Entry Level Career as a Mechanical Engineer - Research Paper Example

Full lecture. Unit/ number 08 January, Research Paper on Entry Level Career as a Mechanical Engineer A mechanical engineer is someone who has a splendid career profile. The engineer is involved in the research, design, design and production of machines, engines, and other mechanical devices. The engineer performs his duty as required. The mechanical engineer has an alternative titles that reflect a specialty like Robotics Engineering or an engineering function such as Project Engineering or Consultant. Mechanical engineers are often defined by their high levels of innate curiosity about how things work. This curiosity is often evident from a tender age that culminates in them a good sense of judgment. These kind of engineers have an enthusiasm for finding solutions to problems. The reason being that one needs to be creative for him or her to transform any theoretical device into a real-world thing. Hence, mechanical engineers do lots of research to enable them come up with designs. They then develop these plans and build the actual things that will later on be tested before they are approved for use (Mason 103). In recent times, computers have significantly contributed to ways in which these engineers achieve their objectives. These computers have allowed complex tasks to be carried out in shorter times than it would have when hand calculations were in use. To come up with quality products, these engineers use sophisticated items like industrial production equipment, material handling systems, and electric generators. In cases where they encounter analytical and more complex segments in their occupation, knowledge of trigonometry and calculus is often a great boost for them. However, this field of engineering is often an exciting profession. Several innovations like the introduction of engineering materials such as the composites of carbon fiber and 3-D printing have been possible due to the presence of mechanical engineers. Also, globalization has brought about the spirit of teamwork that has enabled these engineers to work together in order to benefit the whole world (Engineering Foundation: Selecting an Engineering Career 815). Most people anticipate that employment opportunities in this field will grow, and this will be a great source of encouragement for upcoming engineers. Remanufacturing, nanotechnologies, and alternative energies are fields that will provide opportunities for those with the needed qualifications and experience. Day-to-day activities of mechanical engineers There is no perfect definition of a typical day in the mechanical engineering field. The engineering projects are multi-disciplinary involving lots of organizational efforts. They often involve lots of people both inside and outside the organization. Every project often has a life cycle that includes different kinds of people working at different times. Each day, these engineers encounter different challenges and issues that progress throughout the project. Their work will also involve a significant amount of communication through emails, on the phone, reports, memos, and teleconferences. Every engineer must work with another and never alone as engineering is a teamwork affair. Some projects can be completed in just a week; others for months or even years with others even running concurrently. On the other hand, their workload keeps on changing with the advancement of the project or as it encounters obstacles (Conference On Engineering Education And Career Patterns 181). Reasons for interest in mechanical engineering career Being one of the broadest engineering disciplines, it attracts various people to work in the different fields. The people involved coming up with designs, develop these plans, build and test them. These include engines, tools, and machines. Those who work as technicians help the engineers to come up with industrial machinery, various equipment, and consumer products. They assist in making the rough layouts and sketches, recording and analyzing data, making calculations and estimates as well as reporting the findings. All these bring about the aspect of teamwork that enables the achievement of the various objectives of the team at different levels. It allows the members involved to better themselves and a chance for career advancement (Mason 154). Getting a degree in mechanical engineering opens doors for several career opportunities. It is mainly for utility companies, government agencies, and automobile manufacturers. Also, when these engineers opt for additional education as a Master’s Degree in Business Management, they can be employed in executive positions. For instance, an advanced degree in mechanical engineering enables them to work as researchers and professors at institutions of higher learning. Requirements For one to be a mechanical engineer, he should have undergone through education or training and attained a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. The training program includes several instructions on various components of a system like computer programming and power systems. Other technical courses involved are fluid mechanics, hydraulics and thermodynamics. The students are also required to gain a basic understanding of electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and civil engineering during the learning phase. Individuals interested in pursuing development and research in the work area, masters or a doctoral degree is an essential requirement. The graduate programs in these fields involve numerous research projects in particular fields. It culminates in a dissertation or a thesis in the particular study area. The schools that offer these courses ought to be accredited by an accreditation board. Similarly, working as a mechanical engineer requires a previous work experience. These would include individual skills and personal traits like writing, communication, presentation, leadership, teamwork, interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills. To add to the list, he should also be detail-oriented, creative, quick-witted, self-motivated, flexible, cooperative, reliable and