as a mechanical engineer?
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3 answers
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Eliel,
Kindly find below info you requested for:
Full name: Vvuko William Luga
Retired (formally Engineering & Maintenance Manager)
Former employers: SABMiller & AbInBev
Years of experience: 35+
Specialization: Maintenance & Process Engineering
Graduated from Makerere University (Kampala, Uganda)
Mechanical engineering is by far the widest branch of engineering overlapping both electrical and civil engineering. Mechanical engineering knowledge is literally employed in all the major industries.
Mechanical engineers are employed in a wide range of roles: design, production/manufacturing, maintenance, projects, utilities, consultancies, research and development. Engineering students in universities and colleges are mainly taught by mechanical engineers. With additional management and leadership training, mechanical engineers get the opportunity to work at all levels of organizations.
Computerized systems have greatly influenced all aspects of the work mechanical engineers do: CADs, ERP softwares, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). Robotics is having great impact on both design and operations too.
Uganda is the first country in the world to manufacture clear beer from non-traditional grains (sorghum) - barley malt is the traditional source of extract for clear beer. Other sources of extract are added as adjuncts. The project has allowed the manufacture of clear beer from local raw materials. Tens of thousands of local/rural farmers are now involved in sorghum growing for the industry. The technology was eventually rolled into countries such as Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia & Zimbabwe. Being personally involved in the project was a life-changing experience.
The modern beer industry currently runs using advanced technology: automation, robotics, adaptations from rocket science and telecommunications that allows authorized access to equipment from any location where communication links exist. High speed packaging technology is used especially during primary packaging of the product.
At the strategic level, maintenance engineers use life-cycle methodology (from cradle to grave) to optimize the Total Cost of Ownership: acquisition of assets, operation, maintenance, life extension, decommissioning and disposal. At the heart of the maintenance effort are important business processes such as Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), problem solving, analytics, planning, scheduling & execution, inventory management of spares & consumables, competence acquisition and team dynamics.
For the beer industry, water usage and carbon footprint are the major sustainable development challenges: significant effort has been made to reduce the use of water and fossil fuels in the industry and they remain top priorities.
Within beer plants exist major hazardous installations: ammonia for refrigeration system, compressed air system & CO2 recovery system all of which operate at high pressures (risk of explosion). Discharge of ammonia and CO2 into the atmosphere has lethal consequences. Stringent safety measures are required to ensure safe operation. Statutory inspections must be complied with at all times.
The other hazardous installations include bulk storage of cleaning chemicals and liquid fuels whose spills are detrimental to the environment: banded wall are used for containment. Effluent treatment is another important aspect of brewery operations: it's important that treated effluent meets legal standards (COD, pH, phosphorus).
Engineers need to be competent to discharge their responsibilities efficiently and effectively. There are three aspects of competence that are critical. Knowledge provides the foundation for competence. The second aspect of competence is skills. Skills help us utilize knowledge and other resources at our disposal in an efficient and effective manner. They include ability to plan, schedule & execute work, identify and resolve problems, analyze, organize & critically evaluate information, communicate, effectively work in teams etc.
The third aspect of competence is our willingnesss to get the job done on time, in full and to the required standard. Required attributes include such personal qualities as passion, commitment, diligence, positive mindset, perseverance, attention to detail, self esteem, empathy, self-control, curiosity, creativity etc. It's crucial for us to embed these important personal qualities into our work ethic.
Kindly find below info you requested for:
Full name: Vvuko William Luga
Retired (formally Engineering & Maintenance Manager)
Former employers: SABMiller & AbInBev
Years of experience: 35+
Specialization: Maintenance & Process Engineering
Graduated from Makerere University (Kampala, Uganda)
Mechanical engineering is by far the widest branch of engineering overlapping both electrical and civil engineering. Mechanical engineering knowledge is literally employed in all the major industries.
Mechanical engineers are employed in a wide range of roles: design, production/manufacturing, maintenance, projects, utilities, consultancies, research and development. Engineering students in universities and colleges are mainly taught by mechanical engineers. With additional management and leadership training, mechanical engineers get the opportunity to work at all levels of organizations.
