Mechanical Engineering Design Technology
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Mechanical professionals are needed in nearly every industry, to fill roles from equipment maintenance and system design to research and development. Mechanical engineering tech programs at Rumi Academy give students a combination of skills training and theoretical knowledge in the mechanical industry to prepare them for multi-faceted careers in the field.
If you’re interested in the inner workings of machines and mechanics, and want to take on a challenging career in the mechanical engineering field, here’s what you need to know.
Mechanical Engineering Tech Courses
Rumi Academy mechanical engineering tech programs are offered at a variety of different levels, from one-year introductory certificate programs to degree programs. The most common program offerings include:
Mechanical Techniques. Mechanical techniques programs are one-year introductory certificate programs that prepare students with basic mechanical skills, such as welding, electrical work, machining, blueprint reading and more. Many mechanical techniques programs also focus on one mechanical specialty, such as CNC programming, machining, plumbing and more. These programs allow students to begin their careers in entry-level positions across many industries or to continue their education in other mechanical engineering programs.
Mechanical Technician / Mechanical Engineering Technician. These programs are typically two-year diploma programs that prepare students for work across a number of industries, from aerospace and robotics to machinery and automotive. They may focus on a variety of the broad subject areas under mechanical engineering, with skills in mathematics, engineering design, manufacturing processes and more, or focus on one particular area, such as design, electro-mechanics, maintenance and control or tool and die.
Mechanical Technology / Mechanical Engineering Technology. Mechanical and mechanical engineering technology programs, generally three-year programs, cover many of the same areas as technician programs, but to a deeper level. The third year is often used for more specialized training or for greater independent study and project work.
Further program offerings include four-year Bachelor of Applied Technology programs, which focus on areas such as control systems technology or mechanical systems engineering, and one-year graduate certificate programs, which build on prior mechanical program credentials in areas such as advanced electro-mechanical design.
Salary
- $47 AVERAGE WAGE/HR**
- $64 HIGH WAGE/HR**
Qestions & Answers
The role of a Mechanical Engineering Design and Technology professional encompasses a wide range of responsibilities related to the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems and technologies.
Overall, the role of a Mechanical Engineering Design and Technology professional requires a combination of creativity, technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a strong understanding of engineering principles. Professionals in this role play a crucial part in transforming conceptual ideas into tangible, functional, and innovative mechanical systems or products.
Mechanical Engineering Design and Technology professionals need a diverse set of skills to excel in their roles, combining technical expertise with creativity and problem-solving abilities. Here are essential skills for individuals in this field:
Computer-Aided Design (CAD),Engineering Analysis,Prototyping and Testing,Material Selection,Design Optimization,Mechanical Systems Integration,Manufacturing Processes,Regulatory Compliance,Project Management,Communication Skills,Problem-Solving,Innovation and Creativity,Collaboration,Cost Analysis,Attention to Detail,Continuous Learning,Technical Documentation,Adaptability
These skills collectively contribute to the success of Mechanical Engineering Design and Technology professionals in creating innovative, functional, and efficient mechanical systems and products. Continuous development and a holistic approach to problem-solving are crucial for professionals in this dynamic field.
Mechanical Engineering Design and Technology professionals engage in a variety of tasks related to designing, analyzing, and implementing mechanical systems and technologies. The specific tasks can vary based on the industry, project requirements, and the stage of product development. Here are some common tasks performed by individuals in this role:
Conceptualization and Ideation,Computer-Aided Design (CAD),Engineering Analysis,Prototyping and Testing,Material Selection,Design Optimization,Mechanical Systems Integration,Manufacturability Considerations,Regulatory Compliance,Project Management,Communication,Cost Analysis,Technical Documentation,Collaboration with Other Disciplines,Continuous Learning
These tasks collectively contribute to the successful development and implementation of mechanical systems and products across a wide range of industries. The role requires a combination of technical expertise, creativity, problem-solving skills, and effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
The minimum educational requirement for becoming a Mechanical Engineering Designer or Technologist is typically an associate degree or a diploma in a relevant field. This level of education provides foundational knowledge and practical skills in mechanical engineering design and technology.
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering is a combination of mechanical engineering, medicine, and biology that focuses on the design and development of a range of biomedical devices. including: prosthetic limbs, artificial organs, and medical diagnostic equipment.
Biomedical engineering has a human element not present in other mechanical engineering fields. It’s ideal for those who want to make a direct impact on the health and well-being of individuals while working on the cutting edge of technology. A biomechanical engineer earns, on average, between $90k to $161k per year. While it’s possible to work as a biomedical engineer with only a mechanical engineering degree, higher-paying senior positions may require additional qualifications and expertise in the medical field.
