Masters in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering specializations that are a sure road to a successful career these days are the following:

1. Automotive Engineering

Automotive Engineering deals with the design, modification and manufacturing of vehicles (and their parts) that do not move on rails, fly or float. Cars and motorcycles are the most common vehicles that automotive engineers work on, but they may also work on giant trucks and even vehicles that help in transportation within a large industrial setup. Further, Automotive Engineers may choose to gain expertise in either of the following aspects:

• Development and Design
• Manufacturing and Production
• Cost and Quality

This specialization track is a combination of mechanical engineering, software, safety, electrical and electronic engineering. Some of the chief courses in the specialization track include Automotive Systems, Automotive Electronics, Automotive Design, Systems Integration, Mechanical Vibration, Body and Chassis, Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Vehicle Dynamics, Fuel Processors and Crashworthiness, etc. An automotive engineering master of science in mechanical engineering is one of the most promising fields. It may lead to a career as an Auto Research Engineer, Combustion Engineer, Engine Designer, Tool Engineer, etc.

2. Sustainable Engineering

A Sustainable Engineering specialization in Mechanical Engineering is the one with the greatest interdisciplinary focus. It is a convergence of civil, mechanical, environmental and chemical engineering disciplines. The aim of this specialization is to design systems that consume minimum energy and resources. The job of a sustainable engineer includes management of materials, waste reduction, controlling pollution and enhancing product designs so that the impact on the environment is minimized.

Sustainable Engineering master’s students study courses such as Life Cycle Design and Analysis, Sustainable Systems, Industrial Ecology, Sustainable Manufacturing and Design etc. They find a job as Sustainability Engineers, Sustainability Designers, and Energy Engineers, etc.

3. Mechatronics and Robotics

Specialization in Mechatronics and Robotics in a ME master’s program brings together electrical engineering and computer science to create intelligent systems and machines that are aware of their surroundings and can take decisions on their own. The specialization draws heavily from mechanics and electronics. Mechatronics is the integration of control theory, computer science and electronics geared towards handling complex and uncertain situations and communications. Robotics involves the use of electrochemical sensors, programming and microcontrollers to create intelligent devices that enhance the automation potential of an engineered system.

Students of this specialization will typically have the opportunity to learn the following: Electrical Networks; Systems Modeling; Numerical Programming; Software development for Machines and Robots; Control Systems; Embedded Systems Design; Analog and Digital Electronics; Sensor Systems; Advanced Motion Control; Artificial Intelligence for Mechatronics

A Mechatronics and Robotics specialization in the master of science in mechanical engineering can lead to employment as Robotics Engineer, Control System Design Engineer, Mechatronics Expert, and Automation Engineer etc. Biomechanics, Medical Equipment, Defense, Industrial Design, and Vehicle Manufacturing are some of the fields where Mechatronics and Robotics experts are in demand.

4. Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Engineering

This specialization in ME program deals with the design, building and upkeep of vehicles, systems and machines that require no or minimum human intervention once set in motion and set to perform specific tasks. It deals with aerial, land or sea vehicles besides machines like fruit pickers and floor sweepers. Drones are one of the most popular inventions that have resulted from this research in this field. This engineering specialization can be considered as a convergence of robotics, electrical engineering and programming. Co-operating with aerospace engineers and working on aerospace projects is common for experts in unmanned and autonomous systems engineers (UAS).

Students that opt for this specialization can expect to learn the following course themes among others: UAS Design and Construction; UAS Remote Sensing; Human-Robot Interaction; UAS Aerodynamics; Swarm Robotics; Wearable Assistive Devices; Biologically Inspired Mechatronics Technologies; Robotic Neuro-rehabilitation
UAS engineers find placement as Autonomous Systems Engineer, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Engineer, Unmanned Vehicle Engineer and Robotic Systems Engineer with aerospace technology companies, underwater exploration equipment companies or industrial robots manufacturing companies, etc.

Global Rank

1. Mechanical Engineer

The most common destinations of mechanical engineers are engineering, transport and manufacturing companies. They also find jobs in R&D organizations, utility companies and the public sector. They would be responsible for assessing the performance of machines, mechanical components and engines. They also have to ensure that the equipment is running efficiently besides looking after its maintenance. They are also expected to engage in computer-aided design and modelling. They would also be involved in testing, modifying and evaluating products. Those who enter into research-based jobs will have to prepare reports and provide assistance and insights for bettering the outputs of mechanical engineering projects. 

2. Design Engineer

Design Engineers are entrusted with the responsibility of researching and developing new ideas for products and systems. Their efforts are aimed at improving performance, maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs. They engage with different aspects of designing products and systems like feasibility of design, materials research, use of computer-aided design (CAD) software and working with computer-aided engineering (CAE) software. Suggesting modifications in prevailing designs and producing test-reports is also a part of their job. They are mostly employed by manufacturing companies, design consultancy firms, biomedical companies and companies that have to design service systems.

3. Project Engineer

A project engineer’s task is very critical to a company. Usually, he/she is at the helm of an engineering project with a number of junior engineers and technicians working with him/her. Carrying out management tasks while leading a team is an important aspect of their work. They have to work closely with design engineers to see if a modification or an expansion is required in the manufacturing process. Their responsibilities include selection and evaluation of equipment and materials, preparing a design, process and manufacturing diagrams, performing major calculations regarding feasibility, pace, efficiency and progress of the project in mind. They work on industrial projects with manufacturing companies or with the government.

4. Research Engineer

Research Engineers carry out the R&D tasks in product development, energy systems, biomechanics, nanotechnology, etc. Although R&D is a part of many engineering job profiles, a specialized position means that the job involves thorough research into materials, designs and methods that would be involved in a mechanical engineering project. Analysis, implementation and testing are some of the core tasks of research engineers. They are also involved in preparing designs for devices, instruments and entire machines, often using innovation and out-of-the-box thinking for best results. They often have to coordinate teams of researchers and give suggestions to reorient or develop the R&D of the organization.

5. Product Engineer

Product Engineers are focused on a particular device, instrument or machine at a time. They are however concerned with every possible aspect that deals with the product, from research on materials to designing, and from cost-cutting to maximizing the utility of the product. They also have to check the quality of products and ensure that they are marketable and durable. These days they also need to strive for sustainability and environmental friendliness of the product. They need to be experts in product development software and tools. Manufacturing firms are their chief employers. However, they may also be employed by public defence equipment manufacturers, software and hardware companies, R&D organizations, etc.