Computerized systems have greatly influenced all aspects of the work mechanical engineers do: CADs, ERP softwares, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). Robotics is having great impact on both design and operations too.
Uganda is the first country in the world to manufacture clear beer from non-traditional grains (sorghum) - barley malt is the traditional source of extract for clear beer. Other sources of extract are added as adjuncts. The project has allowed the manufacture of clear beer from local raw materials. Tens of thousands of local/rural farmers are now involved in sorghum growing for the industry. The technology was eventually rolled into countries such as Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia & Zimbabwe. Being personally involved in the project was a life-changing experience.
The modern beer industry currently runs using advanced technology: automation, robotics, adaptations from rocket science and telecommunications that allows authorized access to equipment from any location where communication links exist. High speed packaging technology is used especially during primary packaging of the product.
At the strategic level, maintenance engineers use life-cycle methodology (from cradle to grave) to optimize the Total Cost of Ownership: acquisition of assets, operation, maintenance, life extension, decommissioning and disposal. At the heart of the maintenance effort are important business processes such as Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), problem solving, analytics, planning, scheduling & execution, inventory management of spares & consumables, competence acquisition and team dynamics.
For the beer industry, water usage and carbon footprint are the major sustainable development challenges: significant effort has been made to reduce the use of water and fossil fuels in the industry and they remain top priorities.
Within beer plants exist major hazardous installations: ammonia for refrigeration system, compressed air system & CO2 recovery system all of which operate at high pressures (risk of explosion). Discharge of ammonia and CO2 into the atmosphere has lethal consequences. Stringent safety measures are required to ensure safe operation. Statutory inspections must be complied with at all times.
The other hazardous installations include bulk storage of cleaning chemicals and liquid fuels whose spills are detrimental to the environment: banded wall are used for containment. Effluent treatment is another important aspect of brewery operations: it's important that treated effluent meets legal standards (COD, pH, phosphorus).
Engineers need to be competent to discharge their responsibilities efficiently and effectively. There are three aspects of competence that are critical. Knowledge provides the foundation for competence. The second aspect of competence is skills. Skills help us utilize knowledge and other resources at our disposal in an efficient and effective manner. They include ability to plan, schedule & execute work, identify and resolve problems, analyze, organize & critically evaluate information, communicate, effectively work in teams etc.
The third aspect of competence is our willingnesss to get the job done on time, in full and to the required standard. Required attributes include such personal qualities as passion, commitment, diligence, positive mindset, perseverance, attention to detail, self esteem, empathy, self-control, curiosity, creativity etc. It's crucial for us to embed these important personal qualities into our work ethic.
Updated
Jose A.’s Answer
Full name: Jose Antonio Perez
Current position: Seeking Employment (Former Engineer II at Aerospace Supply Company)
Company/institution: Aerospace Supply Company in Carson City, NV USA, Ex-Tesla
Years of experience: 5
Main field of specialization: Manufacturing Quality & Controls Integration
Where you graduated from: University of Nevada, Reno
1. How would you describe mechanical engineering in a few words, and what sets it apart from other branches of engineering?
The mechanical engineering field is very broad and can branch out into many different specializations, which opens up many opportunities.
2. What are the main fields of application of mechanical engineering today, and how have they evolved with technological development?
Mechanical design is one of the most involved applications of engineering because it focuses on directly designing products and systems. Today, many high-end technological products, such as AirPods and electric vehicles, are developed by teams of engineers with strong backgrounds in mechanical design and electronics.
3. Could you share a project you have worked on that has had a positive impact on the community or on people’s lives?
Recently, I worked on sharing some decent ideas to university students that could be developed into end of year projects.
4. What physical laws or mechanical principles are key in your daily work? How do they manifest in practice?
In jobs that I have worked on in the past, I utilized the following:
-Newton's second law of motion - Used in force balancing equations to find required support/reactive forces e.g. designing a bracket for a conveyor.
