WHAT IS AMECHANICALENGINEER?

MP0398

8x9pdf/aug2003 8/28/03 2:36 PM Page 1

What is a Mechanical Engineer?Mechanical engineering plays a dominant role in enhancingsafety, economic vitality, enjoyment and overall quality of lifethroughout the world. Mechanical engineers are concernedwith the principles of force, energy and motion. The men andwomen who work as mechanical engineers are professionalswith expert knowledge of the design and manufacture ofmechanical systems and thermal devices and processes.Some examples of products and processes developed bymechanical engineers include engines and control systems forautomobiles and aircraft, electric power generation plants,lifesaving medical devices and consumer products rangingfrom air conditioners to personal computers and athleticequipment. They also design the machines that mass-producethese products. Virtually every aspect of life is touched bymechanical engineering. If something moves or uses energy,a mechanical engineer was probably involved in its designor production.

An Evolving ProfessionThe explosive development and expansion in computer tech-nology has literally changed the face of mechanical engi-neering. The drawing board has given way to computer-aided-design (CAD), and sophisticated computational soft-ware tools have enabled mechanical engineers to developefficient solutions to complex technical problems. For exam-ple, the emerging high-tech field of nanotechnology is attract-ing mechanical engineers to design ultra-miniature machinesand tiny implantable medical devices that navigate thehuman body searching for disease and damaged tissue.Also, the growing concern for the planet and the quality oflife for future generations have spurred continuing efforts bymechanical engineers to design resource-efficient and recy-clable products and develop equipment and processes toclean-up existing environmental problems and prevent theirreoccurrence.

These technologies and a host of others will have an impacton lives in the 21st century, and their development and refine-ment require the skills, intuition and creative ability ofmechanical engineers. At the same time, mechanical engi-neers are expected to understand and convey the real-worldconsequences of technology development alternatives to deci-sion-makers and the public.

Toward a Career in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a profession requiring specificskills. These skills are acquired through education, trainingand experience. Throughout high school, students must enrollin certain courses as preparation for acceptance into engi-neering programs at a college or university. A solid founda-tion in mathematics, science and the language arts is critical.Strong mathematics preparation includes algebra, geometry,trigonometry and calculus. Chemistry, biology and physicsform the basic science foundation. Ability in oral and writtencommunications is important to success in mechanical engi-neering studies, and courses in mechanical or computer-aideddrafting/drawing and other technology-related subjects canhelp students begin to understand the important practicalitiesof technological projects.

Students can enhance their studies and enrich the overalllearning experience by entering science and technology fairsand design competitions, and by joining clubs or careergroups devoted to engineering and science. Some clubssponsor day trips and similar excursions to companies, labo-ratories and industrial facilities, where students can meet engi-neers in actual work environments.

Alex BurkatPrincipal MechanicalEngineerDisney Imagineering,Glendale, CA

"I'm a mechanical engineerworking for Walt Disney.My job is to design rides forDisney theme parks. One of the first rides I worked on was

Splash Mountain at Disneyland. The ride was just finished at the time I was hired, and I was drafted to debug it andimprove certain components and add certain features to it.Sometimes I take my kids to Disneyland. They know that Iworked on some attractions and I did this or that ...it's verysatisfying to see your things actually built and working."

8x9pdf/aug2003 8/28/03 2:36 PM Page 2

College for the Mechanical Engineering Student

While mechanical engineering programs may vary in specif-ic content and detail, they are linked by a common educa-tional philosophy. The programs provide a broad-based edu-cation with a concentration on fundamentals and basic lawsas the major tools required for the professional practice ofmechanical engineering. Graduates are expected to havethe ability to work professionally, as individuals and inteams, in both the thermal and mechanical systems areas,including the design, manufacture and control of such sys-tems. Moreover, they are expected to understand the ethi-cal, legal, and societal implications of their work.

Mathematics is a fundamental language of the engineeringprogram. Students also gain extensive integrated laborato-ry, computer and design experiences. The design experi-ence emphasizes synthesis, computer applications and prob-lem solving. Communications, teamwork and practicalhands-on experience with various product design processesare also important elements of the program. Internships, co-op semesters and participation in ASME Student Sectionactivities are strongly encouraged as means to gain expo-sure to engineering practice.

Those seeking to pursue a mechanical engineering degreein the United States should look for a college curriculumaccredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineeringand Technology). There are approximately 265 college anduniversity mechanical engineering degree programs accred-ited by ABET. In other countries, look toward polytechnicand university programs that are recognized by governmen-tal education authorities and by the professional organiza-tion of mechanical engineers in that country.

Lori Laird Biomedical EngineerGuidant Corporation,Santa Clara, CA

"We develop tools that assistsurgeons. Doctors will comein and they'll tell you, ‘we'rehaving difficulty with this typeof surgery and we'd like todevelop a better way to do it.’

So immediately we say, ‘okay, how can we develop a product to do this?’"

Where Mechanical Engineers WorkEmployment prospects for mechanical engineers are strong,particularly where local economies are growing. In theUnites States, for example, the profession is growing by 16percent, or 35,000 jobs annually, which is a rate of growthexpected to continue to the year 2006.

Industrial sectors in which mechanical engineers have tradi-tionally made substantial contributions include aerospace,automotive, chemical, computer and electronics, construc-tion, consumer products, energy, engineering consulting andgovernment. In addition, the medical and pharmaceuticalindustries present exciting opportunities for mechanicalengineers to join forces with the life sciences. Even theentertainment industry relies heavily on mechanical engi-neers for special effects and amusement park equipment.