persistent. Lastly, the special requirements needed is the professional engineer (P.E.) license (Conference On Engineering Education And Career Patterns 179). Position Description The lives people live today are intertwined with machines and devices of every description. Our homes, schools, workplaces and recreational facilities are filled with labour-saving devices such as refrigerator, dishwasher, copier’s computers and treadmills. People mostly travel to places in motorized vehicles. They also ride elevators to the tops of the office buildings. Most of the mass-produced modern amenities are made with the aid of industrial machines. Most items used at home, school, or even work are made with the use of machines. Mechanical engineer is the profession involved in the design and manufacture of machines, engines, and other mechanical devices. The mechanical engineering discipline is, in fact, one of the oldest engineering branches. The individuals engaged in this discipline are known as Mechanical Engineers. Their field of specialization is involved in the development and creation of almost every modern machine, from the tiny to enormous. Mechanical engineers use their understanding of the fundamentals of the engineering science, mathematics, energy, heat mechanics, design and manufacturing in their daily work. The particular key to their understanding is in the area of mechanics, which concerns the movement of everything from tiny particles to huge machines and structures. Mechanical engineers also understand the principles of energy transfer. For example, solar energy is transferred to electrical energy. Energy is also transferred from a battery to the moving parts of a machine (Mason 205). Their first step towards making a machine is to envision its design and analyses its operation. The mechanical engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems to model their machines design and simulate its functions within different design parameters to determine its optimum performance. They factor in the size, shape, and weight of the machine, as well as the materials to be used in its manufacture. The use of power is also taken into considerations. All of these factors are used to create the best virtual prototype of the desired product. When a design incorporates all the essential elements into one cohesive unit, it called synthesis. Once a design is completed, it is then ready for the production process, which mechanical engineers oversee. They are essential to the smooth flow of work in every step of production. It including testing, quality control, manufacturing, and sales, as well as the maintenance of their finished products (Conference On Engineering Education And Career Patterns 183). As Mechanical Engineers gain experience, they typically focus on one specialty of mechanical engineering. Some of these areas include computer-aided design and manufacturing; plant engineering and maintenance; automotive engineering and aerospace engineering. Also laser technology; biomedical applications; electro mechanics; robotics; energy systems; pressure vessels and piping; applied mechanics; and heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning systems. Additionally, Mechanical Engineers specialize in performing specific engineering functions in the different phases of development and production. They may also be employed as researchers, development engineers, designers, production engineers, test engineers, regulatory affairs specialists, sales engineers, consultants and so on. Their responsibilities vary, according to their particular function for which they have been employed. For example, design engineers create designs of products that meet customer’s requirements and industry standards, and that can be produced economically. On the other hand, project engineers plan and oversee all the activities that must be completed from start to finish. Mechanical engineers also perform general tasks within the realm of their particular functions. For example, they: · Design instruments and controls, as well as mechanical, heat transfer, hydraulic and thermal systems. · Design engineering tools. · Plan and oversee the manufacture of testing equipment. · Develop testing methods and procedures. · Ensure that mechanical systems comply with design and customer specifications. · Recommend changes in designs. · Estimate the costs of their projects, the materials to be used and labor. · Prepare reports and other documents. · Resolve problems, clarify project objectives and provide technical assistance. · Study and evaluate the feasibility of customers’ proposals. · Investigate systems failures and recommend remediation procedures. · Attend to the needs of suppliers and customers. · Stay up-to-date with new developments in the science and supervision of senior engineers. Novice engineers typically work under the guidance and supervision of senior engineers. Their focus is to develop their skills and their understanding of the rules, regulations, standards and practices of their area of concern. As they gain experience and knowledge, they receive more complex assignments and are to exercise greater levels of authority. They may work as lead persons in particular assignments while directing the activities of other engineers and technicians. Mechanical Engineers gain experience in the areas of testing and fieldwork before moving into more advanced engineering design, production, and management work (Konzo and Bayne 450). Senior mechanical engineers are more actively involved in the decision-making process and are more likely to be team leaders. Their decisions are made without direct supervision. Senior engineers are more aware of the program needs and work independently in response to those needs. Advanced to executive-level Mechanical Engineers are the primary engineers for project division or an entire geographical area. These professionals perform the most difficult engineering tasks. They also make policy decisions and consult with clients or government agencies at the highest levels (Conference On Engineering Education And Career Patterns 181). Mechanical Engineering is a multi-faceted field, involving the input