Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers design mechanical systems such as engines and motorised machines. They may also design aircraft, robots, ships and medical devices. They study and employ the principals of physics, heat transfer processes, thermodynamic and combustion systems, fluid and thermal energy systems.

Mechanical engineers strive to create machines and systems that increase productivity, improve safety for workers and cut costs for business. Mechanical engineering is used in a wide range of industries including mining, the automotive and aviation sectors, oil and gas, building, communications, defense, forestry, fishing, shipping, road and rail transport, electrical power generation and distribution and robotics. Mechanical engineering is a popular course at universities worldwide. Mechanical engineers must be proficient in the understanding of core concepts including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, and structural analysis. They must also have a sound knowledge of mathematics and electronics.

Mechanical engineering is related to civil engineering; however civil engineering can be more specific to constructs such as the design of roads and bridges. Civil engineers can work in many different fields. They may work in environmental engineering, structural engineering and transportation. They often work in areas of municipal or urban engineering where they may work with local authorities and artists to design public works. To become a civil engineer you are required to undertake three to five years study and posses a strong knowledge of mathematics, physics, design and project management. They are proficient in all levels of construction and often share many of the same skills as architects.