Here are a handful of 

mechanical engineering fields.

In statics, research focuses on how forces are transmitted to and throughout a structure. Once a system is in motion,
mechanical engineers look at dynamics, or what velocities, accelerations and resulting forces come into
play. Kinematics then examines how a mechanism behaves as it moves through its range of motion.
Materials science delves into determining the best materials for different applications. A part of that is materials strength
—testing support loads, stiffness, brittleness and other properties—which is essential for many construction, automobile,
and medical materials.
How energy gets converted into useful power is the heart of thermodynamics, as well as determining what energy is lost in
the process. One specific kind of energy, heat transfer, is crucial in many applications and requires gathering and analyzing
temperature data and distributions.
Fluid mechanics, which also has a variety of applications, looks at many properties including pressure drops from fluid flow
and aerodynamic drag forces.
Manufacturing is an important step in mechanical engineering. Within the field, researchers investigate the best processes
to make manufacturing more efficient. Laboratory methods focus on improving how to measure both thermal and
mechanical engineering products and processes. Likewise, machine design develops equipment-scale processes
while electrical engineering focuses on circuitry. All this equipment produces vibrations, another field of mechanical
engineering, in which researchers study how to predict and control vibrations.
Engineering economics makes mechanical designs relevant and usable in the real world by estimating manufacturing and
life cycle costs of materials, designs, and other engineered products.

What skills do mechanical engineers need?

The essence of engineering is problem solving. With this at its core, mechanical engineering also requires applied creativity
—a hands on understanding of the work involved—along with strong interpersonal skills like networking, leadership, and
conflict management. Creating a product is only part of the equation; knowing how to work with people, ideas, data, and
economics fully makes a mechanical engineer.

What tasks do mechanical engineers do?

Careers in mechanical engineering call for a variety of tasks.

 Conceptual design
 Analysis
 Presentations and report writing
 Multidisciplinary teamwork
 Concurrent engineering
 Benchmarking the competition
 Project management
 Prototyping
 Testing

 Measurements
 Data Interpretation
 Developmental design
 Research
 Analysis (FEA and CFD)
 Working with suppliers
  Sales
 Consulting
 Customer service

How much do mechanical engineers earn?

Like careers in many other engineering fields, mechanical engineers are well paid. Compared to other fields, mechanical
engineers earn well above average throughout each stage of their careers. According to the United States Department of
Labor, the mean salary for a mechanical engineer is $89,800, with the top ten percent earning close to $131,350.

Mechanical Median Mean

Engineering Entry-Level Annual Top 10
Salaries Salary 1
Salary 2
Percent 3

Mechanical
Engineering $64,695 $89,800 $131,350
 National Labor
Stats
More salaries and sources.

The future of mechanical engineering

Breakthroughs in materials and analytical tools have opened new frontiers for mechanical engineers. Nanotechnology,
biotechnology, composites, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and acoustical engineering have all expanded the
mechanical engineering toolbox. 

Nanotechnology allows for the engineering of materials on the smallest of scales. With the ability to design and manufacture
down to the elemental level, the possibilities for objects grows immensely. Composites are another area where the
manipulation of materials allows for new manufacturing opportunities. By combining materials with different characteristics in
innovative ways, the best of each material can be employed and new solutions found. CFD gives mechanical engineers the
opportunity to study complex fluid flows analyzed with algorithms. This allows for the modeling of situations that would
previously have been impossible. Acoustical engineering examines vibration and sound, providing the opportunity to reduce
noise in devices and increase efficiency in everything from biotechnology to architecture.
Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Tech

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Our Bachelor of Science Degree
The bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Michigan Tech offers
undergraduate students many unique, hands-on learning opportunities:

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