Mechanical project engineers design mechanical systems or products using science and math principles. They work in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is required, and a professional license may be obtained after gaining experience and passing a written test.
A mechanical project engineer is an individual who uses the principles of science and mathematics to design mechanical systems or products. The project engineer generally works as part of a team and may be involved in product research, development, manufacturing, or testing. Mechanical engineering is considered one of the largest and most diverse branches of engineering, so those pursuing a career in this field will find a wide variety of potential careers.
Contributions from mechanical engineering professionals are needed in virtually every industry. Mechanical engineers may be involved in automotive development, aircraft manufacturing, or marine vessel design. They are often employed by manufacturing and industrial organizations, where they create and test new products, perform market research and develop equipment. A mechanical designer may find himself working on tools, machinery, engines, or even robotic systems. Much of the manufacturing and test equipment used by other engineering professionals is designed by mechanical engineers.
Some mechanical engineering professionals work in the construction industry, where they design mechanical systems for homes and commercial structures. These can include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and other mechanical systems that impact our comfort and well-being. Mechanical designers are also employed by municipalities and wastewater treatment plants, where they design proper plumbing and sewage systems.
Those interested in becoming a mechanical project engineer will typically need to earn an engineering degree. Mechanical engineering degree programs are found in colleges and universities around the world, and some schools may offer online programs alongside classroom learning. Aerospace and manufacturing engineering degrees are considered relatively similar to the traditional mechanical engineering degree and will qualify applicants for the same types of jobs. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, a mechanical project engineer should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a diverse mathematical and scientific background.
Once a mechanical designer has completed an undergraduate degree, they may decide to apply for a professional license. In the United States, this is known as the Professional Engineer (PE) license and is coordinated by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The candidate must have several years of experience in the sector and must pass a written test. In the UK, licensed engineers are known as ‘Chartered Engineers’, while the term ‘European Engineer’ is used throughout the rest of Europe.
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