The vast majority of this work is done in thousands of com-panies ranging from large multi-nationals to small, localfirms. Job functions and responsibilities range from productand production design engineering and systems design topower plant operations, quality control and project man-agement. With experience and further education, somemechanical engineers move into legal or managementpositions that build upon their scientific and technical skillsand expertise. Others choose the path of scholarlyresearch and teaching. The work of the mechanical engi-neer is diverse and worldwide, and the careers of mechani-cal engineers are marked by an important common factor --- continuous learning.

Caecilia GotamaAssociate Partner andProject ManagerSyska & Hennessy,Los Angeles, CA

“There are engineers whobecome lawyers, there areengineers who become doctors, and there are lots of engineers, like myself,

who are still involved in engineering but acting as consultants. So there are a lot of opportunities out of engineering school."

8x9pdf/aug2003 8/28/03 2:36 PM Page 3

Melinda CecacciAerospace Technologist/Propulsion SystemsEngineerNASA Johnson Space Center,Houston, TX

"I am doing a job that is anopportunity of a lifetime.The work that has given me

the most pride was the program involving the first jointdocking of the Mir and the Space shuttle. At NASA, Iwork with a team of flight controllers, and they come froma wealth of different backgrounds. We have mathmajors, we have engineers from electrical to civil tomechanical to chemical. We have physics majors, scien-tists. All different kinds of people come here. So wedraw on a wealth of knowledge, which is great. It addsto the effectiveness of how we do our jobs."

The annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Competition teams highschool students with engineers from companies to build robots which compete against one another in sports-like events.

Lifelong Learning and Becoming Part of the Profession

One engineer's new product is another engineer's newtool. Mechanical engineers are in the business of advanc-ing the technological state of the art and are doing so ata rapid pace and on a global scale.

The analytical and critical thinking and problem-solvingskills that result from an engineering education will servethroughout one’s life. However, to remain competent andcompetitive throughout one’s career, the mechanical engi-neer must continuously learn about, and use, new develop-ments in the field. Every project, promotion and jobchange produces new learning demands. To stay abreastof new developments in the field, mechanical engineersenroll in graduate courses and read technical books,codes, papers, magazines and journals. They attend shortcourses, take on-line courses, and participate in work-shops and conferences.

ASME and other professional societies play an importantrole in providing these types of learning opportunities forengineers. Engineers who are active in professional soci-eties gain a competitive edge, enhance their knowledgeand technical expertise, and acquire leadership skills. Toget an early start in the profession, once you enroll at thecollege or university of your choice, join the 24,000mechanical engineering student-members of ASME andbecome active in the ASME Student Section on campus.

Norris AllmanSenior Supervising Test EngineerPSE&G of NewJersey

"...people are judgedby what they knowmore than their friend-ships or what schoolthey went to. It’s a tech-

nical business... if you’re technically competent, you’ll dovery well."

8x9pdf/aug2003 8/28/03 2:36 PM Page 4

Brochures, Booklets, and Other Resources

Mechanical Engineering A-ZFor elementary school ages, a cheerful brochure that showseveryday items that are produced by mechanical engineers.ASME Order No: MP0491 (Free)

Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical EngineeringTechnology: Which Path Will You Take?For high school and college ages, this brochure describesand contrasts two related career paths available to thoseinterested in mechanical engineering. ASME Order No:MP4998 (Free)

ASME InternationalThree Park AvenueNew York, NY 10016-5990

October 2000MP0398

45M

For More Information

MailASME International22 Law Drive, Box 2900Fairfield, NJ 07007-2900

Call Toll Free800-843-2763(800-THE-ASME)973-882-1167

Fax (24 hours)973-882-1717/5155

E-Mailinfocentral@asme.org

To Order

visit the the Mechanical Engineering Careerswebsite at http://www.asme.org/careers

and ASME Student Center atwww.asme.org/students

Beth LemenSite OperationsManager, P & GPharmaceuticalsProcter & Gamble,Cincinnati, OH

"I think mechanical engi-neering is a great career.You've learned to analyzedata and analyze and

solve problems You work in group settings, so you'velearned team dynamics and how to work with people."

Guidance Materials

CD-ROM (New!)

Careers for Mechanical EngineersPart of the Sloan Foundation Career Cornerstone CD-ROMSeries, the disk is a storehouse of interviews and informa-tion on virtually every facet of mechanical engineeringcareers, from the early preparation, to the initial jobsearch, to the challenges and choices that shape a rewarding career. ASME Order No. VH47CD $39.95

Videos

CareerPath: Mechanical EngineeringFor engineering and high school students, this video fea-tures a look at the jobs of 18 mechanical engineers. Thevideo takes the viewer through typical workdays. Find outwhat engineers believe to be the most important aspects oftheir education and working life. Learn how they handledthe transition from education to their careers. ASME OrderNo: VH4710. ($24.95), 27min.

The Mothers of InventionFor middle and high school students, this video shows sig-nificant technical accomplishments of women, minorities,and children throughout American history and up to thepresent day. See famous inventions, some of which are stillused in homes and businesses. The package includes ateacher’s guide and poster. ASME Order No: 490490($25.00), 10 min.

Engineering Is for EveryoneFor elementary grades, a video and teaching kit demon-strate that math and science are fun and interesting.Follow along as a young narrator and her friends work onvarious projects. The kit includes a teacher’s guide, suggest-ed projects and a poster. ASME Order No: VX0191($19.95), 12 min.

8x9pdf/aug2003 8/28/03 2:36 PM Page 5