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Mechanical Engineers

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

SOC: 17-2141.00

Common Job Titles

  • Design Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Product Engineer
  • Project Engineer

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDesign mechanical systems, tools, and equipment using CAD software and applying engineering principles to meet functional and safety requirements.
  • KnowledgeFormulate technical solutions for centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems integrating design requirements with operational constraints and cost considerations.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize data from multiple sources including simulation results, test measurements, and operational feedback to develop innovative mechanical solutions and process improvements.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze technical specifications and performance data using finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics software to optimize design solutions.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate equipment installation, operation, and maintenance procedures ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
  • KnowledgeApply mathematical and scientific principles to solve complex mechanical engineering problems involving thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials science.
  • KnowledgeAssess production processes and quality control measures using statistical analysis and testing protocols to ensure product reliability.
  • Hands-onExecute precisely technical drawings and specifications using advanced CAD/CAM systems such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and CATIA.
  • MindsetIntegrate technical knowledge with stakeholder requirements when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on complex engineering projects.
  • MindsetAdvocate for engineering best practices and safety standards while consulting with external clients and internal teams on mechanical system design and implementation.
  • KnowledgeInterpret technical documentation and engineering standards to guide the planning and oversight of equipment installation and maintenance activities.
  • Hands-onOperate testing equipment and measurement instruments including dynamometers, strain gauges, and coordinate measuring machines to validate design specifications.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Mechanical Engineers (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

286,760

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $68,740. 25th percentile: U.S. $81,800. 50th percentile: U.S. $102,320. 75th percentile: U.S. $130,290. 90th percentile: U.S. $161,240. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$68,740
10% of workers earn the following or more$161,240
Workers on average earn$110,080

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Design4.5/5
  • Engineering and Technology4.5/5
  • Production and Processing4.3/5
  • Mechanical4.2/5
  • English Language4.1/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Autodesk Revit
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • C
  • C++
  • Chef
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
  • Perl
  • Puppet
  • Python
  • R
  • SAP software
  • Shell script
  • Teradata Database
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro

Technology Skills

  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • ANSYS simulation software
  • Accelerated life testing software
  • Adobe ActionScript
  • Bill of materials software
  • Blink
  • Blue Ridge Numerics CFDesign
  • Computational fluid dynamics CFD software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Accelerometers
  • Acoustic emission AE sensors
  • Air compressors
  • Aligners
  • Analog to digital converters
  • Anodic wafer bonding systems
  • Chemical-mechanical polishing equipment
  • Computed tomography CT systems
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment