In the Navy:
Aeronautical Engineering Officer, Aircraft Mechanical, Electronic, Electrical and Safety Equipment; Engineering Liaison Officer; Naval Engineering Inspection Officer; RL - Naval Reactors Engineer; Ship Construction and Repair Superintendent (Nuclear); Ship Repair Officer; Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair; Weapons Design Officer; Weapons Military Characteristics Officer; Weapons Systems Inspection and Survey Officer; Weapons and Ammunition Production Officer
Tinkering on a computer, at a drafting table, or in an office late at night, mechanical engineers pull modern marvels out of their imagination and into the world. Mechanical engineers design devices such as generators, engines, thermal sensors, and tools. Most projects start with an analysis of a problem to determine how a device might solve it. They make prototypes of their designs, and work with teams to build and improve them. Mechanical engineers design air conditioning systems, elevators, and the automated conveyors we see in stores, or that factories use to keep things moving. They are experts at making machines efficient, and integrating all the parts into a smoothly functioning whole. Some mechanical engineers specialize, such as fuel cell engineers, who focus on developing fuel cells that generate electricity from hydrogen, and automotive engineers who improve features of cars, such as suspension or temperature controls. Math, computer, and analytical skills are essential for mechanical engineers. Often team leaders, they must be effective listeners and collaborators as well. Positions are typically available in engineering companies, manufacturing, and in research and development departments for a variety of organizations. Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology.
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
Engineering and Technology
product and service development
design
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
physics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
Math
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Ideas and Logic
order or arrange things
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
read and understand what is written
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Innovation
Dependability
Cooperation
Integrity
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
Minitab
The MathWorks MATLAB
Instant messaging software
Blink
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Autodesk Revit
bachelor's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.