We surveyed 6,035 mechanical engineers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical mechanical engineer. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a mechanical engineer?
Low
High
Working as a mechanical engineer typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that mechanical engineers are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a mechanical engineer?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a mechanical engineer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a mechanical engineer?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a mechanical engineer. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for mechanical engineers.
Do mechanical engineers work full-time or part-time?
93% of mechanical engineers work in full-time roles while 7% work part-time.
Is being a mechanical engineer stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst mechanical engineers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a mechanical engineer?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a mechanical engineer.
How competitive is the workplace for mechanical engineers?
Low
High
Mechanical engineers see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a mechanical engineer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Mechanical engineers will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are mechanical engineers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Mechanical engineers are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do mechanical engineers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally mechanical engineers will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a mechanical engineer physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a mechanical engineers is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are mechanical engineers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, mechanical engineers tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a mechanical engineer require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for mechanical engineers, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good mechanical engineer require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a mechanical engineer.