Mechanical engineers work in a variety of fields and disciplines, with a strong focus on the development, design, construction, and installation of many of the mechanical devices that make modern life so convenient. Engineers who have completed their education can work in a variety of settings and provide a wide range of services.
The design and construction of public buildings is one of the more common roles of a mechanical engineer. Engineers deal with a variety of issues that affect a building’s functionality, such as the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. They’ll make sure that the placement of equipment, ductwork routing, and vent placement throughout the space ensure that the building’s occupants have a comfortable temperature at all times. In some cases, an engineer may create unique systems that function in non-standard building designs.
Product development is another area where this type of engineer’s skills are required. He or she may be asked to improve an existing product, such as an automobile or a household kitchen appliance, in some cases. As part of this job, the engineer may try to improve the product — or the manufacturing process — to make it more efficient, potentially lowering consumer costs. This type of engineering has proven to be very profitable in the advancement of communications methods and devices over the last several decades, resulting in the lower cost of a variety of household products.
Mechanical engineering is also used in product development that results in something new, such as new space exploration concepts. People whose creativity and vision helped to make the impossible a reality in a matter of years were directly responsible for some of the most important technological innovations of the last century.
As technology in a variety of industries becomes more complicated, mechanical engineers’ skills have become more in demand. As a result, many colleges and universities now offer comprehensive engineering programs designed to prepare engineers to meet the growing demand.