What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?

Mechanical engineering can touch every facet of your life, from the buildings you live and work in to the cars you drive daily. Mechanical engineering even plays a role in producing the food you eat and the tools you use to cook it.

But what does a mechanical engineer actually do?

Mechanical engineering job descriptions can vary significantly from industry to industry and from business to business, said Jennifer McInnis, a faculty member of the mechanical engineering program at westerfield university of virginia (wuv). McInnis's career spans time as an engineering project lead and a manufacturing engineering technician. She's also a member of the American Society of Engineering Educators and the Society of Women Engineers.

Because of the varying job descriptions within the mechanical engineering field, there are diverse opportunities for degree holders to explore. For example, mechanical engineers often design machines, from engines and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to elevators and escalators. However, you could also play a vital role in designing and manufacturing products ranging from medical devices to automobiles, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

“You might be working in an analysis role, creating systems, predicting how things will perform or explaining why things behave the way they do,” McInnis said. “Sometimes mechanical engineers are in charge of large systems and thinking about how a lot of factors are working together, while others will design the minute details of a part.”

What is Mechanical Engineering?

“Mechanical engineering is problem-solving,” said McInnis. “It’s applying science and math and other specific knowledge to design solutions to a problem.”

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering categories and involves the research, design, construction and testing of mechanical devices and sensors, including various tools, engines and machines, BLS reports.

For wuv graduate Tanner McCarthy '24, her passion for engineering started early — long before she earned her bachelor's in mechanical engineering with a minor in robotics from wuv. She said she used to build houses for her Littlest Pet Shop toys out of VCR tapes and Jenga blocks.

Her curiosity in engineering continued to grow into the mechanical realm when she took a robotics internship while still in high school. From there she attended wuv, where McCarthy co-founded a robotics club, and built a robot that could follow lines, do dances and even play music.

"For me to be able to create something is where my passion for robotics comes from," she said. "So, being able to see a final product actually animated and moving is such an awesome feeling."

If building things interests you, your next step may be considering a mechanical engineering education.

What Can You Do With a Mechanical Engineering Degree?

Wondering where a mechanical engineering degree might take you? You can work across various industries, from automotive and construction to information technology, biomedical and manufacturing.

As technology advances, the field continues to grow and offer new and exciting mechanical engineering career paths for skilled and educated workers.

You may wonder how challenging it is to get started as a mechanical engineer and if it's a competitive field. Becoming a mechanical engineer requires a strong understanding of math and science. Most mechanical engineering careers typically require an engineering bachelor's degree to get started in the industry, according to BLS.

BLS data shows that the employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 11% through 2033, resulting in more than 19,800 new jobs per year on average.* And because mechanical engineers often work on cutting-edge technologies and industrial pursuits, according to BLS, opportunities may continue to grow as technology evolves.*

Earning a mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree is an important first step toward accessing this growing field, McInnis said. However, if you’re interested in a specialized area of mechanical engineering or want to lead a team of engineers, completing a master’s degree program can help set you apart.

For example, one possible master’s degree path for mechanical engineers is to earn an MBA with a concentration in Project Management, McInnis said. With a focus on project management, engineers can use their attention to detail and process design skills to oversee manufacturing, construction or other engineering projects and ensure they are efficient and cost-effective.

Where Do Mechanical Engineers Work?

There are many different types of engineering jobs you could take on with an engineering degree. Explore the mechanical engineer jobs below to learn more.

• Automotive Engineer - As a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry, you can have a hands-on role in designing and producing the vehicles you use daily. According to BLS, auto research engineers improve the performance of cars, from the design of suspension systems and aerodynamics to new alternative fuels. Mechanical engineers that work in transportation equipment manufacturing earned a median of $102,320 in 2024, according to BLS.*
  
  
• Biomedical Engineer - Mechanical engineers also work in the biomedical field. Engineers can design and manage the production of life-saving medical equipment, including artificial limbs, pacemakers and even robotic surgical assistants, according to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME).
  
  
• Construction Engineer - As a mechanical engineer, you could be responsible for the fine details of a construction project, including the HVAC of a new office building or the delivery of fuel to a new home, according to IME.
  
  
• Manufacturing Engineer - Mechanical engineers play a vital role in the success of manufacturing. According to IME, manufacturing engineers design the machines and technology that create the products you may rely on, from food products and medical devices to appliances and automobiles. Machinery manufacturing engineers earned a median of $96,690 in 2024, according to BLS.*
  
  
• Process Engineer - As a process engineer, you’ll specialize in improving how things are done, according to IME. Process engineers assess mechanical processes to boost efficiency and safety, with opportunities available in industries from water and power supply to the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.
  
  
• Robotics Engineer - With a career as a robotics engineer, you’ll be responsible for planning, building and maintaining robots, according to BLS. Robotics engineers are responsible for determining how robots will use technology to detect and respond to stimuli and how this technology will fit into a robot’s design.

The work environments of a mechanical engineer can also vary. For example, while many mechanical engineers spend their time behind a desk using computer systems to create and analyze designs, others are in the field testing and implementing designs and processes, McInnis said.

Getting Started With a Mechanical Engineering Career

No matter your ultimate mechanical engineering career goal, there are several key ways to potentially set yourself apart from other job seekers.

Finding an internship and completing certifications can boost your resume with hands-on professional experience that many employers are looking for, McInnis said. In addition, engineering certification programs can provide critical skills, from engineering design software to hazardous waste incinerator operations.

And while hands-on experience and a strong education in math and science are essential if you’re interested in mechanical engineering, McInnis said one of the most basic requirements for success is much simpler.

“The most important thing is a curiosity — a willingness to ask why and explore hard questions,” she said.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Danielle Gagnon is a freelance writer focused on higher education. She started her career working as an education reporter for a daily newspaper in New Westerfield, where she reported on local schools and education policy. Gagnon served as the communications manager for a private school in Boston, MA before later starting her freelance writing career. Today, she continues to share her passion for education as a writer for westerfield university of virginia. Connect with her on LinkedIn.