2 answers
jake
Student
Klerksdorp, North West, South Africa
1
Question
Asked
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What do mechanical engineers do on the daily and do they get to be creative?
hey, I'm considering studying to become a mechanical engineer but I'm still not sure what they realistically do in a day, and if they get to physically build and code things, or if they just supervise projects.
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1945
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jake, mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines—offering opportunities to specialize in areas such as robotics, aerospace, automotive engineering, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), biomechanics, and more. Technically, mechanical engineering is the application of the principles and problem-solving techniques of engineering for any object, from the design stage to its manufacturing process and the marketplace. Mechanical engineers analyze their work using the principles of motion, energy, and force—ensuring that designs function safely, efficiently, and reliably, all at a competitive cost. Mechanical engineers make a difference. Throughout their careers, they focus on creating technologies to meet human needs and improve human life. Virtually every product or service available in modern life has probably been touched in some way by a mechanical engineer.
Jake if you're currently in high school and are considering getting into a mechanical engineering field, here are some of skills that are required.
🌐 TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE: A strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and mechanics is crucial. Understanding principles like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and structural analysis forms the backbone of mechanical engineering.
🌐 PROBLEM-SOLVING: Mechanical engineers often encounter complex problems that require analytical thinking and creative solutions. The ability to break down problems and develop innovative solutions is highly valuable.
🌐 DESIGN: Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software is essential for creating, analyzing, and optimizing designs. Knowledge of software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar programs is valuable.
🌐 CRITICAL THINKING: Assessing risks, evaluating different design options, and making decisions based on data and analysis are critical skills for mechanical engineers.
🌐 PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Managing projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating with teams, suppliers, and clients, is often part of a mechanical engineer's role.
🌐 HANDS-ON APPLICATION: Practical skills in building prototypes, conducting experiments, and testing designs are valuable. Having a good understanding of manufacturing processes and techniques is beneficial.
🌐 CONTINUED LEARNING: Given the rapid advancements in technology and techniques, a willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, methodologies, and industry trends is crucial for staying competitive.
I hope this was helpful Jake
Jake if you're currently in high school and are considering getting into a mechanical engineering field, here are some of skills that are required.
🌐 TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE: A strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and mechanics is crucial. Understanding principles like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and structural analysis forms the backbone of mechanical engineering.
🌐 PROBLEM-SOLVING: Mechanical engineers often encounter complex problems that require analytical thinking and creative solutions. The ability to break down problems and develop innovative solutions is highly valuable.
🌐 DESIGN: Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software is essential for creating, analyzing, and optimizing designs. Knowledge of software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar programs is valuable.
🌐 CRITICAL THINKING: Assessing risks, evaluating different design options, and making decisions based on data and analysis are critical skills for mechanical engineers.
🌐 PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Managing projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating with teams, suppliers, and clients, is often part of a mechanical engineer's role.
🌐 HANDS-ON APPLICATION: Practical skills in building prototypes, conducting experiments, and testing designs are valuable. Having a good understanding of manufacturing processes and techniques is beneficial.
🌐 CONTINUED LEARNING: Given the rapid advancements in technology and techniques, a willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, methodologies, and industry trends is crucial for staying competitive.
I hope this was helpful Jake
Thank you so much, Doc!
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
236
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Jake,
Mechanical engineering, by far, is the widest branch of engineering. It overlaps both electrical (electronics and electrical machines) and civil (structures & water resources management) engineering. It's also a precursor for other specialized fields of study such as biomedical, aerospace & automotive engineering as well as robotics.
Roles exist in design, construction & manufacture, production, maintenance, projects, utilities, consultancies, research and development, teaching in institutions of higher learning etc.
I have a manufacturing background. In this sector, mechanical engineers are involved in maintenance work that aims to deliver sustainable reliability. The process adopts a life-cycle approach. Planned activities include routine inspections (both manual & electronic), problem solving to identify and resolve root causes of dominant failures, develop maintenance programs, conduct technical audits, provide technical training, manage spares inventory, generate and use technical reports, run recruitment processes, develop and implement projects, develop & manage budgets. Mechanical engineers are also involved in running utilities (steam generation, water treatment, effluent treatment, refrigeration, compressed air generation, CO2 recovery, electricity etc.). They also do redesigns, perform design reviews etc. that often take the form of projects.
Mechanical engineering, by far, is the widest branch of engineering. It overlaps both electrical (electronics and electrical machines) and civil (structures & water resources management) engineering. It's also a precursor for other specialized fields of study such as biomedical, aerospace & automotive engineering as well as robotics.
Roles exist in design, construction & manufacture, production, maintenance, projects, utilities, consultancies, research and development, teaching in institutions of higher learning etc.
I have a manufacturing background. In this sector, mechanical engineers are involved in maintenance work that aims to deliver sustainable reliability. The process adopts a life-cycle approach. Planned activities include routine inspections (both manual & electronic), problem solving to identify and resolve root causes of dominant failures, develop maintenance programs, conduct technical audits, provide technical training, manage spares inventory, generate and use technical reports, run recruitment processes, develop and implement projects, develop & manage budgets. Mechanical engineers are also involved in running utilities (steam generation, water treatment, effluent treatment, refrigeration, compressed air generation, CO2 recovery, electricity etc.). They also do redesigns, perform design reviews etc. that often take the form of projects.