Mechanical engineering is a vast discipline, with professionals working in fields ranging from electronics to manufacturing to environmental fields and everything in between. Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing, building and testing mechanical devices, sensors, engines, tools and machinery.
Mechanical engineers can work in office environments, labs and work sites. Travel is often required if the engineer must visit a site to test or troubleshoot a piece of machinery that needs attention. They work in private firms, corporations, startups, manufacturing and even government offices, typically on a traditional Monday-Friday schedule, with some overtime required under a tight deadline.
Required Education and Experience
For entry-level positions, most employers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. New engineers should also have real-world experience in field studies, lab work and internships. Many electrical engineers choose a five-year program where they earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, since ultimately, moving up requires graduate study. Because the field is so vast, engineering students should be prepared to choose a specialization.
Professional mechanical engineers should also be prepared to sit for the Professional Engineer (PE) exam to earn their PE license. Sitting for the test requires four years of work experience. Many states also require engineers to maintain their license through continuing education credits.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for mechanical engineers in 2016 was $84,190 per year, roughly $40.48 per hour. Indeed cites a slightly different figure for Georgia, reporting average salaries of posted jobs at 479,969. Mechanical engineers should remember that salary and benefits can vary significantly based on the size of the company, its location and the skills and experience of individual candidates.
Current Mechanical Engineer Opening
Selectek is currently working with a company in the Alpharetta, Georgia area to find a talented mechanical engineer. The position requires two to ten years of experience and the chosen candidate will be responsible for engineering, design and documentation using Pro-Engineer. Candidates must have a BSME from an accredited college or university as well as experience with 3D software. Experience with sheet metal enclosures, Pro-E and Solidworks are preferred. You can learn more about and apply for this position here.
If you are an experienced mechanical engineer in the Southeast looking for exciting new opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to the expert recruiters at Selectek. We are always seeking strong engineering talent to match with some of the top companies in the region. Contact us today to learn more about our process for helping you take the next step in your career.
