Employment Opportunities in the Mechanical Engineering Field, Research Paper Example

Mechanical Engineering is a well-respected occupation that includes such items as research, design, manufacturing, testing mechanical devices etc.  In addition to graduate studies in Mechanical Engineering, qualified engineers are expected to be computer literate and have a sound understanding of computer applications in this field. In 2002, it was reported that there were around 215,000 Mechanical Engineering jobs in the USA and about 50% were considered to be in the manufacturing sector.  A steady growth is predicted for jobs in this area from 2002-2012; however this growth rate has slowed in the USA because of the recession and high rates of unemployment in the manufacturing sector. Mechanical engineers are however at the sharp edge of the engineering profession and advancement in technology, biotechnology and innovative design in manufacturing, should help to maintain slower than average growth.

In 2002, the average compensation for  Mechanical Engineers was around $63,000. By 2003, this increased to around $69,904 and specialist engineers could earn even higher rates of remuneration. The key attributes of Mechanical Engineering are the depth, breadth and the flexibility that this occupation has to offer.  Design is probably one of the most interesting aspects of this field, perhaps offering the best scope for career advancement and good remuneration prospects. Design is also an extremely rewarding and job satisfying skill – for example if engaged on the design of a new car for an automobile company, you will be faced with an array of engineering challenges that might include such items as power, weight, types of materials, configuration, safety and the ability to synthesise these into a single design blueprint for the production of the vehicle. Hence, design concepts are extremely challenging as they are relatively open-ended and facilitate creativity and innovation in mechanical engineering skill sets.

One of the most lucrative career streams for Mechanical Engineers resides in the Oil and Gas Exploration fields.  There remains a strong demand for qualified engineers in this field with opportunities both domestically in North America to the further outposts of the Far East and Australia.  These can be very demanding jobs but are extremely well paid.  The emerging economies like India and China also recruit qualified engineers, particularly on large infrastructure projects like power stations, dams, oil and gas plants, chemical plants etc. Very often, these projects are very big and extremely well funded allowing the contractor to earn higher than average remuneration packages over several years. Often these are more attractive to the single man, with the opportunity to build money reserves, as opposed to the family man with added complications of relocating, child education and other domestic concerns.

Recommendations

It is considered that this is a very good and rewarding profession to graduate in and further develop professional training.  Opportunities are significant in a wide range of fields together with international career opportunities. The big multi-nationals in the Oil and Gas, Chemical and Engineering firms are always keen to find new qualified talent.  In times of recession and financial downturns, it is best to look for those employment opportunities that will offer ongoing demand.

Conclusions

There is also the option to pursue an academic career in Mechanical Engineering. Universities are continuously looking for researchers and Professors who have wide practical experience and a flair for teaching others theoretical and practical skill applications. Top players in this field with PhD degrees can earn remunerations in excess of $100K per annum.