Mechanical Engineering finds applications in all fields of technology.
They could work in many industries including private or public sector
industries of various types, and their work varies by industry and function.
With the rapid rate of expansion in the industrial sector, the employment
potential for mechanical engineers is very high.
In the government sector, freshers could join as Junior Engineers and
go up the ladder as Assistant Engineers, Assistant Executive
Engineers, Executive Engineers, Superintendent Engineers and so on.
These engineers are required in automobile, chemical, electronics, steel
plants, oil exploration and refining, technical wings of armed forces,
space research organisation, etc. Candidates with post graduate degree
or an additional management degree could find work in administrative and
managerial positions in government departments or public and private sector
industries or do research as well as teaching in Research and teaching
institutes. They could also opt for technical sales / marketing or work
as independent consultants. Several government departments including
Posts and Telegraphs, Defense, PWD, and CPWD employ mechanical engineers.
Aeronautical, agricultural, automobile, chemical, and power plants, as
well as the railways, need mechanical engineers to design and maintain
their machinery. In agricultural sector, mechanical engineers play a vital
role by establishing service centres for maintenance of tractors, oil
engines, pump sets, electric motors and other agricultural equipments.
Mechanical Engineering graduates has several job opportunities in Marine
engineering. After undergoing a basic pre sea training or studying marine
engineering or nautical science course, they can join as engine cadets,
marine engineers or navigating officers. Mechanical Engineering graduates
can also opt for M.E/ M.Tech programmes in Marine engineering, Petroleum
engineering, Aerospace/ Aeronautical engineering or Nanotechnology.
Remuneration
The remuneration and conditions of service depend on the industry and
its function. Those engineers, who choose to work in the private sector,
could negotiate their terms and conditions with the management themselves.
Most fresh engineers start at Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month, with allowances.
Those with an additional management degree in addition to engineering
can command salaries of Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 per month.
In the US, according to a salary survey by the National Association of
Colleges and Employers, bachelor’s degree candidates in mechanical engineering
received starting offers averaging $48,426 a year, master’s degree candidates
had offers averaging $55,994, and Ph.D. candidates were initially offered
$72,096.