-Required Moments/Torque Calculations - Utilized to define the required torque in the specification of an electric motor.
-Mass and Energy Balance principles - Utilized to characterize fluid flow and work output, ensuring precise control of entry/exit velocities within pneumatic cylinders.
5. What ethical, social, or environmental challenges does a mechanical engineer face in professional practice?
Ethical: Address environmental challenges like pollution while maintaining cost and price integrity. This includes practicing fairness—specifically, ensuring services are not overcharged.
Environmental: Design products that can be responsibly recycled or disposed of at the end of their service life.
Social: Consider government policies and regulations at all times, especially when working in highly regulated industries.
6. Besides technical knowledge, what skills do you consider essential to succeed as a mechanical engineer?
3D Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Simulation for CAD
Programming C++, Python
2D AutoCAD drafting
Circuits/Electronics knowledge
As a student, reference this youtube channel for great learning opportunities @EngineeringGoneWild.
Current position: Seeking Employment (Former Engineer II at Aerospace Supply Company)
Company/institution: Aerospace Supply Company in Carson City, NV USA, Ex-Tesla
Years of experience: 5
Main field of specialization: Manufacturing Quality & Controls Integration
Where you graduated from: University of Nevada, Reno
1. How would you describe mechanical engineering in a few words, and what sets it apart from other branches of engineering?
The mechanical engineering field is very broad and can branch out into many different specializations, which opens up many opportunities.
2. What are the main fields of application of mechanical engineering today, and how have they evolved with technological development?
Mechanical design is one of the most involved applications of engineering because it focuses on directly designing products and systems. Today, many high-end technological products, such as AirPods and electric vehicles, are developed by teams of engineers with strong backgrounds in mechanical design and electronics.
3. Could you share a project you have worked on that has had a positive impact on the community or on people’s lives?
Recently, I worked on sharing some decent ideas to university students that could be developed into end of year projects.
4. What physical laws or mechanical principles are key in your daily work? How do they manifest in practice?
In jobs that I have worked on in the past, I utilized the following:
-Newton's second law of motion - Used in force balancing equations to find required support/reactive forces e.g. designing a bracket for a conveyor.
-Required Moments/Torque Calculations - Utilized to define the required torque in the specification of an electric motor.
-Mass and Energy Balance principles - Utilized to characterize fluid flow and work output, ensuring precise control of entry/exit velocities within pneumatic cylinders.
5. What ethical, social, or environmental challenges does a mechanical engineer face in professional practice?
Ethical: Address environmental challenges like pollution while maintaining cost and price integrity. This includes practicing fairness—specifically, ensuring services are not overcharged.
Environmental: Design products that can be responsibly recycled or disposed of at the end of their service life.
Social: Consider government policies and regulations at all times, especially when working in highly regulated industries.
6. Besides technical knowledge, what skills do you consider essential to succeed as a mechanical engineer?
3D Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Simulation for CAD
Programming C++, Python
2D AutoCAD drafting
Circuits/Electronics knowledge
Jose A. recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hi Eliel,
Thanks for asking....
Current position: Senior Mechanical Engineer/Lead Mechanical Engineer
Company/institution: Various, Most of my career was with ATT Bell Laboratories
Years of experience: 35+ yrs
Main field of specialization: Varied. Although i graduated with a degree in thermodynamics i went n to experience a wide array of positions.
Where you graduated from: Northeastern University / Stevens Institute Of Technology
The questions are:
How would you describe mechanical engineering in a few words, and what sets it apart from other branches of engineering?
In my opinion, the best part about being a mechanical engineer is the wide array of careers within Mechanical Engineering. I have really had the opportunity to span most of the field; ranging from thermal analysis and testing, stress analysis, shock and vibration , fluids (mostly for undersea vehicles) to telecommunications/electronic packaging (CAD design, project and program management).
What are the main fields of application of mechanical engineering today, and how have they evolved with technological development?
