Mechanical engineers research, design, manufacture, and test all kinds of mechanical things: tools, engines, machines, and other devices. They study materials, heat and energy transfer, manufacturing technologies, among other things to design machines and tools that will meet all the requirements for a particular job.

• Design “smart” toys for kids
• Develop cars that are more fuel efficient
• Produce hypoallergenic air conditioning for hospital operating rooms<
• Create prosthetic hands that allow a person to type and write
• Build aerospace vehicles to trek across planets and moons, collecting samples

Mechanical engineers need a bachelor's degree. Most have mechanical engineering degrees.

Mechanical engineers work in all areas of manufacturing industries. They can work in production operations, maintenance, management, as well as research and development. Some provide engineering services as consultants in research, design, or testing of technologies. They environment and hours they work will vary with the job.

The starting salary for a mechanical engineer (2007):

B.S. degree
$54,128

M.S. degree
$62,798

Ph.D.
$72,763