What do Mechanical Engineers do?
Mechanical engineers use science and math to design and develop new materials, devices, processes, and systems – and to analyze, troubleshoot, and improve on existing ones.
They apply innovative problem-solving skills to areas like energy conversion, health sciences, aerospace, transportation, and manufacturing. Almost every type of industry employs mechanical engineers.
What is mechanical engineering?
Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering that focuses on the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, intersecting with various industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, and manufacturing.
- Design and Invent: Picture yourself designing a revolutionary engine, a life-saving medical device, or even a robot that can explore Mars. You’ll use CAD software, simulations, and hands-on prototyping to bring your ideas to life.
- Test and Analyze: Before anything goes into production, it needs rigorous testing. As a mechanical engineer, you’ll be the one ensuring that designs are safe, reliable, and perform exactly as intended using state-of-the-art tools and techniques.
- Make it Happen: Mechanical engineers are central to the manufacturing process, streamlining production lines and making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Push the Limits: Ever want to be at the forefront of innovation? A career in research and development will let you explore cutting-edge materials and develop new technologies that change the world.
What jobs do mechanical engineers do?
Mechanical engineers have some of the most versatile skill sets out of any field of engineering. Once you graduate with a mechanical engineering degree, you’ll have the skills to work in a wide range of exciting industries. Here are just a few of the fields where you could make an impact:
Aerospace
Design the next generation of spacecraft, aircraft, or drones. For example, upon graduation from Oregon State University, mechanical engineering graduate Wyatt Weaver joined Tektronix as a mechanical design engineer. Tektronix assembles and tests microelectronic equipment for medical, military, aerospace, and high-speed communication applications
Automotive
Work on everything from electric vehicles to cutting-edge autonomous cars. Mechanical engineering students at Oregon State gained hands-on experience in the automotive field during their capstone project. They optimized an Aprilia 50cc motorcycle running on renewable biofuel, ultimately setting a new speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Energy
Help develop new ways to harness renewable energy or improve traditional energy systems. For example, mechanical engineering student Bridger Cook interned with Pacific Power, where he identified excessive energy leaks in mechanical equipment.
HVAC Systems
Develop heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that are energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
Manufacturing
Innovate and improve the processes that build everything from electronics to medical devices.
Robotics
Work on designing robots that can automate tasks, help in medicine, or even explore other planets. Oregon State’s robotics program has quickly become world-class, concentrating on innovative projects like developing autonomous underwater robots that perform inspection and maintenance operations.
At Oregon State University, the mechanical engineering degree program offers several transcript-visible options, or specializations, to help you choose a focused pathway that aligns with your career goals.
Mechanical engineering options
Mechanical engineering at Oregon State
When you choose where to study mechanical engineering, you’re also choosing where you’re going to live for at least four years. Quality of life is an important factor to consider, and one that will have a significant impact on your academic success
Oregon State University is situated in one of the top college towns in the United States, a bike-friendly community in the middle of an outdoor recreation-lover’s paradise. We’re surrounded by evergreen forests crisscrossed with hiking trails, with hundreds of miles of rivers and creeks, snow-capped mountains, and the majestic Pacific Ocean all within reach. Within our walkable, 570-acre central campus, you’ll find all of the following benefits and enhancements:
Cutting-Edge Facilities
Mechanical engineering research at Oregon State makes use of state-of-the-art technology across a variety of faculty research laboratories and collaborative facilities, including the Design Engineering Lab, Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Institute, and the Collaborative Robotics and Intelligent Systems Institute.
Experienced Faculty
Learn from industry experts and renowned researchers who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers. At Oregon State, our mechanical engineering faculty includes experts in advanced manufacturing, design engineering, materials science, robotics, and thermal-fluid science.
Hands-On Learning
Mechanical engineering students at Oregon State can participate in undergraduate research and industry-sponsored internship programs like MECOP and build rockets and race cars in student clubs. These experiential learning opportunities provide real-world experience to prepare you for a successful career.
Great Community
Join a community of like-minded peers who are equally passionate about making a difference through engineering. At Oregon State, engineering student groups will help you connect with others who share your academic and professional interests. Our Center for Diversity and Inclusion supports and empowers students from diverse backgrounds through community and academic engagement.
