California is one of the most lucrative places in the United States for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals due to increasing job opportunities in different fields, especially engineering. With the increasing number of residential, commercial, and public construction projects, the demand for skilled AEC professionals, including mechanical engineers, is rising.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 19,800 mechanical engineering job openings are expected annually in the country. Moreover, the job outlook for mechanical engineering professionals will likely grow by 11 percent in the next ten years. Follow along if you’re looking for entry-level mechanical engineering jobs or planning a job shift as we discuss some frequently asked questions about this field.
Mechanical Engineering Jobs: How to get started
Aspiring mechanical engineering professionals should gain the required and relevant educational qualifications, such as a bachelor’s or associate degree, in the respective mechanical engineering field. You can excel in your career by acquiring additional credentials and certifications, such as the assistive design certificate, professional engineering (PE) license, and CAD and digital manufacturing certificate.
Work on gaining a diverse skill set to set yourself apart from other job candidates and optimize your work competencies. A successful mechanical engineering professional must have some essential qualities, including excellent listening, creativity, mechanical, and problem-solving skills, to perform all the job responsibilities easily and conveniently.
Top Mechanical Engineering FAQs
1. What disciplines fall under mechanical engineering?
The top five branches that fall under mechanical engineering are design, mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, and manufacturing. Please note that mechanical engineering isn’t limited to these fields as it has other disciplines, including acoustics, biotechnology, control systems, and structural analysis.
2. What is my job outlook?
With growing construction activities and the demand for technology in the United States, the job outlook for mechanical engineering has been positive, offering jobs across different fields within mechanical engineering. Some of the country’s top positions for mechanical engineering professionals include mechanical engineers, biomedical engineers, research engineers, and mechanical engineering managers.
3. What qualifications do I need?
As mentioned above, you can opt for a four-year bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, engineering physics, civil engineering, or biomedical engineering, followed by a two-year master’s degree in any field of specialization, such as engineering project management or computer-aided design.
4. What skills are needed for entry-level mechanical engineering jobs?
Earning a degree or certification may not be enough to find entry-level mechanical engineering jobs, meaning you need to work diligently to gain and enhance your skills. Opt for a variety of transferable skills that help you efficiently perform different job responsibilities. Some of the top mechanical engineering qualities and skills are:
- technical design
- verbal and written communication
- business and industry sector awareness
- teamwork
- critical and analytical thinking
- data analysis
- strategic planning and project management
5. How much can I expect to earn?
Mechanical engineering professionals can make over $95,000 a year on average. But the salary range can vary depending on different factors, including experience level, geographical location, employer, and educational credentials. With ten or more years of experience in mechanical engineering jobs, you can earn as high as $113,000 in the United States.
How to Apply for Mechanical Engineering Jobs in California
The best way to apply for mechanical engineering jobs in California is by signing up with a professional engineering staffing agency like Certis Solutions. It provides exclusive access to top employers and/or clients to help you be part of some of the top projects in the Golden State and around the country.
Certis Solutions provides a comprehensive range of recruitment services, including resume building, interview preparation, and candidate skill enhancement to make you stand out among other job aspirants. They understand your professional and personal goals to find a job that matches your expectations.
To find entry-level mechanical engineering jobs in California, visit Certis Solutions today. You can also explore its wide range of services and the types of AEC firms it works with to help candidates find their dream AEC jobs.