Investing in a graduate degree is a big decision. However, with as much of a sacrifice as it can be financially and of your time, the return on this investment is terrific, particularly for STEM-related degrees. Mechanical engineering is a rapidly evolving field that touches nearly every industry, from designing life-saving medical devices to optimizing complex manufacturing systems.
We’ve outlined some of the jobs you can pursue with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering to highlight the expansive career benefits of earning a master’s in this field for yourself.
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering is a field within STEM that influences how machines are created, maintained, and improved upon. It also touches on roles in the building and planning phases of new structures, ensuring the proper materials are used for each project. Mechanical engineers use physics, math, and material science to create machines that benefit society.
The job outlook for mechanical engineers is growing, with an estimated growth of 11% by 2033.
What Are Some Career Opportunities for Mechanical Engineers?
You can pursue many jobs with a mechanical engineering degree, particularly when you have the benefit of bringing an advanced degree to the table. Here are just a few career opportunities in the field of mechanical engineering.
Project Engineer
Mechanical project engineers plan, manage, and oversee the design and execution of mechanical systems and machinery in projects. They help team members meet technical specifications, ensuring the project stays within budget constraints. Project engineers work across teams to uphold quality standards and bridge the gap between the project’s design and its execution.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers help design, build, and maintain a robot’s physical parts, like their mechanisms and structures. They ensure that robots can move and perform tasks with precision and reliability. They may work alongside software engineers and electricians to keep robotic systems running.
Engineers in this role conceptualize robot designs, using 3D models to consider joint movement, load capacity, and the system functions and to anticipate what changes are needed before a robot is produced at scale. When it’s time to build, robotics engineers choose the right motors, sensors, and other materials needed based on the robot’s role and performance needs.
Structural Engineer
While traditional structural engineers design building frameworks, structural mechanical engineers help build the systems that provide essential services to the buildings. The two roles often work together on construction projects and help ensure building safety and durability.
Structural engineers in mechanical engineering help calculate a building’s strength and help select the right materials to build a structure’s frame. They are also responsible for integrating crucial systems within the building like heating, cooling, plumbing, and ventilation.
Mechanical Design Engineer
Professionals in mechanical design engineering create and maintain the designs for mechanical systems. They are in high demand as they can work on various projects across multiple industries.
A mechanical design engineer’s skills include proficiency in computer-aided design and project management. They can also use geometric dimensioning and tolerancing to help bring engineering designs to life.
Mechanical Prototyping Engineer
Mechanical prototyping engineers create physical working models of mechanical components and devices. They follow design specifications and build the first functional version of a product to test its design and refine the details before it is built at scale.
Some of their key responsibilities include creating prototyping-capable designs, choosing the materials needed for prototypes, suggesting materials for at-scale productions, and documenting their findings throughout the process.
Is Getting a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Worth It?
While not every position within the mechanical engineering field may require you to have a master’s degree, earning one still has benefits. From the opportunity to earn a higher salary to the expertise gained through a graduate degree, furthering your education is beneficial.
Earning a master’s degree shows employers that you are interested enough to invest extra time and money to perfect your craft. Graduate programs also often help students make professional connections through their professors and internships. These connections can help you down the line as you develop your career and look for employment in different areas of the field.
Pursue a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University
At West Virginia University, we believe that the future of STEM comes from passionate and motivated changemakers.
Our Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering prepares you to excel in the industry with an expert-level understanding of the advanced principles of mechanical engineering. Our coursework includes mechanical systems design, system dynamics, solid mechanics, energy systems, engineering materials, automatic controls, mechatronics and computational mechanics.
Explore more information on getting a graduate degree in mechanical engineering by exploring our resource, A Guide to STEM Programs and Careers.
If you would rather connect with us directly, request more information today.
