Career Explorer
Business
Health
Education
Human Service
Culinary
Technology & Engineering
Computers
Auto/DieselTechnology & Engineering
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers work in one of the broadest engineering disciplines, applying math and science principles together with creative and analytical thinking to create useful machines, tools, and mechanical devices and components.
As a Mechanical Engineer, you’re part of a team, involved throughout the entire development process — from research and design through testing and manufacture. You specify the functional requirements for a potential product, design and test components, integrate components to create the final design, and evaluate its overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety.
Your opportunities in this discipline are broad. You might engineer tools, develop machines that produce power like generators and engines, or create machines that use power such as air-conditioning equipment, industrial production equipment, or robots. Mechanical engineers also work in agriculture production and technical sales and oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical equipment and systems.
At Baker, you’ll learn how to apply the fundamentals of engineering science to practical problems using creative design, analysis and synthesis of mechanical components, systems, and tools. And because our program is certified by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), you have the assurance that as soon as you graduate, you’ll be ready for the job.
– Tom Spendlove Baker instructor, EngineeringIf you took your general education classes during the day and took the technical classes during the night — thermodynamics, fluids, vibrations — that would save a couple terms and get you out in the work force faster.
Career Facts
- The average annual salary for Mechanical Engineers is $80,580, with starting salaries among the highest of all college graduates.
- Employment growth in Mechanical Engineering is expected to be about 6 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is slower than average. However, Mechanical Engineers have additional opportunities because their skills can often be applied in other engineering specialties.
- Most engineers work in office buildings, laboratories, or industrial plants. Some work at construction sites, monitoring operations or solving onsite problems.
- A 40-hour week is standard, but occasionally a project deadline may require longer hours.
- Technology improvements make continuing education critical.
- As new engineers gain knowledge and experience, they are assigned more difficult projects with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Advancing to senior technical or managerial positions may require additional professional certifications.
Programs
Want to get the ball rolling?
Everything about our college is aimed at getting you the job you want in the shortest time possible — from our affordable tuition, to how we choose our programs, to our small class sizes, and flexible class schedules.
Discover what Baker can do for your future. Schedule a visit or enroll online today.
