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Mechanical Engineering

WHAT IS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING?

Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines and uses principles of motion, energy, and force.  An easy way to think of mechanical engineers is they work with anything that moves, from components to the human body. Mechanical Engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, build, maintain and test mechanical and thermal products, sensors, and devices.

WHAT DOES A MECHANICAL ENGINEER DO?

Mechanical Engineers work in a wide variety of industries. Some common tasks include: 

  • Examining and evaluating situations to incorporate potential fixes through the use of mechanical and thermal devices 

  • Utilizing analysis and computer-aided design to develop/redevelop mechanical and thermal devices or subsystems

  • Scrutinizing machine operations and suggesting improvements, optimizations and fixes

  • Creating and testing improvements for product, device or process designs

  • Adjusting prototypes or systems as needed based on test results

  • Supervising the production process for a product or device

CONCENTRATIONS

Although not required, MSU Mechanical Engineering majors can add a concentration to align with a specific academic or career interest. Concentrations include:

Aerospace

Automotive Powertrain

 Biomedical

Computational Design

Cryogenic Engineering

Energy

Engineering Mechanics

Global Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

CAREER DATA

Below you will find data collected from graduates for the period 2021 – 2023. The data provides a sampling of industries, companies, and jobs that Mechanical Engineering graduates pursue. However, this data set is not the only story. Mechanical Engineering graduates work within a variety of industries and jobs. This information is meant to encourage your exploration. It’s your journey and we’re here to help. Connect with a career coach to discuss options and possibilities.  

Common Industries

 

  • Mobility/Automotive

  • Aerospace

  • Information Tech/Health Informatics

  • Industrial

  • Healthcare

  • Consulting

  • Energy

  • Defense

 

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Top Employer Representation (Companies hiring 4 or more graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • Ford Motor Company

  • General Motors

  • Williams International

  • Eaton

  • Epic Systems

  • GE

  • Caterpillar

  • ZF

  • Eli Lilly & Company

  • Gentex Corporation

  • Inteva Products

  • Stellantis

  • Toyota

 

 

Common Entry-Level Job Titles (Sample job titles from graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Design Engineer

  • Product Engineer

  • Application Engineer

  • Manufacturing Engineer

  • Process Engineer

  • Project Engineer

  • Technical Solutions Engineer

  • Launch Engineer

  • Prototype Build Engineer

KEY STATISTICS

Learn about the specific data associated with Mechanical Engineering graduates so that you can better understand the average compensation and placement rates within the major. (Represents 2023 data.)  

94.9%
Placement Rate
(Employment/Education)

$75,069
Average Starting
Salary

$23.59/hr
Intern Average
Hourly Wage 

RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers

  • American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics

  • Formula Racing Team

  • MSU Rocketry Team

  • MSU STARX Team

  • Pi Tau Sigma

  • Society of Automotive Engineers Baja

  • VEX Robotics

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Full list of MSU Engineering Student Organizations
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