of diverse people from divergent backgrounds, industries, and disciplines. Regardless of their experience, specialty or function. Mechanical Engineers work with other engineers as well as with technologists, technicians, and scientists. Many of them also interact with government regulators, corporate personnel at all levels, customers and material suppliers. The Mechanical Engineers work for forty hours per week but occasionally work extra hours to complete task or meet deadlines. Salaries Salaries for Mechanical Engineers vary, depending on such factors as their education, experience, position, employer, industry and geographical location. According to the November 2004 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of labour Statistics(BLS). The salary for most Mechanical Engineers was estimated to range between $44,240 and $100,400 annually. Employment prospects In instances where it is a first job, almost half of the mechanical engineers primarily focus on design engineering with the rest of them doing the actual work in this area sometimes, solving problems may require them to learn new things from other fields. It helps them to develop various options in their careers that may not have been obvious when they were starting out. Some are often surprised by the responsibilities leveled on them during their first job. They are not expected to know everything when they are starting out but are expected to learn, grow and improve as they progress. They do all these as part of a team. Opportunities for Mechanical Engineers are available in virtually all manufacturing industries. They also find a job with engineering consulting and contracting firms, as well as in government agencies, research institutes, and academic institutions. Mechanical engineers work all over the world in every country to produce machinery OD develop new markets. According to the BLS November, 2004 OES survey, about 219,040 mechanical engineers were employed in the United States. The highest level of unemployment were found in the architectural and engineering services industry. The aerospace product and parts manufacturing industry, the electronics instrument manufacturing industry, the scientific research and development services industry and the federal government (Konzo and Bayne 324). The BLS reports that employment of mechanical Engineers is expected to grow by 9 to 17 percent through 2014. Many opportunities will be created in emerging technologies, such as biotechnology, nanotechnology and materials science. In addition to job growth, opportunities will become available as engineers retire, transfer to other occupations or advance to higher positions. Mechanical engineers can also seek positions in other engineering specialties due to the versatility of their skills. Advancement Prospects Mechanical engineers may advance to any number of ways, depending on their ambition and interests. They may specialize in a particular field such as robotics engineering or become technical specialists. Some engineers pursue positions in business areas of an organization such as technical sales or marketing. The engineers with management and administrative interests and talents can seek jobs as supervisory, project and chief engineers. Additionally, they may advance to executive officer positions within their organization. Those with entrepreneurial ambitions can become independent consultants or owners of films that offer contractual or consulting services. In addition, some mechanical Engineers return to school to pursue careers in law, business or medicine (Patten 70). Education and Training Minimally, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or another related field is needed for applicants seeking entry-level positions. A doctoral or master’s degree is a necessity for Mechanical Engineers to advance to careers in management, consulting, research or teaching. For someone to conduct research and teach at the university and college level, engineers need a doctoral degree. Many mechanical engineers obtain advanced degrees in a mechanical engineering specialty, such as automotive engineering, which interests them. Special requirements All engineers who offer engineering services directly to the public or perform work that affects the property, life, or health of the society must be licensed as professional engineers (P.E) where they practice. The licensing process consists of two stages. At the first level, qualifying individuals become licensed as engineers-in-training (E.I.T.). After working several years under the supervision of licensed mechanical engineers, E.I.T.s become eligible to apply for the P.E. license. Usually, every state and territory has its particular requirements for P.E. licensure (Niemeier et al. 199). An engineer has to go through several processes in order to be licensed. The engineers must complete a four-year college degree and work under a Professional Engineer for a minimum of four years. He also has to pass two intensive competency exams and earn a license from their state’s licensure board. Retaining the license woul require PEs to continually maintain and improve their skills throughout their careers. By combining their expertise with their high standards of ethics and quality assurance, PEs help makes engineers healthier, keep them safer and allow them to have better lives. Anyone could work as an engineer without a proof of competency. The engineering licensure law enacted in 1907 is to protect the public safety, health and welfare. Every state has been regulating the practice of engineering to ensure public safety. They grant only Professional Engineers (PEs) the authority to sign and seal engineering plans and offer their services to the public (Patten 67). Engineers must follow some steps to ensure their competency for them to use the PE seal. These include To earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program To pass the fundamentals of engineering (FE)exams To complete four years of active progressive engineering practical experience under a PE To pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The main difference of an engineer and a PE The PE is required to