Mechanical Engineers
Medium50.83%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$64,560
Median$99,510
High (90th %)$157,470
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Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
The occupation "Mechanical Engineers" has an automation risk of approximately 50.8%, indicating that while many aspects of the job can potentially be automated, a significant portion of the work still requires human intervention. The base risk for this occupation stands at 51.8%, reflecting considerable vulnerability to automation technologies due to the systematic and process-driven nature of many engineering tasks. A substantial portion of the daily responsibilities of mechanical engineers revolves around tasks with high automation potential. For instance, reading and interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports can be increasingly carried out by machine learning algorithms that can rapidly process visual and textual data. Similarly, the processes of researching, designing, evaluating, installing, operating, or maintaining mechanical products and systems are subject to automation through advanced software and simulation tools, as well as robotics in manufacturing and testing environments. Additionally, specifying system components or directing modifications to ensure products meet specifications can be augmented or even replaced by artificial intelligence systems capable of optimizing design parameters and regulatory compliance at scale. Despite this high potential for automation, several core tasks within the mechanical engineering field remain notably resistant. Activities such as soliciting new business require complex human interactions, negotiation skills, and the ability to build trust and relationships, which are currently outside the capabilities of AI and automation systems. Similarly, establishing or coordinating maintenance or safety procedures, service schedules, or supply logistics demands a nuanced understanding of organizational context, regulatory compliance, and unpredictable real-world variables. Designing test control apparatus or developing new testing procedures also calls for hands-on creativity and bespoke problem-solving, which resist codification and replication by automated systems. These human-centric, adaptive, and creative tasks create a buffer that limits the complete automation of the role. A critical factor in understanding the partial resistance to automation in mechanical engineering is the "bottleneck" skill of originality. Measured at only 3.4% for most automatable tasks and 4.0% for the most resistant, originality is relatively low as a requirement in several routine activities; however, when necessary—especially in tasks involving problem-solving or innovative design—it poses a formidable obstacle to automation. AI struggles with the kind of innovative thinking required to devise novel solutions, adapt to unexpected challenges, and conceptualize entirely new products or procedures. As automation technologies advance, these low-percentage yet high-impact cognitive skills will play a central role in shaping the evolving scope of mechanical engineers’ responsibilities, ensuring that the occupation, while susceptible to automation in predictable and data-driven domains, maintains a substantial human element where originality and adaptive expertise are essential.
Filter by Automatable Status
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
Partially Automatable
Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
Partially Automatable
Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
Partially Automatable
Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
Partially Automatable
Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
Partially Automatable
Provide technical customer service.
Partially Automatable
Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, or repair to ensure that machines or equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications.
Partially Automatable
Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products, using drafting tools or computer-assisted drafting equipment or software.
Partially Automatable
Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems.
Partially Automatable
Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.
Partially Automatable
Provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs.
Partially Automatable
Write performance requirements for product development or engineering projects.
Partially Automatable
Estimate costs or submit bids for engineering, construction, or extraction projects.
Partially Automatable
Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
Partially Automatable
Design integrated mechanical or alternative systems, such as mechanical cooling systems with natural ventilation systems, to improve energy efficiency.
Partially Automatable
Calculate energy losses for buildings, using equipment such as computers, combustion analyzers, or pressure gauges.
Partially Automatable
Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.
Automatable
Apply engineering principles or practices to emerging fields, such as robotics, waste management, or biomedical engineering.
Partially Automatable
Direct the installation, operation, maintenance, or repair of renewable energy equipment, such as heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or water systems.
Partially Automatable
Select or install combined heat units, power units, cogeneration equipment, or trigeneration equipment that reduces energy use or pollution.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate mechanical designs or prototypes for energy performance or environmental impact.
Partially Automatable
Study industrial processes to maximize the efficiency of equipment applications, including equipment placement.
Partially Automatable
Design test control apparatus or equipment or develop procedures for testing products.
Partially Automatable
Solicit new business.
Partially Automatable
Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
Partially Automatable
Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, or other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, or maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
Partially Automatable
Perform personnel functions, such as supervision of production workers, technicians, technologists, or other engineers.
