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| Mechanical Engineer | The duties of mechanical engineers are to design, develop and manufacture tools, engines, machines and various other kinds of mechanical equipment. They are engaged on such power-producing machines as electrical generators, internal combustion engines, steam and gas turbines, such power-using machines as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment and robots that are applied in manufacturing. Other duties of mechanical engineers are to make tools applied by other engineers. They can also be engaged in the field of nanotechnology, responsible for the integration of atoms and molecules required for the creation of high-performance materials and components.
 Mechanical engineers apply computers in their work in order to make computations, to model and make designs. For making design and for turning the design into product the engineers apply Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Mechanical engineering is very widespread, specialists responsible for this area are required in various industries. They work in such spheres as energy systems, applied mechanics, automotive design, manufacturing, materials, plant engineering and maintenance, pressure vessels and piping, heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Mechanical engineers should work effectively as part of a team and be able to communicate in writing and orally well, because of the necessity to communicate with many non-engineering specialists in various spheres. These communication skills are vital in the field of mechanical engineering, because mechanical engineers interact with specialists in various spheres. Mechanical engineers should possess such qualities as being analytical, creative, detail-oriented and inquisitive.
It was observed that those, who have bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, receive less salary comparing with those, who have master's degree.
It is observed that mechanical engineers receive the highest annual salary in such following spheres as:
• Federal government
• Architectural, engineering and services connected with them
• Navigational, measuring and control instruments manufacturing
• Aerospace products and parts manufacturing
• Other general purpose machinery manufacturing
Those, who want to become a mechanical engineer, should obtain a bachelor's degree. Those, who are engaged in such programs, study the mechanical specialty, courses in mathematics and science, a design course obtained in a computer or laboratory class. They study engineering technology, containing hands-on laboratory courses that make students ready for practical design and production work. Although the graduates of these programs have the possibility to get the same jobs as those, who have a bachelor's degree in engineering, they are not professional engineers. Graduate training is recommended for having faculty positions, many research and development programs in industrial engineering. There is possibility to earn degrees in business administration to enhance their education and have possibilities for the development in career. Many high-level executives in government and business began their development in careers as engineers. Engineers in the United States should get a license. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PE). They have a degree from an engineering program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), work 4 years at their position and pass a state examination well. Entry-level engineers work under the guidance of experienced engineers and it is quite possible for them to become technical specialists or to be over a staff of engineers and technicians.
Up to 2012, the quantity of mechanical engineers is expected to increase more slowly comparing with other engineers. It can be explained with the reduction of vacancies in manufacturing industries. Nowadays, specialists for improved machinery and machine tools for more complex industrial processes are required.
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