What stage of your mechanical engineering education have you reached? Are you curious about the difficulty of finding work in your field? To put it simply, you have company. Numerous individuals wonder how the competition for jobs stacks up across numerous industries.

Mechanical engineers provide equipment and systems to assist with a variety of tasks. They also create cutting-edge methodologies and technology. The disparity between supply and demand has increased the level of industrial competition.

As a profession, mechanical engineering may take two distinct paths: production or consultancy. Job duties in the manufacturing sector often include the conceptualization and physical construction of vehicles, aircraft, and other forms of heavy gear. Consulting entails collaborating with customers to identify issues and develop strategies for moving forward.

In this article, we’ll analyze the current state of the mechanical engineering job market and provide advice on how to differentiate yourself from the crowd. Read on to find out more!

Career Paths for Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers develop machines, vehicles, buildings, gadgets, and industrial equipment, according the BLS. They sketch, create specs, calculate, and test designs.

Mechanical engineers often specialize in aircraft, automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment, robotics, power generation and transmission, machine tools, production control, process controls, manufacturing systems, material handling, and transportation.

BLS’s top five mechanical engineering industries are:

1. Transportation Equipment Manufacturers – Boeing, Caterpillar, Ford, GE, International Truck & Engine, and Volvo Trucks North America.

2. Food Processing Equipment Manufacturing – These firms manufacture food processing, packaging, and labeling equipment. Conagra Brands, Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, and Unilever are examples.

3. Industrial Machinery – Forklifts, cranes, conveyors, lifts, AGVs, robots, and other industrial machinery. A.B. Electrolux Home Products, Inc., AGCO Corp., Atlas Copco, Inc., Bosch Rexroth GmbH, Emerson Process Management, Inc., Kuka Robotics USA, Inc., Manitowoc Co., Inc., Newell Rubbermaid Commercial Services, Inc., PAS Industries, Inc., and Terex Corporation.

4. Electrical Power Generation and Transmission – These firms make generators, turbines, transformers, electrical motors, switchgear, substations, electric utility poles, and associated equipment. Alstom Grid, AEP, Constellation Energy, Entergy, Exelon, FirstEnergy, National Grid plc, Southern Company, Xcel Energy, and Westinghouse Electric Company are examples.

5. Construction Materials Manufacturing – These firms make concrete, asphalt, steel, cement, glass, timber, roofing materials, insulation, drywall, paint, and adhesives. Armstrong World Industries, Inc., Cemex S.A., DAP Building Products, Georgia Pacific LLC, Harsco Corporation, Interface Glass Technologies, Inc., Owens Corning, Rockwool Holding Ltd., Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Inc., Sherwin Williams Company, W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Mechanical engineering is anticipated to expand by 22% between 2012 and 2022.

How to locate employment in mechanical engineering at the entry level

Mechanical engineers simplify and optimize mechanical systems. They put themselves through rigorous testing by creating everything from automobiles to household gadgets.

To handle issues involving materials, energy, motion, and forces, mechanical engineers rely on their knowledge of mathematics and physics. Positions for entry-level automation engineers normally require one to three years of work experience. If you’re serious about a career in this industry, you should probably start applying for jobs right away.

Some things to think about are as follows:

1. Create your resume

A resume may be written in a variety of styles. In contrast to the chronological approach preferred by some, others often prefer the functional format. Furthermore, some resumes are geared toward certain openings. For instance, a CV for an entry-level position in engineering can appear substantially different from a resume for a marketing manager.

Considering your objectives and areas of interest will help you select what kind of CV to create. Writing a CV that seems like it was built in Microsoft Word is probably not the best idea if you’re applying for a job in the computer industry. You should, instead, highlight your useful abilities and experiences.

2. Skills for your CV

There are standard elements that should always be included in a well-written CV. Your relevant job experience, education, accomplishments, certifications, and references should be listed here. Skills, though, you ask? How can you distinguish yourself from the other applicants?

In your CV, you should emphasize your technical expertise, transferrable talents, and soft skills. Coding languages, software development tools, and project management methodologies are all examples of technical mastery directly applicable to your work.

Talents like effective communication and time management are examples of transferable skills that are valuable in many different careers. Leadership traits, interpersonal abilities, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to handle stress are all examples of soft talents that will help you shine in your interactions with others.

3. Gain experience

Many businesses are searching for mechanical engineers at the entry level who have prior relevant work experience. This objective can be met through internships, engineering careers, and even class assignments. By continuing your education, you can improve your employability.

4. Work with your university

If you have recently graduated and need employment, exploring job possibilities at your alma institution may be worthwhile. Several resources are available to students at today’s institutions that can aid them in securing internships and entry-level employment after graduation. Helping with everything from crafting the perfect résumé to securing an internship is part of these packages.

Some schools even provide financial compensation for students who participate in internships, allowing them to learn while earning a paycheck. Course or semester credit is often required for participation in such programs. However, you should ensure that your company’s specifications are met by the software you develop.

5. Send out as many resumes as you can!

Those seeking mechanical engineering employment can choose from many niche job portals. Many of these sites also have a database of companies actively seeking applicants. To stay abreast of the latest developments in your industry, bookmark relevant websites and revisit them frequently. You can avoid missing out on any potential gains in this way.

It may be time to go further afield if you’ve exhausted your options in your immediate vicinity. Some of the organizations hiring in your area may be willing to move you even if you have no desire to leave your current city.

Where can mechanical engineers work?

When considering a degree at a university, mechanical engineering ranks high in terms of difficulty and demand. While mechanical engineers may have a tougher time than others, they have many opportunities for professional success. As a result, they frequently come up with novel approaches to issues. Their problem-solving skills are top-notch. They like to collaborate with others.

According to the BLS, there are around 2 million openings for mechanical engineers. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, food processing, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals are included.

What Can One Do With an Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering?

Earning a master’s degree in mechanical engineering is a great way to get a firm footing in various engineering specializations, including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, robotics, energy, and transportation.

Knowing what you may expect to study in college will help you decide whether or not to pursue a career in one of these fields. It’s possible, for instance, to focus on cutting-edge aeronautics or propulsion technologies. Alternatively, you might specialize in designing components for use in production.

How to Advance Your Career in Mechanical Engineering

A wide variety of options are available to those who wish to climb the professional ladder in mechanical engineering. You may now create a corporation, take lessons, join organizations, and even travel the world without leaving your couch. However, furthering your education is one of the best ways to advance your profession.

Without spending a lot of money on courses, you may easily stay current with the newest developments in your area. A few suggestions are provided for furthering one’s studies in mechanical engineering.
So, Is it Hard to Find a Job as a Mechanical Engineer?

Hiring a mechanical engineer isn’t impossible, but it’s also not particularly simple. Be aware that the employment market is always evolving, and adapt to its ever-shifting demands. Networking and establishing connections with other professionals in your field are also crucial.

However, if you’re having trouble getting employment as a mechanical engineer, you’re not alone. There is a lot of competition for the available positions, and many eligible people are applying for them. However, this does not exclude you from making an individual impact.

With an upgraded resume and cover letter tailored to the specific company and position you want, our team of expert resume writers can help increase your chances of landing an interview. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to get started!