Partially Automatable
Establish or coordinate the maintenance or safety procedures, service schedule, or supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyForeign LanguageMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationPsychologyGeographyEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingTherapy and CounselingSociology and Anthropology
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
ANSYS simulation softwareFinite element method FEM softwareGrid generation softwareData acquisition softwareDesign of experiments DOE softwareAdobe IllustratorCAdobe ActionScriptAutodesk RevitIBM NotesHuman machine interface HMI softwareBentley MicroStationChefComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareDassault Systemes CATIABlinkESRI ArcGIS softwareCost estimating software1CadCam UnigraphicsAccelerated life testing softwareBill of materials softwareBlue Ridge Numerics CFDesignFailure assessment softwareG-codeInnovMetric PolyWorksMicrosoft ExchangeMicrosoft SQL ServerMathsoft MathcadMAYA NastranMicrosoft VisioMinitabReliability analysis softwareOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneIntergraph Plant Design System PDSReliaSoft Weibull++ 6Ladder LogicPuppetRTeradata DatabaseLambda Research OSLOMesh generation softwareModal analysis softwareThe MathWorks MATLABOptical analysis softwareReliaSoft Alta 6 ProPythonMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSmugMug FlickrMicrosoft AccessSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwarePerlShell scriptPTC Creo ParametricTrimble SketchUp ProPerforce Helix softwareVerilogMotion analysis softwareStatistical softwareRapid prototyping softwareMUMPS MMicrosoft DynamicsReverse engineering softwareSigmetrix CETOL 6 SigmaSolidWorks COSMOSWorksUGS I-DEASVideo analysis softwareZemaxMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAComputer aided design and drafting software CADDAdobe IllustratorCAdobe ActionScriptAutodesk RevitBentley MicroStationAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DChefBlinkCost estimating softwareANSYS simulation softwareAccelerated life testing softwareBill of materials softwareBlue Ridge Numerics CFDesignMathsoft MathcadMicrosoft ExchangeMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicGrid generation softwareMinitabMAYA NastranOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOnePuppetMUMPS MReliability analysis softwareDesign of experiments DOE softwareReliaSoft Weibull++ 6Failure assessment softwareRTeradata DatabaseThe MathWorks MATLABG-codeInnovMetric PolyWorksMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSmugMug FlickrIBM NotesMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft DynamicsPerlShell scriptPTC Creo ParametricTrimble SketchUp ProPerforce Helix softwareDassault Systemes CATIAVerilogMotion analysis softwareNational Instruments LabVIEWESRI ArcGIS softwareStatistical softwareRapid prototyping softwareFinite element method FEM softwareMicrosoft ExcelLife cycle cost softwareIntergraph Plant Design System PDSLadder LogicLambda Research OSLOMesh generation softwareModal analysis softwareOptical analysis softwareReverse engineering softwareSigmetrix CETOL 6 SigmaSolidWorks COSMOSWorksUGS I-DEASVideo analysis softwareZemaxReliaSoft BlockSim1CadCam UnigraphicsComputational fluid dynamics CFD softwareComputational fluid dynamics CFD softwarePythonSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareC++Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementHuman machine interface HMI softwareAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareDassault Systemes SolidWorksNational Instruments LabVIEWComputer aided design and drafting software CADDData acquisition softwareAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCADMicrosoft Visual BasicC++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksFailure mode and effects analysis FMEA softwareFailure mode and effects analysis FMEA softwareLife cycle cost softwareComputer numerical control CNC softwareComputer numerical control CNC softwareReliaSoft Alta 6 ProReliaSoft BlockSimHewlett-Packard HP Graphics Language HPGLHewlett-Packard HP Graphics Language HPGLMetrix Imageware SurfacerMetrix Imageware SurfacerRockwell Automation softwareRockwell Automation softwareStatistical energy analysis SEA softwareStatistical energy analysis SEA softwareMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office software
Aerospace Engineers
Medium49.06%
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
Electrical Engineers
Medium51.39%
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Medium47.85%
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Industrial Engineers
Medium52.84%
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
Manufacturing Engineers
Medium46.99%
Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.
Fuel Cell Engineers
Medium50.01%
Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.
Automotive Engineers
Medium48.94%
Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.
Mechatronics Engineers
Medium50.13%
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Robotics Technicians
Medium42.51%
Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.78%
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.38%
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Automotive Engineering Technicians
Medium49.22%
Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Medium43.09%
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Low27.13%
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Medium49.31%
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Medium37.10%
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Medium43.49%
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Medium49.05%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Cost Estimators
Medium45.75%
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Chemical Engineers
Medium50.90%
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Computer Hardware Engineers
Medium46.34%
Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
Validation Engineers
Medium45.72%
Design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements.
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Medium49.96%
Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
Materials Engineers
Medium47.91%
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
Nuclear Engineers
Medium41.73%
Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
Petroleum Engineers
Medium51.23%
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Medium52.65%
Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.
Microsystems Engineers
Medium45.90%
Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Photonics Engineers
Medium48.01%
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
Robotics Engineers
Medium49.96%
Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.
Wind Energy Engineers
Medium49.16%
Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
Medium52.85%
Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Medium55.34%
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Medium56.65%
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
Mechanical Drafters
Medium57.37%
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Medium46.60%
Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.30%
Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Medium44.70%
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
Photonics Technicians
Medium49.31%
Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.
Materials Scientists
Medium49.08%
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium40.92%
Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Medium44.65%
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Sales Engineers
Medium44.20%
Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Medium38.95%
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
Avionics Technicians
Low28.44%
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Geothermal Technicians
Medium39.03%
Perform technical activities at power plants or individual installations necessary for the generation of power from geothermal energy sources. Monitor and control operating activities at geothermal power generation facilities and perform maintenance and repairs as necessary. Install, test, and maintain residential and commercial geothermal heat pumps.