continuously demonstrate their competency as they maintain and improve their skills. They achieve this by fulfilling continuing education requirements depending on the licensing state. The licensed engineers are the ones allowed to prepare, sign and seal, and submit the engineering drawings and plans to the public authority for approval. The licensed engineer also seals engineering work for private and public clients. PEs are responsible for their work and the lives affected by their work. They must maintain high ethical standards for practice. Licensure for a private practitioner or a consulting engineer is a legal requirement for those responsible for their work. It is a requirement that the engineering tutor must be licensed. Licensure helps educators prepare for their future in engineering. Experience, Special Skills, and Personal traits Employers usually do not require any previous work experience for entry-level positions. However, many candidates have some work experience, which they gained through student internships, work-study programs, student research projects or summer employment. Mechanical engineers need strong writing, communication, and presentation skills to perform their work efficiently. In addition, they must have solid leadership, teamwork, interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills. Some of the personality traits that successful Mechanical Engineers share are being creative, detail oriented, and quick-witted, self-motivated, flexible, cooperative, reliable, and persistent (Niemeier et al. 201). Contributions of mechanical engineering to the society The field of mechanical engineering now covers lots of disciplines and significantly contributes to the advancements and sustainability of our societies. Without the expertise of these engineers, we could not enjoy the benefits that washing machines and machines for food production and many others have enabled us to. In the world today, there are many engineers in different professions. Some have comparatively advanced skills like the nanotech engineers, bioengineers, and aeronautical engineers. Regardless of all these, the skills of mechanical engineers are fully utilized in almost all aspects of everyday life. Even before computer engineers, spacecraft engineers and the like, these engineers were already there. They have pioneered almost everything that is present in our modern world today. In essence, most industries began by using very simple mechanical equipment. The mechanical engineers were already at work even then. With technological advancements, electronic engineers came on board and have worked closely with these mechanical engineers. Their efforts have seen them come up with programmable dishwashers, vending machines, and automated teller machines (Patten 73). In recent times, space exploration has cultivated the need for vehicles that are remote controlled. These are useful in gathering samples from other planets as well as from the moon. These engineers now get their roles from the team tasked with coming up with these machines. However, those that get involved with scientific research to a great extent, mostly have a background knowledge in either mechatronics, electronics, robotics and many other engineering specializations. By the way, the computers that are in use today can also be attributed to the skills and endeavors of the previous mechanical engineers. They played a significant role in assembling the analog computers. These kind of machines used electrical, hydraulic or mechanical systems coupled with physical systems to aid in problem-solving. The digital computers in use, today are improved versions of the analogs. All these prove that mechanical engineers have immensely contributed to advancements in almost every industry that relies on computers (Niemeier et al. 200). It has had immense contributions in the business world. These engineers come up with products and services that meet the needs of various customers. The corporate management comes up with the cost of these products. They advise marketing as well as financial managers on possibilities of new initiatives as well as design and build the facilities for production. There are thousands of engineering firms most of which are service companies. Most of the careers in business and management are also taken up by mechanical engineers. Unions and Associations Many mechanical engineers join professional associations to take advantage of networking opportunities, continuing education programs, certification programs and other professional services and resources. Societies are available at the local, state and national levels. Some national societies that serve mechanical engineers include the ASME International (the American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and the NSPE In addition, mechanical engineers join professional associations that serve the different specialties of mechanical engineering. Ther are SAE International (the Society of Automotive Engineers) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Works Cited Conference On Engineering Education And Career Patterns. ARCHIVE: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Conference Proceedings 1964-1970 (vols 178-184), Various titles labelled Volumes A to S 178.36 (1963): vi-vi. Web. Engineering Foundation: Selecting An Engineering Career. Electr. Eng. 51.11 (1932): 815-815. Web. Konzo, Seichi, and James W Bayne. Opportunities In Mechanical Engineering. Skokie, Ill.: VGM Career Horizons, 1978. Print. Mason, Peter. Your Career In - Mechanical Engineering. London: Cornmarket Press Daily Express, 1970. Print. McDavid, Richard A, and Susan Echaore-McDavid. Career Opportunities In Engineering. New York, NY: Ferguson, 2007. Print. Niemeier, D. et al. Integration Of Engineering Education And Research: Perspectives From The NSF Civil And Mechanical Systems 1998 CAREER Workshop. Journal of Engineering Education 90.2 (2001): 199-202. Web. Patten, Tom. Engineering, The Developing Career—A Personal View. ARCHIVE: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E: Journal of Process Mechanical Engineering 1989-1996 (vols 203-210) 205.25 (1991): 65-74. Web. Read More