Thats a really good question . With the introduction of AI and its potential impacts. I believe that AI will enhance our productivity - rather than replace it. For example, there are some companies working on some really cutting edge technologies using AI. (Google Anduril Industries for instance)
Could you share a project you have worked on that has had a positive impact on the community or on people’s lives?
Hmm...I worked on developing electronics for public safety communications. So that First Responders, Firefighters and Police can all communicate on the same 'channels'.
What physical laws or mechanical principles are key in your daily work? How do they manifest in practice?
One example would be fluid mechanics. For instance, the Navier-Stokes equations are derived from Newton's Second Law (F=ma) applied to fluid motion. Although these equations were derived in the early 1800's, we now have computer simulations to solve these problems. This allows us to 'model' the solution before actually building a product. (Google FloTherm).
What ethical, social, or environmental challenges does a mechanical engineer face in professional practice?
Similar to a Medical Doctor, is 'do no harm'. Applies to humans, the environment etc. Engineers tend to be an honest and ethical bunch.
Besides technical knowledge, what skills do you consider essential to succeed as a mechanical engineer?
Being able to communicate well. I recommend Toastmasters for public speaking/presentations. In addition, it can help build your network.
Just an 'aside' ... I initially was a bit overwhelmed when i attended college with all the mathematics. And if i was a new student investigating engineering (like you) and read my responses above it would sound like a heavy lift. But its actually not as hard as it appears. We generally work in teams and everyone contributes to the solutions. I found working as a mechanical engineer much easier than the college workload itself.
Hope that helps,
Best,
Tom DiEdwardo
Thanks for asking....
Current position: Senior Mechanical Engineer/Lead Mechanical Engineer
Company/institution: Various, Most of my career was with ATT Bell Laboratories
Years of experience: 35+ yrs
Main field of specialization: Varied. Although i graduated with a degree in thermodynamics i went n to experience a wide array of positions.
Where you graduated from: Northeastern University / Stevens Institute Of Technology
The questions are:
How would you describe mechanical engineering in a few words, and what sets it apart from other branches of engineering?
In my opinion, the best part about being a mechanical engineer is the wide array of careers within Mechanical Engineering. I have really had the opportunity to span most of the field; ranging from thermal analysis and testing, stress analysis, shock and vibration , fluids (mostly for undersea vehicles) to telecommunications/electronic packaging (CAD design, project and program management).
What are the main fields of application of mechanical engineering today, and how have they evolved with technological development?
Thats a really good question . With the introduction of AI and its potential impacts. I believe that AI will enhance our productivity - rather than replace it. For example, there are some companies working on some really cutting edge technologies using AI. (Google Anduril Industries for instance)
Could you share a project you have worked on that has had a positive impact on the community or on people’s lives?
Hmm...I worked on developing electronics for public safety communications. So that First Responders, Firefighters and Police can all communicate on the same 'channels'.
What physical laws or mechanical principles are key in your daily work? How do they manifest in practice?
One example would be fluid mechanics. For instance, the Navier-Stokes equations are derived from Newton's Second Law (F=ma) applied to fluid motion. Although these equations were derived in the early 1800's, we now have computer simulations to solve these problems. This allows us to 'model' the solution before actually building a product. (Google FloTherm).
What ethical, social, or environmental challenges does a mechanical engineer face in professional practice?
Similar to a Medical Doctor, is 'do no harm'. Applies to humans, the environment etc. Engineers tend to be an honest and ethical bunch.
Besides technical knowledge, what skills do you consider essential to succeed as a mechanical engineer?
Being able to communicate well. I recommend Toastmasters for public speaking/presentations. In addition, it can help build your network.
Just an 'aside' ... I initially was a bit overwhelmed when i attended college with all the mathematics. And if i was a new student investigating engineering (like you) and read my responses above it would sound like a heavy lift. But its actually not as hard as it appears. We generally work in teams and everyone contributes to the solutions. I found working as a mechanical engineer much easier than the college workload itself.
Hope that helps,
Best,
Tom DiEdwardo