Most mechanical engineers earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited program, which usually takes four years. Many take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam near graduation, and those who need to sign off on public work go on to earn a Professional Engineer (PE) license after several years of experience. Internships and co-ops during school matter a lot for the first job.
A day in the life
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest fields. If something moves, uses energy or gets manufactured, a mechanical engineer probably worked on it.
- Design: modeling parts and assemblies in CAD software, choosing materials and running analysis on stress, heat and fluid flow.
- Testing: building prototypes, running tests, figuring out why something failed and fixing it.
- Manufacturing: working with production teams and suppliers to make designs buildable and affordable.
- Industries: automotive, aerospace, building heating and cooling systems, energy, robotics, medical devices, consumer products and manufacturing.
- The less glamorous parts: documentation, meetings, budgets, schedules and many rounds of revisions.
Education routes
- Bachelor’s in mechanical engineering: the standard route. Expect calculus through differential equations, physics, statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials, controls and senior design projects.
- Starting at community college: many students complete math and science basics first and transfer, which works best with a planned transfer agreement. See starting at community college.
- Mechanical engineering technology: a more hands-on, applied degree. It leads to good jobs, but some employers and states treat it differently for licensure.
- Graduate school: a master’s is useful for research, advanced analysis or specialized fields, but not required for most entry-level jobs.
The FE and PE
Engineering licensure is managed by state boards, with national exams from NCEES. Passing the FE exam, often taken in senior year or soon after, earns the title Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern in most states. The PE license generally requires about four years of qualifying experience under a licensed engineer plus the PE exam in mechanical engineering; many states now let you take that exam before your experience is complete. A PE license is required to sign and seal plans for public projects and is common in consulting and building systems work, while many manufacturing and product jobs do not require it. Requirements vary by state, so check your state engineering licensing board.
The road from high school
- Take the highest math you can (calculus if possible), plus physics and chemistry.
- Build things: robotics teams, engineering clubs, car repairs, 3D printing or anything with your hands.
- Choose an ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program, or plan a community college transfer path.
- Land internships or co-ops starting after your first or second year.
- Take the FE exam near graduation while the material is fresh.
- Take your first job, and decide later whether a PE or graduate degree fits your goals.
Testing your interest
- Join or start a robotics or engineering team.
- Take a free online intro course in CAD or physics and see whether you enjoy the problem solving.
- Do informational interviews with engineers in two or three different industries.
- Tour a manufacturing plant or engineering lab if you get the chance.
Fit and common reasons to switch
Mechanical engineers who thrive enjoy math and physics, like figuring out how things work and are patient with iteration. Some leave because the work is more desk and documentation than they expected, or they move into management, sales, product management or business. The degree is flexible, so switching inside the field is common.
For career changers
If you have a degree in physics, math or another engineering field, you may be able to move in through a master’s program or an applied role. If not, starting with community college math is a practical first step. Our guides to changing careers and whether grad school makes sense can help you plan. For pay and outlook, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Where a mentor helps
Engineering coursework is demanding, and many students struggle with the first year of calculus and physics. A mentor helps students explore engineering, plan courses, stay accountable through hard semesters and prepare applications, internships and the first job search. Mentors are not credentialed career counselors, tutors, admissions counselors or licensing experts. Learn about our career and education mentoring and mentoring for high school students.
Related
- Career paths: guides to dozens of careers
- How to become a software developer
- How to become an HVAC technician
- How to choose a major
Common questions
How long does it take to become a mechanical engineer?
Usually four years for an accredited bachelor’s degree. A PE license generally adds about four years of qualifying experience plus the PE exam.
Do mechanical engineers need a PE license?
Not always. It is required to sign and seal plans for public projects and is common in consulting, but many manufacturing and product design jobs do not require it.
What is the FE exam?
The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is the first national engineering licensure exam. Passing it usually earns the EIT or Engineer Intern title.
Is mechanical engineering hard?
It is rigorous, especially the math and physics early on. Students who build steady study habits and use office hours usually manage it.
Get started
Thinking about engineering and want help building a plan? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.