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Mechanical Engineering
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Posted by: cr125freak

I was wondering if anyone knows any thing about mechanical engineering. I am 16 and am about to enter a trade school. I really want to be a mechanical engineer designing bike parts, to give back to the sport what it gave me. Can anyone tell me some information on this (salary, job opportunities, ect.)

Posted by: billtx

I had the same dream when I was your age. I got the ME degree, just never ended up designiong bike parts. I started in defense electronics and am now in Telecom.

I would recommend the ME degree over a trade school though. You will have greater income potential and more flexibility in job choices. On salary, a local university/college should have info on starting salaries for their graduates. I would estimate from $55k-70k 1st year.

There will be a shortage of engineers in the coming years, especially in the US. Most students in engineering schools are foreign nationals. Many stay in the US initially, but as their home economies improve, they may start moving back home. We are seeing this now with my company. We can't find enough engineers to hire, although ours are mostly SW and EE.

Posted by: chevyss_98

hey, i never knew what i wanted to do after highschool either, so i took a year off... but thats not for everyone

currently i am taking mechanical engineering technology- design and analysis, and i will have my degree in ME in the end

as far as salarys go, it all depends on what skills you have to offer, starting in college like i am, gives you application skills which can give you a job instantly because you require little if any training to get into a job

billtx is correct about the starting salary, and there is going to be a shortage thats for sure, especially in the trades industry. i know in canada there is a big push for apprenticeships

depending on what industry you go into, there can be many responsibilities as an ME, especially the auto industry, cause if somethin screws up in production its hell!, and it costs big money

there are endless job oportunities as an ME, so dont be worried about it, but schooling will require a good commitment on your part

if you have anymore questions, lemme know

Posted by: adam728

ME is a good field, and very broad. There is so much you can do with the degree, from R&D to design to quality and tons of other stuff. My plan was to get into the motorcycle industry, but unfortunatly my grades weren't the greatest and most larger companies put a big emphasis on grades, since most college students don't have much for work experience. Fortunatly my low grades were a result of working way too many hours as a mechanic, and that hands on knoledge helped land me my job.

As for starting salaries, it will depend a great deal on the location. I started off in June of 2004 at a smidge over $40,000 , and that seems to be right about middle of the road for most people I know. I read one survey that claimed 1st year ME's make 80-100K, and I would love to know where that is, because I would almost certianly be willing to move!

Posted by: SpeedyManiac

I'm currently in 3rd Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. My goal is to eventually design bike parts for an aftermarket company. Be prepared for 4 years of difficult work in some courses that you'll like and others that you'll hate. Mechanical is a very broad field, covering everything from HVAC to Machine Design to Electronics and more. Throughout the degree you'll take a lot of math courses, some computer programming, statics, dynamics, kinematics, machine component design, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, electrical circuits, measurements (yes, I'm not BSing you), heat transfer, numerical methods, economics, management and more.

I'll also let you know that getting into the motorcycle industry is pretty difficult. There's not a ton of jobs and they usually have pretty high standards for getting into it. I also think a lot of designers have Masters and PhDs. Good luck, I think Mechanical Engineering is a very good career choice and if you work hard you can achieve your goals. Feel free to PM or email me if you have any questions.

Posted by: SpeedyManiac

Oh yeah, around here the average starting wage for just graduated engineers is around $50 000 Canadian. A lot make more than this (mainly those working in the oil industry) and some make less.

Also realize that just getting the B. Eng isn't the end of the road. Once your degree is completed you must work for around 4 years as an EIT (engineer in training) then you can write exams to get your P.Eng (professional engineer) and then you're allowed to sign off on your work.

Posted by: Jaybird

I think attending a trade school is a good thing for kids still in high school, especially those who have engineering in mind. In my opinion, machine tool operation or a similar trade course would be of great help to get your mind right. Sort of some real world stuff that will help to keep you grounded in the future. Amazing how many eng grads are completely oblivious to the real world and how things really are.

