Mechanical Engineers

Wages
In 2015, the average annual wage in a Alabama was $84,600 with most people making betweeen $56,130 and $124,530
Wages by Industry
  • Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services $87,300.00
  • Scientific Research and Development Services $90,590.00
  • Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing $86,040.00
  • Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing $87,630.00
  • Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing $75,190.00
  • Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing $70,230.00
Education Required
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Common Majors
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electromechanical Engineering
About the job

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.

What you'll do
    • Calculate energy losses for buildings, using equipment such as computers, combustion analyzers, or pressure gauges.
    • Design integrated mechanical or alternative systems, such as mechanical cooling systems with natural ventilation systems, to improve energy efficiency.
    • Design test control apparatus or equipment or develop procedures for testing products.
    • Direct the installation, operation, maintenance, or repair of renewable energy equipment, such as heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or water systems.
    • Establish or coordinate the maintenance or safety procedures, service schedule, or supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition.
    • Estimate costs and submit bids for engineering, construction, or extraction projects, and prepare contract documents.
    • Evaluate mechanical designs or prototypes for energy performance or environmental impact.
    • Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.
    • Select or install combined heat units, power units, cogeneration equipment, or trigeneration equipment that reduces energy use or pollution.
    • Study industrial processes to determine where and how application of equipment can be made.
Things you need to know
    • Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
    • Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
    • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
    • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
    • Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Abilities you'll need to have
    • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
    • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
    • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
    • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
    • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
    • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
    • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.