Description: Mechanical engineers work with other engineers and professionals to solve problems through designing, developing, building and testing mechanical and thermal devices, including tools, engines, and machines, with extensive use of computer simulations.

Knowledge Required: Mechanical engineering applies the principles of engineering, physics, and materials science for analysis, design, and manufacturing.    

Skills: Mathematics, analytical skills, communication, critical-thinking, problem-solving, creativity

Career Path: A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology is required for nearly all entry-level mechanical engineering jobs, and a graduate degree is required to conduct research.

Best Cities for this job: Bloomington, Illinois; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Taunton, Massachusetts; San Jose, California; and Bellingham, Washington 

Median Annual Income: National: $80,580; CA: $87,000

Future Growth: Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations.

From the field: “Connecting the physics to that actual hobby you have gets you excited to learn.”

Did You Know Mechanical engineering emerged as a field during the industrial revolution in Europe and is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers are responsible for analyzing and designing everything from shoes and snowboards to medical devices and transport systems.