Nanoengineering
Nanotechnology covers a wide range of topics from carbon nanotubes and graphene materials engineering to nano-sized machines and sensors referred to as micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). Nanoengineering, or the engineering of nanotechnology, refers to the design, testing, and fabrication of systems and materials at the nanoscale. The field of nanotechnology has massive growth potential and is still in its infancy, with the most groundbreaking work being carried out in university laboratories.
Due to the highly specialized nature of some of the work in this industry, it may be necessary to obtain a relevant nanotechnology Ph.D. to be considered for more advanced roles. A nanotechnology engineer earns on average $94k per year, and this can increase to as much as $152k per year for senior roles.
Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics engineering mixes electronics, software, and mechanical engineering to create complex autonomous robotics or smart, cloud-connected, IOT (internet of things) devices. Mechatronics is the perfect field for mechanical engineers who want to work with cutting-edge electro-mechanical systems. The world is becoming ever more automated, and mechatronics engineers will be the ones to design, test, and bring to market the next generation of robotics systems.
Large companies like Hyundai (new owners of Boston Dynamics) and Tesla are growing their robotics capabilities to create an automated future, and it will take skilled engineers to achieve this vision. Mechatronics engineers must have a passion for both mechanical systems and electronic circuits — in most cases, mechatronics engineers are expected to perform low-level programming on electronic control systems.
Mechatronics engineers earn, on average, between $93k to $136k per year. While there are standalone mechatronics engineering degrees, a mechanical engineering degree is an excellent way to enter this industry. Continuing education may be required to stay up to speed with relevant electronic and software principles.
Manufacturing Engineer
I have always loved working in manufacturing shops as I consider them to be an engineer’s playground — there are so many machines and processes to learn about and and use! A typical manufacturing engineer is tasked to develop new processes, systems, and technologies to effectively manufacture the designs produced by design engineers.
This field requires an in-depth understanding of both the design and production side of engineering, because you must be able to balance engineering requirements with manufacturing capabilities and limitations. Manufacturing engineering is a fast-paced profession due to constant pressures to maintain lead times and keep costs low, without sacrificing quality. Manufacturing engineers earn on average $80k, which can climb as high as $113k per year.
Design Engineer
Design engineering is what most mechanical engineers imagine when they decide to enter the field. It’s glamorous, science-based, and engineering-theory oriented. There are many things you could go on to design — including equipment like gearboxes, continuous mining machinery, valves, engines, agricultural equipment, and other mechanical systems.
While there are electronics in these systems, they aren’t often the focus of a machine designer. I worked for a few years as a component design engineer, designing heat exchangers for commercial aircraft. That process utilized a lot of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science knowledge on a daily basis. There’s a world of possibilities with a career path in design engineering.
Prototyping is a key job responsibility in design engineering, and engineers are required to perform detailed engineering calculations and utilize methods such as finite element analysis to verify that designs will function as expected. They’re also often tasked with working cross-functionally to ensure that the plan for manufacturing and testing components is clearly identified and sound.
Once manufactured, a functional prototype will often need to be thoroughly tested prior to large-scale production. This task is often performed in the field, and it’s the responsibility of the design engineer to set up commissioning and testing plans, and in most cases, to physically oversee the process. A design engineer can expect to earn, on average, anywhere from $80,000 to $120,000 per year. While no additional qualifications are required to enter this field, it’s a good idea to keep up with relevant new developments and technologies.
Alternative Mechanical Engineering Jobs
Mechanical engineers are highly sought-after in a number of industries primarily due to the systematic way in which they approach and solve problems. I like to think of engineers as sophisticated problem solvers in any industry, including finance. While finance may not appeal to many mechanical engineers, it can still be a rewarding career due to the complexity of the problems — and it has high potential for growth. With excellent math skills and industry knowledge about manufacturing, you can try your hand at financial consulting in the manufacturing sector. However you should check with local laws before performing consulting work, as doing so may require additional certification.
Another career path often chosen by mechanical engineers is software development — just know that in most cases, a mechanical engineering degree won’t get you a software engineering job. So, if you’re willing to get the additional qualifications that may be required, it can be an interesting career change for a mechanical engineer because software development is distilled problem-solving.
A third career path many mechanical engineers may not initially consider is marketing. Your background and hands-on industry knowledge is an excellent qualifier for some types of marketing jobs. After working as a mechanical engineer for nearly a decade, I found myself loving a second career as a technical writer. Maybe sharing your knowledge and helping other engineers is as fulfilling to you as engineering itself!