What they do
At its heart, the discipline is concerned with physical machines and mechanical devices. Mechanical engineers are involved in the design, development, production and control of anything with moving parts. From bike locks to cars to commercial aircraft turbines, mechanical engineers are concerned with the strength of individual parts and the stresses they will have to endure. They design electronic or mechanical control systems to manipulate the machines they build.
Where they work
Mechanical engineers are employed by automotive and aerospace companies; military laboratories; steam-driven electric and nuclear power stations: petro-chemical drilling and production and plant operations; the manufacturing industry, including consumer products, chemical products, farm and industrial equipment design firms.
What they earn
Mechanical engineers typically earn between $47,900 and $114,740 annually, with an average salary of $74,920.
