Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Mechanical Engineer
What mechanical engineers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a mechanical engineer?
Review test data from a prototype. From there, the day usually includes design mechanical systems and products, create CAD models, and analyze stress, heat and fluids. Most work full-time; project deadlines can bring long hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a mechanical engineer working full time.
- Review test data from a prototype.
- Model a bracket in SolidWorks.
- Run a stress analysis.
- Meet manufacturing about design changes.
- Visit the test lab.
- Update the design review slides.
- Write an engineering change order.
Where mechanical engineers work
Mechanical engineers work in offices, labs and plants.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; project deadlines can bring long hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Design mechanical systems and products
- Create CAD models
- Analyze stress, heat and fluids
- Build and test prototypes
- Develop manufacturing processes
- Improve designs
- Write specifications and reports
Tools you’ll use every day
- SolidWorks or Creo
- ANSYS
- MATLAB
- Excel
- 3D printers
- Test equipment
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- High pay
- Many industries
- Build real products
What’s hard
- Deadlines
- Complex problems
- Some roles in plants
- Continuous learning
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love how machines work
- I enjoy math and physics
- I like designing products
- I solve complex problems
- I want high pay
- I like hands-on testing
Not sure? Take the free Mechanical Engineer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Design with safety factors
- Follow lab safety
- Guard prototypes
- Wear PPE in plants