Many engineers specialize in mechanical engineering. This subset of engineering revolves around the application of physical principles for mathematical analysis, design, manufacturing and maintenance of mechanical systems. The industry is divided up into smaller areas of focus: mechanics, kinematics or movement, and the energy of physical objects. Let's take a look at what makes a career as a mechanical engineer so rewarding.

Challenging Work

Mechanical engineers use their knowledge of force, heat, mass and energy in design structures. They help research, design, test, create, maintain and monitor heating & cooling systems, vehicles and aircraft, bridges, buildings, machinery, industrial equipment and more.

A key focus in mechanical engineering is optimization. Work as a mechanical engineer focuses on optimizing ease and durability in projects, costs, safety and usefulness. Some tools frequently used by mechanical engineers for manufacturing projects are: CAD/CAM, CFD, FEA, milling machines, robots, CNCs and lathes.

Career Tidbits

The following list includes a few bits of interesting information about the field of mechanical engineering:

- Work as a mechanical engineer is generally 40 hours per week, but may be more, especially under tight deadlines and heavy workloads. The daily tasks often involve working outside an office and in the field.

- The best mechanical engineers enjoy solving complex problems. They are true innovators.

- You will need at least a Bachelor's degree to qualify for a position as a mechanical engineer. Most accredited colleges and universities offer specialized programs in mechanical engineering.

- Job opportunities for mechanical engineers are projected to increase at a faster than average rate through 2014.

- The average salary for engineers in 2002 was reported at $65,000. Top engineers earn over $90,000 per year. A mechanical engineer just out of college would earn an average of $40,000 per year.

- Mechanical engineers commonly wind up working in corporations or for the government.

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and hottest specialities in the engineering field.