Mechanical Engineers :: Technology, Informative

A mechanical engineer works with the principles of motion, energy and force. Usually a machine changes one form of movement into another. Mechanical engineers design machines whose parts work in a safe, reliable and efficient way. Mechanical engineers apply scientific method to find the answers to mechanical problems. Many laws and principles developed by scientists are used every day by the mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineers contribute to many industries and occupations. Some mechanical engineers work in areas not usually thought to require engineering. Efforts to clean up and preserve the earth's environment have drawn many mechanical engineers to projects that deal with the treatment of water, soil and waste material. Mechanical engineers also work with physicians, therapists and other medical professionals to study the workings of the human body and design aids and instruments for mechanic. Mechanical engineers work in industry, consulting practices, universities and government research. Most mechanical engineers are employed in industry at equipment manufacturers, aerospace companies, utilities, and many other large and small companies. Job responsibilities range from basic research and systems design to power plant operations and quality control. Mechanical engineers earn good salaries. A starting engineer with a bachelor's degree may earn $40,000 a year. The median salary for an engineer is over $65,000. Earnings depend on experience and training. The government tends to pay its engineers slightly less than the going rate in private industry. Large companies that high mechanical engineers usually offer complete benefit packages. The benefits include health insurance, life insurance, paid sick leave, paid vacations and holidays and travel expenses.