MECHANICAL ENGINEERS design, produce, maintain and improve all kinds of mechanical devices, components, engines and systems. Examples include transportation equipment, environmental control systems, materials handling systems, machine tools, robots, and automated manufacturing equipment. Mechanical Engineers are also involved with power conversion systems ranging from internal combustion engines to large power-generating stations. They need to know about all forms of energy needed to produce motion or heat - solar, water, wind and nuclear energy as well as conventional fuels. The field is diverse, and Mechanical Engineers can work in different areas including: design, testing, manufacturing/plant engineering, sales or teaching.

Mechanical Engineers played a very important part in the creation of the mass production factories of the 1920's. Today, the globe manufacturing industries are turning to cost-saving technologies including automated processing and robotics to improve their competitiveness and productivity. Once> again Mechanical Engineers are playing a major role. Using CAD (computer-aided design) they are developing new types of automated systems utilizing laser-processing and machining and advanced sensor and imaging technologies. Mechanical Engineers also design and develop service, or mobile robots, and automated guided vehicles, including space exploration vehicles. Many Mechanical Engineers work in machinery and systems design. Design engineers are mainly concerned with new product development but also upgrade existing designs to achieve desired performance goals.

Computers have become an integral part of the design engineer's job. Using CAD systems, engineers create realistic geometric models of objects on a computer terminal screen. They can rotate these images to view them from any desired angle, and even simulate and analyze the effects of different operating conditions and try out alternative designs. Computer-models are eliminating the need for handmade drawings and experimental physical prototypes.

Testing of products in order to verify or improve their quality is an integral part of both design and manufacturing. Test engineers select or develop the testing apparatus and procedures to be used. If problems arise during testing, or if the product does not perform according to specifications, test engineers may recommend changes in overall design, in particular components or materials, or in certain manufacturing procedures.

Mechanical Engineers who work in manufacturing are responsible for all aspects of production from development or selection of manufacturing methods to overseeing day-to-day operations on the factory floor. Engineers must be able to design, install and operate complex manufacturing systems made up of people, materials, robotics and other automated equipment. Along with this, they develop and monitor preventive maintenance programs. They may work on teams with design and/or test engineers, and often develop the product and the production process concurrently.

Sales of sophisticated technical products frequently require knowledge of how the device or system operates. Therefore, Mechanical Engineers are sometimes employed as sales representatives. They solicit new business and furnish technical assistance to customers; they also provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems and needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Mechanical Engineers are employed in virtually every industry, with most working for manufacturing firms and a substantial number mployed by consulting services. Although some engineers spend most of their time in an office, many jobs require working part of the time in a plant, testing laboratory, machine shop, or installation site. Engineers also travel to professional conferences and training sessions to keep abreast of recent advances in the field. Many of them belong to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or the National Society of Professional Engineers. Engineering is normally not a physically strenuous job. However, the pressure of deadlines or the need for emergency repairs can cause considerable stress.