How To Become a Mechanical Engineer

Steps to Become a Mechanical Engineer

1. Earn a degree in mechanical engineering.

   • Bachelor's degree: Look for four-year programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Coursework typically includes advanced math, design, engineering principles, and physical sciences.
   • Associate's degree: You can also earn a two-year associate's degree in mechanical engineering technology and find work as a mechanical drafter. You can then transfer to a four-year college and complete the final two years of coursework for a four-year mechanical engineering degree.

2. Complete an internship or cooperative work experience.

   Most four-year mechanical engineering programs include an internship or cooperative (co-op) work program during the senior year of study. Internships are typically unpaid, but students in a co-op earn a wage. Internships and cooperative work programs offer valuable work experience and the opportunity to make professional connections.

3. Pass the fundamentals of engineering (FE) exam.

   Take the FE exam after the completion of your bachelor's degree program. After passing the FE exam, engineers are known as engineer interns (EI) or engineers-in-training (EIT). Passing the FE exam allows you to work as an entry-level mechanical engineer.

4. Find entry-level employment using resources such as academic advisors and career fairs.

   Mechanical engineers can find entry-level employment through their academic advisors, job boards, and career fairs. Professional engineering organizations, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, also provide career advice.

5. Become licensed as a professional engineer (PE).

   • Earn a degree from an engineering program accredited by ABET.
   • Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
   • Have at least four years of relevant work experience.
   • Pass the Professional Engineering exam.

6. Obtain specialty certifications such as project management and assistive design.

   • Assistive design.
   • Test and balance engineering.
   • Human-computer interaction.
   • Human factors in data science.
   • Human factors in medical devices and systems.
   • Project management.
   • Engineering management fundamentals.
   • Residential geothermal design.

7. Seek advanced degrees, such as an MBA.

   A master's or doctorate is required to work in research or teach engineering at the college level. A master's in business administration (MBA) can help engineers advance into management positions.

8. Renew your license.

   Several states require yearly continuing education to maintain your PE license. Online engineering classes, attendance at engineering conferences, and continuing education seminars fulfill continuing education requirements.