Mechanical Engineer Job Description

Out of the many technically challenging career opportunities, the job of a mechanical engineer is one of the most prominent and broadest. As the name suggests, this is an expert who is technically proficient in handling and dealing with the functions of advanced machineries. He is also referred to as a production engineer or an equipment engineer. To become one, you basically need to be good at subjects like math and science in school, and then take advanced degrees in the relevant field.

The basic requirement for gaining entry in this sector is a BS in mechanical engineering which normally takes about four years of study. As technology is being implemented in almost all industries, the services of mechanical engineers are certainly required. In general, this job description includes all tasks that relate to working with advanced machines which produce or run on power.

Job Description

A mechanical engineer may work in a wide range of industries, most particularly in the manufacturing and production sector. He may handle the functionalities and developments of machines like air conditioners, machine tools, car engines, refrigerators, escalators, and other advanced devices. He may work on nearly any type of device which has mechanical and electronic aspects. He may also participate in the development and design of devices.

A mechanical engineer has to develop blueprints, technical graphs, concept reports, and other documents of the machines to be manufactured. He may use computer-assisted design software to make drafts and fundamental concepts of the products to be worked on. He has to develop functional and practical theories of products and carry out the testing. He has to resolve any product issues with the production department and suppliers. He may even suggest some modifications to the products to get rid of system malfunctions. He may even be required to reinvent the current product line of the company. He has to make sure that the machine is set to the optimal standards of customer satisfaction. A common task that he has to do in any project is supervision of technicians and production workers.

In addition, these professionals have to train and mentor other inexperienced personnel working in the project. Their job description includes other tasks that are set according to the specialization. Typically, the specifications include environmental systems engineer, automotive engineering, production engineering, bioengineering, petroleum engineering, plastic engineering, etc.

Salary Range

Since this is a technical field, mechanical engineers are highly paid. Freshers and those with less than a year's experience can expect a per annum pay of $48,000 to $60,000 approximately. Those with one to four years and five to nine years of experience can get an annual remuneration of $51,000 to $64,000 and $59,000 to $77,500 respectively. After 10 to 19 years of experience in the field, they can expect a salary anywhere from $64,000 to $89,000. California has a pay range of $57,500 to $78,000 annually. In Michigan and Texas, the pay ranges from $52,000 to $77,500 and $56,000 to $77,000 per year.

The duties largely depend on the employment facility the engineer is providing services in, and cannot be explained in a single viewpoint. The salary range of mechanical engineers given above are estimated figures and may differ from company to company, and most importantly according to the economic conditions.