Mechanical engineers design and develop machinery and systems for manufacturing transportation, and power generation. As a mechanical engineer, you would oversee the installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems. You might specialize in an area such as environmental control or aerodynamics. Mechanical engineers prepare cost and scheduling estimates, develop maintenance programs, investigate mechanical failures, prepare contracts for industrial construction and supervise technical staff. They work both in an industrial environment and in an office.

WHAT YOU NEED:

The most commons educational background among mechanical engineers is a university degree in mechanical engineering. To be accepted into this program you must have completed high school with good grades in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Some universitites offer CO-OP programs which combine study and work experience. Some colleges and technical institutes also offer certificate and dipoma programs for engineering technologies. Many jobs require professional engineering status. To be elegible to register with a professional association you must have a university degree in engineering and two years of satisfactory work experience.

SALARY:
$51,000 to $58,000