If you’re stuck wondering, “What does a mechanical engineer do on a daily basis?” or “What is the value of a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering?”, it’s probably time to explore your curiosity in depth.
At a high level, mechanical engineers are the creative problem-solvers who use time-tested patterns in nature to translate into the machines and systems we use daily. In fact, Mechanical Engineering is perhaps the most versatile field in engineering—the perfect choice for students who thrive on problem-solving and hands-on technical work.
A Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering goes beyond theory, preparing students to design real-world systems that address society’s challenges. Plus, the compensation is favorable as well. With median salaries of $102,230 and top earners making $161,240, graduates are well-positioned to contribute to and lead exciting fields such as aerospace, automotive, robotics, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
What do Mechanical Engineers do?
The daily life of a mechanical engineer varies depending on specialization and industry. Mechanical engineers are the architects of our technological world, designing, testing, and continuously improving our machines and systems.
What does a Mechanical Engineer do in the design stage?
Moving from concept to reality, you can find yourself building and testing prototypes to validate your designs. Engineers spend significant time using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create detailed 3D models. They analyze stress patterns, calculate load distributions, and simulate how materials will behave under different conditions.
When systems fail or underperform, it becomes your job to diagnose solutions. You’ll also translate complex technical concepts into understandable presentations for non-engineers. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing specialists, quality control experts, project managers, and clients.
Courses and skills in a Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s degree
The BS in Mechanical Engineering curriculum balances theoretical concepts with practical applications. Beyond technical mastery, the program cultivates essential professional skills, including project management, team collaboration, and clear communication, as these are capabilities that employers consistently rank among their highest priorities.
Real-world applications of the BS in Mechanical Engineering
Below is a general idea of what courses look like in a Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s degree program, providing a general sense of the curriculum and areas of focus:
| Coursework | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|
| Thermodynamics | Students learn energy conversion principles, heat engines, and refrigeration cycles. Coursework includes analyzing power plant efficiency and designing thermal management systems for electronics. |
| Fluid and Solid Mechanics | This covers how liquids and gases flow through pipes and around objects, plus how materials deform under stress. |
| Dynamics and Kinematics | The study of motion and forces in mechanical systems. |
| Computer-Aided Design | Intensive training in industry-standard software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and CATIA. Students create 3D models, generate technical drawings, and virtual testing simulations. |
| Materials Science | Understanding how different materials behave under various conditions, including metals, plastics, composites, and ceramics. |
| Heat Transfer | Analysis of how thermal energy moves through conduction, convection, and radiation. |
| Capstone Projects | Senior-year experiences challenge students to solve authentic engineering problems from initial concept through final implementation. |
| Research Projects | Faculty-led research initiatives in robotics, advanced materials science, and sustainability prepare students for the engineering workforce. |
Career paths with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering
If you’re satisfied you understand what mechanical engineers do, but are still wondering more specifically, “What jobs do mechanical engineers do?” It’s time to leave the classroom and explore the workforce, where we’ll find a lot of different answers because mechanical engineers work everywhere—in manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, energy, automotive, and healthcare.
While many graduates enter the workforce directly, a BS in Mechanical Engineering also provides a foundation for advanced degrees and leadership opportunities, allowing engineers to scale up and specialize further.
Manufacturing
So, what do mechanical engineers do on a daily basis? They design, optimize, and maintain sophisticated machinery. They work to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure consistent product quality, which involves everything from developing automation systems on factory floors to refining production processes. Mechanical engineers in this field also focus on safety standards, sustainability, and scaling up innovations from prototypes to mass production.
Aerospace
Aerospace engineers design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and advanced propulsion systems. They make sure systems and machinery are safe, reliable, and at peak performance, including withstanding the most demanding conditions. Experts in aerodynamics, materials science, and control systems, mechanical engineering students must thoroughly understand these subjects to succeed in this niche.
Many times, aerospace engineers contribute to space exploration, defense applications, and the development of next-generation transportation technologies.
Robotics
In robotics, engineers design automated machines and intelligent systems, creating more efficient operations in several industries, including precision robotic arms used in manufacturing, autonomous vehicles that navigate complex environments, or even machines in the health industry, such as surgical robots that allow doctors to perform delicate procedures with accuracy.
Robotics also integrates fields like computer vision, artificial intelligence, and control systems, making it one of the most dynamic areas of engineering today.
Energy
In the energy industry, you’ll work on systems that generate and distribute power, including renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, and hydroelectric systems. These engineers contribute to next-generation power plants and advanced storage solutions that make energy more reliable. A key focus of this field is optimizing efficiency across all energy infrastructure while reducing environmental impact.
Automotive
In the automotive industry, engineers are essential in designing and refining vehicles, engines, and other critical components.
For autonomous driving technology, engineers develop systems that make cars safer and smarter, plus they play a major role in improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and shaping the future of transportation.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry may not be the first place you think of for mechanical engineers, but the demand is significant. This field develops medical devices, designs advanced prosthetics, and creates diagnostic equipment to help doctors detect diseases earlier.
Engineers also work on surgical tools and hospital technologies that improve safety and comfort for patients. This path allows you to directly impact people’s health and quality of life, making it a truly rewarding career.
Beyond the bachelor’s: Graduate pathways
Want to go beyond a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering? While a BS in Mechanical Engineering provides immediate workforce readiness, it also establishes a strong foundation for advanced study and career growth for graduates to pursue further education via a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, PhDs, or professional certification, developing specialized expertise.
Design tomorrow’s world at UB
University of Bridgeport’s Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering combines rigorous technical education with essential professional skill development. At UB, you’ll gain the comprehensive foundation needed to design, innovate, and lead in industries that actively shape tomorrow’s world. This is where creative design meets technical expertise, and where your engineering career begins.