With that said...you will need LOTS of math to be on top of your game. And I wouldn't let a trade school schedule interfere with my math studies during your last couple years of high school.
If the trade classes are half day, be certain that you load up with elective math past what is required for graduation. Algebra is essential, as it gives you the skills needed for other math disciplines.
Also, if mech eng is your bag, I would suggest also taking some plane geometry and trigonometry before leaving high school.

And Btw...if you graduate in the top ten of ANY engineering school, you can just about write your own ticket after graduation. You will have headhunters knocking on your door before you ever get out of school.
Also, co-op if possible once you get past hell year. (don't worry, you'll find out what that is soon enough.

)

Keep an open mind, and good luck!

Posted by: mastercraft

I would say that a degree in mechanical engineering is a great degree to get. Just work hard at it. Right now I am going to graduate in December from South Carolina and it is going to be such a relief once you get done. As far as sallary goes be prepared for 35-45k starting out but with yearly bonouses and such. If you are a hard worker then it will be no problem. Just stick with it even during your tough times during the sophmore and junior years. Once you make it to the senior year you are almost done. Like someothers have said take as many advanced math courses as you can and if you can be ready to start calculas once you start college you will be right on track. Just work hard and stick with it. The rewards will be worth it once you get the degree. I know I can not wait to finish up and get mine in December.

-----------
MasterCraft
Setra 200B/FTR 200A

Posted by: cr125freak

thank you for all the information. I want to attend the trade school and then head on to college. The program I want to attend also has an apprenticeship progam the second year. I am debating that but I think it will give me an idea of what im getting in to and help me decide if I want to persue this in college

Posted by: mg89

So how much math is needed for mechanical engineering?

Posted by: SpeedyManiac

Well, up here to get into first year I had to have Grade 12 Math and Calculus. To fullfill the graduation requirements up here, I've taken 3 calculus classes, 1 linear algebra class, and 2 differential equations classes (ODE's in 2nd year, PDE's in 3rd year). I've learned more than I ever wanted to know about math. I'm actually only a couple courses short of a Math minor. No way I'm going to take them though.

Posted by: AKNOISE

Quote:

Originally Posted by mg89

So how much math is needed for mechanical engineering?

Algerbra thru Trig...........

If you are seriously wish to be a Design Mech Engineer then the must practical route is Machinist by trade school/apprentice while studying an Auto CAD 2006 Works class at a local university or paid tutor.

This teachs you the must urgent elements, metallurgy and conceptual creation from the machinist trade ( go to any proper racing shop and the master machinist is the highest paid worker,why because hes the man, these guys are infinite sources of education)

With your skills and knowledge of modern software design programs, your in...because your more then skilled labor or a "desk monkey" redesigning valve stem caps (somebody has to).....you have real paretical value to add to any design team, which = $$$

Bachelors degrees are just proof that your trainable and know how to follow logical instructions, nothing else its why corps like hiring college grads its a good bet. But never a sure one. So there it is...... a time proven model, but what which ever route you choose youngblood, Take charge of your own education and dont rely on others to educate you and have pride in every thing you touch and you'll be fine.

Posted by: chris_1001

I work as a Mechanical Designer/Eng. for the past 13 years, I hate it. Been working on Medical Devices for the past 4+ years and prior to that in Semiconductors.

Pesonaly I hate this job. I would NEVER have gone into it if I knew my day to day life would suck from 8-5...

I'm surfing DRN to escape...

I don't have the personality for this field and some of the people in it... Now for some peopl with the right personalitys its great. I'm just not one of those people.

Now, I make great money, the company I work for is great and I'm sitting here in jeans. So I'm not bitter at my company, just the job.

Just make sure this IS what you want... Hard to get out (and I have a foot out the door with my own business).

Chris

Edit: Forget AutoCad, learn SolidWorks or Pro/E.

Posted by: SpeedyManiac

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_1001

Edit: Forget AutoCad, learn SolidWorks or Pro/E.

Depends where you work. Right now I'm working on industrial plant design and we use Autocad, PDMS and Solidworks. I use Pro/E at school and love it, but it's only good for smaller 3D parts and assemblies (like vehicles and stuff). Mechanica (for Pro/E) is an amazing FEA program.

