Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering that applies the exact sciences , especially in the physical principles of thermodynamics, mechanics, material sciences, fluid mechanics, and structural analysis. This sub-discipline pursues very diverse objectives. For example, driving ventilation and cooling systems or designing and analysing machinery or controlling motorised vehicles. If you want to practice in this field of engineering, you must take a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
In this post, we explain what the day-to-day life of a mechanical engineer is like and what skills should be enhanced.
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical Engineering is a branch of engineering that is essentially based on the principles of physics, thermodynamics, classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, dynamics, among others.
It aims at the analysis and design of various elements related to: machinery, whether for hydraulic, electrical or thermal purposes, transportation, manufacturing and rural systems. It is also applied for the manufacture of ventilation systems, refrigeration and motorized land, air and sea vehicles.
By taking advantage of the contributions of Physics, Mechanical Engineering works on the creation of useful devices such as tools and machinery. This branch of engineering studies and develops machines, equipment and installations. To achieve this, it takes into account the ecological and economic aspects of societies.
Mechanical Engineering is a multidisciplinary field of study that seeks to analyze needs and formulate solutions to technical problems.
What are the tasks of a mechanical engineer?
The tasks of a mechanical engineer can vary depending on the job title. These are some of the most useful task of a mechanical engineer:
- Design and install mechanical or thermal equipment; select your components, specify materials, costs and duration of execution.
- Plan and direct manufacturing operations. They work on machinery maintenance. A mechanical engg is also evaluated and optimized energy conversion processes.
- Identify and solve problems related to machines and transformation processes and uses of heat and energy, through research, management of technological innovation.
- Investigate the feasibility, design, operation and performance of the mechanisms and systems.
- Develop mathematical and computational models to facilitate the application of engineering criteria in the optimization of the equipment or processes that are being designed, selected or installed.
- Participate in the planning and execution of projects or project research. It is related to thermal or mechanical systems.
- Use of computer-aided design (CAD) programs to create, modify, optimize, and analyze designs.
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What skills should a mechanical engineer have?
There are a series of skills that allow you to carry out this work more efficiently. We highlight the following:
- Ability in the subjects of mathematics, chemistry and technology.
- Interest in being up to date on everything related to technological products.
- Availability to assume responsibilities.
- Ability to solve all types of problems and work as a team player.
- Transmit specialized information in a simple way .
- Ability to research, write and present reports.
- What job opportunities does a mechanical engineer have?
The activities in which the Mechanical Engineer can perform are the following:
- Construction.
- Mounting.
- Maintenance.
- Operation.
- Project engineering.
- Audit, advice and consulting.
- Sales, distribution and after-sales service.
- Research and teaching.
We can also say that a mechanical engineer carries out his professional practice in industrial and production based companies. For example, they can work in the petrochemical industry, mining industry, agriculture, govt job or work independently as:
- Plant engineer.
- Supervisor.
- Project or design engineer.
- Superintendent or plant manager.
- Director or manager of services.
- Adviser.
- Consultant.
- Researcher or teacher.
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Occupational Profile
Graduates will be able to work in below mechanical engineering jobs:
- Control of metals and heat treatments, with radiography and ultrasound equipment.
- Registration control of alignment in machine shafts and their deformation.
- Maximizing the effectiveness of industrial safety devices.
- Soil control for the design and construction of foundations.
- Design the procedures, routes and select the vehicles that provide greater comfort and performance in companies.
