Mechanical Engineer Career Description
Mechanical engineers develop, implement, manufacture and maintain machines, machine components and systems in various fields to enhance quality of life.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Mechanical engineering applies the principles of natural science and mechanics in a way that leads to greater convenience, progress and safety of mankind. Mechanical engineers usually specialize in one of the following fields:
Transportation
Transportation includes Aeronautical, Automotive and Marine Engineering and is involved with the development of equipment like aircraft, helicopters, missiles, ships, motor cars, trains, as well as propulsion systems such as the gas turbines and petrol and diesel engines.
Power generation
Engineers in this field attempt to provide in the ever increasing energy requirements of population. It requires the effective use of limited natural resources to provide energy with limited environmental impact.
Agriculture
By providing modem equipment like threshing machines, tractors, harvesters and milking machines for food producers, engineers in this field assist in the economic production of food.
Mining
Mechanical engineers are involved in both surface and underground mining. Pumping plants, winding equipment, ventilation fans, conveyer belts, drilling machines and trackless mining equipment are a few of the devices which involves the input of mechanical engineers.
Environmental engineering
Specialist mechanical engineers create the controlled environment that humans need in order to work comfortably. Factors such as humidity, temperature and cleanliness of the air in the workplace are monitored, adjusted and controlled by these engineers.
Air conditioning and refrigeration
Mechanical engineers create the controlled environment that humans need in order to work safely and comfortably, taking into account factors such as humidity, temperature and cleanliness of the air in the workplace. Refrigeration is essential in preserving food as well as in many industrial processes.
Manufacturing
Mechanical engineers playa major role in all industrial and manufacturing processes and in the equipment used, including machine tools and robotic devices (also see the article on the industrial engineer).
Petrochemical industry
Petrochemical plants largely consist of machines such as compressors, pumps, boilers and material handling systems.
Industrial engineering
Mechanical engineers also playa major role in industrial and manufacturing processes such as production technology and quality control (see the article on the industrial engineer).
Mechanical engineers usually work in offices where computers playa major role in planning, designing, modeling and testing of systems. The work also requires on-site inspections, co-ordination and follow-up to ensure any new system complies with the requirements given.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Prospective mechanical engineers must have above-average intelligence, the ability to see and interpret a drawing three dimensionally and the ability to make difficult calculations. They should also have perseverance. Solutions do not always emerge at the first attempt and their projects could take years before they are finished.
An aptitude for and an interest in experimenting, problem solving, designing and planning are important. Mechanical engineers must be prepared to accept extensive responsibility for their work and that of others as projects often involve large sums of money, as well as the safety of people. They must be persons of high integrity. In order to be promoted to management level the engineer must develop good leadership and coordinating skills. Engineers with good management skills can progress to the top positions in the company.
Where can I work?
Government departments also offer employment to mechanical engineers in various positions. Positions at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) mainly involve research and development. Bursaries are available from many of these institutions.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Registered mechanical engineers with the necessary experience and initiative can work as consultants in any of the above-mentioned organisations. They can also start their own manufacturing engineering companies.
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