Junior mechanical engineers work in research and development divisions of manufacturing companies, designing, building, and testing machines and equipment. They specialize in fields such as biotechnology, industrial machinery design, and automobile manufacturing. They create blueprints, write technical documents, and analyze statistics. A bachelor’s degree and formal training are required, and certification exams can enhance credentials. Advancement opportunities include earning a master’s degree and becoming a leading researcher or supervisor.
A junior mechanical engineer is a professional who performs a wide variety of tasks in the research and development divisions of manufacturing companies. He or she usually works with a team of other engineers and scientists to invent, design, build and test machines and equipment. A professional creates blueprints and writes technical documents about the design and operation of new machines. Most junior mechanical engineers specialize in a certain field, such as biotechnology, industrial machinery design, consumer electronics and appliances, or automobile manufacturing.
Manufacturing plants and research institutes depend on qualified junior mechanical engineers to develop and build new tools, equipment, computers and machines. Senior engineers typically produce original designs and lead teams of junior engineers in fine-tuning designs, determining and sourcing appropriate materials, and building prototypes. The team assembles a machine and puts it through rigorous tests to ensure its functionality, safety, efficiency and durability. When a prototype malfunctions, the team attempts to diagnose problems and make changes to the design.
Numerous logs and statistics are kept during the development and testing of a product. A junior mechanical engineer is responsible for drawing detailed designs using computer-aided drafting software and other applications, recording data about the construction and testing process, and analyzing statistics after the tests have been performed. You may be required to create technical documents on the proper assembly, installation and operation of new equipment. The junior mechanical engineer submits his/her final reports to the senior engineers so that they can be submitted to executives and patent offices.
To become a junior mechanical engineer, it is usually necessary to obtain a bachelor’s degree and complete formal training. Mechanical engineering degree programs typically take four to five years to complete and feature broad coursework in mathematics, physics, and specialized engineering. Graduates typically begin their careers as assistants to accomplished junior mechanical scientists and engineers, where they have the opportunity to observe professionals in the occupation and participate in some element of product design, development, and testing. Many new junior engineers take certification exams administered by nationally accredited organizations to enhance their credentials and better prepare them for field work.
An experienced junior mechanical engineer usually has many opportunities for advancement by settling into a business and earning a master’s degree. By gaining years of experience and earning an advanced diploma, a professional can begin designing original projects and leading a team of junior engineers. Some individuals are capable of becoming leading researchers and supervisors of entire engineering departments.
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