MBA Careers in Mechanical Engineering

TopMBA.com explores what a mechanical engineer does and where they can expect to find employment. Mechanical engineering is often thought to be the most exciting of all the engineering disciplines. 

What do mechanical engineers do?

Working in this industry, a mechanical engineer has the opportunity to work with the design, development, installation, operation and maintenance of most things with moving parts.

As a result you will find mechanical engineers working in industries as varied as aerospace, manufacturing, renewable energy, automotive and medical products. Mechanical engineers work on projects as diverse as developing a mechanical heart, building formula one cars or developing rockets.
 

Ideal Candidate

Phil Collins, a Senior Project Engineer for AMEC Building and Facilities Services observes that "working as a mechanical engineer can be a rewarding job. To be successful in the industry you need to be committed, work hard and have a genuine interest in mechanical engineering".

Graduates should also be aware of key issues surrounding the industry. For example, over the past few years a lot of emphasis has been based on energy conservation and green issues. This has led to more off site manufacturing and an effort to reduce carbon dioxide during production.

Where will I find work?

Mechanical engineers work in many industries including:

- Automotive - designing car engines which can run on environmentally friendly sources of power.
- Railway - working on designing faster, safer trains, which run on a more efficient infrastructure.
- Renewable Energy - finding new ways of converting wind, wave and solar energy into electricity for our homes and businesses.
- Manufacturing - working on projects such as waterless washing machines, which use renewable energy.
- Aerospace - projects include passenger rockets and Mars landing craft.
- Medical - helping to develop life changing equipment such as total joint replacements.

For further information on opportunities for Mechanical Engineers contact IMECHE (Institute of Mechanical Engineers).