What they do
Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.
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Also called: |
Dimensional Integration Engineer, Engineer, Product Engineer, Project Engineer, Research Engineer
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Wages
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Mechanical Engineers* |
Vermont - 2023 |
Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
10% |
$ 33.99 |
$70,700 |
25% |
$ 37.76 |
$78,550 |
Median |
$ 47.10 |
$97,970 |
75% |
$ 51.77 |
$107,690 |
90% |
$ 63.39 |
$131,850 |
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Average |
$ 47.53 |
$98,850 |
* You're seeing information for "Mechanical Engineers" because it includes "Automotive Engineers" for which wage information is not available. |
1 What are Percentile Wages? |
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More at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
Mechanical Engineers* |
United States - 2020 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 30% |
| 14% |
- Transportation equipment manufacturing
| 12% |
- Computer and electronic product manufacturing
| 8% |
- Fabricated metal product manufacturing
| 5% |
* You're seeing information for "Mechanical Engineers" because it includes "Automotive Engineers" for which industries of employment information is not available. |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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- Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
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- Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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- Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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- Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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- Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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What are your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler |
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Conduct or direct system-level automotive testing.
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- Provide technical direction to other engineers or engineering support personnel.
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- Perform failure, variation, or root cause analyses.
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- Calibrate vehicle systems, including control algorithms or other software systems.
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- Design or analyze automobile systems in areas such as aerodynamics, alternate fuels, ergonomics, hybrid power, brakes, transmissions, steering, calibration, safety, or diagnostics.
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More at O*NET |
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
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Mechanical Engineers* |
Vermont |
2020 employment |
403 |
2030 employment |
416 |
Annual percent change (compounded) |
0.3% |
Annual projected job openings (due to change and separations) |
25 |
* You're seeing information for "Mechanical Engineers" because it includes "Automotive Engineers" for which projected employment information is not available. |
More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
Mechanical Engineers* |
- Typical education needed for entry
Bachelor's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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* You're seeing information for "Mechanical Engineers" because it includes "Automotive Engineers" for which education and experience information is not available. |
Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Somewhat Important
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Low | | High |
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Compare Occupations at O*NET |
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Job Zone
Considerable Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(7.0 to < 8.0) - A typical worker will require
over 2 years up to and including 4 years
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | | 10% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | | 14% |
Bachelor's degree | | 71% |
Associate's degree | | 0% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | | 5% |
High school diploma or equivalent | | 0% |
Less than high school diploma | | 0% |
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Licensing
Vermont may require an occupational license: |
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Select a license for details |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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- Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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- Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Direct design or development activities.
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- Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
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- Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
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- Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
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- Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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