What Are the Different Types of Mechanical Engineering Career Opportunities?

Mechanical engineering is one of the most diverse fields of engineering. Mechanical engineering analyzes, designs, and builds mechanical products or systems using materials science and physics principles. Mechanical engineers of all types have learned about structural analysis, thermodynamics, and mechanics. Most mechanical engineers are also familiar with and use the fundamental principles of chemical, electrical, and civil engineering. Aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering are some of the more common specialized areas of mechanical engineering. Overall, mechanical engineering job opportunities are expected to grow in the early twenty-first century’s second decade.

Aerospace engineering encompasses the conception, design, and construction of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Aeronautical engineering, which involves the design and construction of aircraft that operate within the earth’s atmosphere, and astronautical engineering, which involves the design and construction of spacecraft that operate outside the earth’s atmosphere, are two distinct but overlapping areas of aerospace engineering. Aerodynamic forces and physical properties such as lift, drag, airfoils, and control surfaces are dealt with in this branch of mechanical engineering. When designing for severe structural loads, extreme temperatures, and atmospheric pressure levels, aerospace engineers must consider these factors.

Automotive engineering entails the creation and testing of various parts and processes used in the production of automobiles and other vehicles. Exhaust systems, engines, and structural design are all specialties in this field of engineering. Some engineers in this field specialize in one or two areas, while others may have the opportunity to work in a variety of specialties. Mechanical engineering opportunities for this area of specialization have a strong growth potential due to environmental issues and opportunities for advancement to senior positions.

Biomedical engineering combines engineering, medicine, and biology to improve the quality of life for a wide range of people. Much of the work done in this field involves the design and development of biocompatible prostheses, micro-implants, and diagnostic devices, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) equipment, and it is a relatively new source of mechanical engineering career opportunities. Bioinstrumentation, biomechanics, and bionics are some of the sub-disciplines of biomedical engineering.

These professions pay a wide range of salaries, depending on the area of specialization. Mechanical engineering opportunities, on the other hand, are expected to grow well into the twenty-first century. Mechanical engineering career opportunities in certain areas of specialization, such as biomedical engineering, are expected to grow the most.