Posted by: RiderDre

I actually just graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and I have a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology. The motorcycle industry is very hard to get into. I've even worked as a Technology co-op student at BBR Motorsports for 5 months, and a parts guy at a Honda/Suzuki/Polaris dealer for 4 months as well. Heck, my degree project was even on muffler performance vs noise output where I designed, built, and tested several prototypes to reduce noise levels without affecting horsepower (one even worked fairly well).

As far as moto industry jobs, well I don't have much interest in moving to California, too overpopulated for me, and there's not much money in the industry. That and to make matters more difficult it doesn't help not being a US citizen. I'd still love to work in the industry if the opportunity arose, but for now I guess I'll just find a job I like and have more time to play with my bikes!

But as far as the ME degree goes, I say go for it. There will always be lots of jobs, but you better be very commited and enjoy math and science!

Posted by: Jon K.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaybird

Amazing how many eng grads are completely oblivious to the real world and how things really are.

We keep our engineers away from sharp instruments!!!!

Posted by: wanaride

I agree with some of these other posters...get real world experience before you commit to anything if you can. You don't want to get into a degree program and then realize it isn't for you. I'm an EE but the concept is the same. There is nothing like real world experience to get you ready for the classroom, and then once you get in that desk, you will WANT to learn the material. I suggest you take some time, maybe two years after high school, to work some jobs and find out what YOU are interested in, not necessarily what someone is steering you towards. Six years in the US Navy worked wonders for me!

Any engineering curriculum will be heavy into math, so take all you can in high school. As an EE I had to take a ME Themodynamics class that was based on differential equations, so there is more to being an ME than designing cool parts...TAKE ALL THE MATH YOU CAN.

Posted by: cujet

ME is a great deg to have. Also consider Aero Eng. I did this at Embry Riddle Aero Univ. There is much in common in both fields.

Hone your study skills now! A good student knows the material before class starts. I kinda choked my first year, then learned (figured out) the all important study skills. IMHO, a top student will spend less time studying. Get the skills right and you may find yourself with more free time! I did.

GOOD LUCK

Chris

Posted by: Bodge

im currently going for a m.e. degree, but i wonder if i have the personality. i have to be moving, and damn do i hate any cad program. chris101 what would you say the engineering personality is?

Posted by: mg89

you guys should use the program called rhinoceros, I used at in my computer drafting class in High School and it's way cooler than cad (we had to learn how to use cad too) if you guys have a choice to pick one pick rhino.

Posted by: SpeedyManiac

Does it integrate with any FEA software? That's the kicker for 3D modelling.

Posted by: mdkuder

I'm guessing that $50K is the norm here in Oklahoma for a 1st year degreed graduate. I would also like to repeat that it's possibly a career you'll be set in for life. I've been a Mechanical design/draftsman for the last 20 years and am bored with it. I like the solid modeling side but the detailing side is sooooooo boring! I love working with mechanical things as I have since I was 3 years old. Good luck with your education and future career!

Posted by: headbanger

I'm in the same boat as mdkuder, I'm sick of sitting at a desk
all day long!

Posted by: decade377

I started out to get my ME degree, but found I could make more money sooner if I fixed cars instead of designing cars. I'm an idiot! I should have stayed in school and earned my degree.

30 years later and it's almost impossible to go back. The high line car manufacturer I work for is making their cars more affordable by paying me less to fix them under warranty,( I make half of what I did 5 years ago while making more money per hour

)
Go to school while you have a chance. Stay with mom and dad and study. It will pay off more than you could know.

Posted by: 76GMC1500

I'm getting a ME degree as well, but I may not put it to use as an ME degree. I'll also be getting my Coast Guard 3rd Engineer's lisence. The starting pay for a 3rd engineer is much better than a ME, usually 60k-100k a year for 6-10 months work. Once I get tired of sailing, I should be able to use my sailing experience and ME degree to land a shoreside job in a refinery/power plant or with a shipyard or ship systems designer.

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Mechanical Engineering

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