Mechanical engineering is probably the most diverse field in engineering. From aviation to agriculture, power generation to product design, mechanical engineers and technicians are enjoying fulfilling careers. Here are some of the coolest mechanical engineering careers out there, and ways in which you can build your way towards them.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Many of the careers listed below require at least a diploma, and in order to become a professional engineer, you will generally need a university degree. Fortunately, even if you aren’t immediately eligible to study a degree or diploma, there are pathways to steadily build up your qualifications until you reach the required level. There are also various technical careers – closely linked to the ones below – that you can aim for which don’t require degrees.

1. Biomedical Engineer

Similar to something out of a science fiction movie, biomedical engineering combines the fields of biology and engineering, in order to advance human medicine and healthcare. Biomedical engineers could be involved in jobs such as developing artificial organs, creating advanced prosthetic limbs, developing life-saving new medical drugs or altering genetics and cells for medical purposes.

2. Aerospace Engineer

Ever dreamed of designing aircrafts, developing new air technologies or even working on the design of spacecraft such as shuttles or rockets? Aerospace engineers work either in the field of aeronautical (related to aircraft) or astronautical (related to spacecraft) engineering. As an aerospace engineer, you may work in one of a variety of engineering disciplines, ranging from aerodynamics, to jet propulsion, materials science and manufacturing.

3. Robotics Engineer

There can be no denying that the rise of the robots is upon us! Robots and other automated machines, driven by new technologies such as artificial intelligence, are being used in a vast number of fields. Robotics engineers have the challenging but rewarding task of designing, developing, building and improving these cutting-edge machines. With the robotics field growing rapidly, the demand for these professionals is skyrocketing.  

4. 3D Printing Engineer

3D printing is another invention which has taken the world by storm. Today, 3D printing – the creation of physical objects from a digital model – is playing an important role in the fields of medicine, architecture, manufacturing and art. Operating these machines requires specialised design and engineering expertise, which 3D engineers are responsible for. These engineers literally create something from nothing!

5. Marine Engineer

Marine engineers are specialist technical professionals who work with aspects of designing, developing, installing, building or maintaining parts of sea-faring vessels. As a marine engineer, you could find yourself working on a range of ships, from ocean liners, to warships, submarines or cargo ships. You may be working with important parts such as propulsion systems, engines, pumps or hulls.

How do you work towards one of these careers?

If you can’t afford to study an engineering degree or your marks at school weren’t good enough for entry into a university, then the highly-specialised careers above may seem impossible for you to achieve. There are, however, ways to achieve your dreams. It may take longer than those who are able to study at university after school, but with hard work and passion, you can get there. Engineering studies are available from N1 level, which means that you can qualify for these courses if you completed Maths and Science on Grade 10 level at school. You can then move on to N2 and N3 levels, progressing all the way up to N6. With this level of qualification behind your name, you will be able to apply for technical jobs in the engineering field of your interest. After 18 months of practical work experience, you can gain a national diploma, and then you may be eligible for university studies!

If you’re intent on opening the door to a career in engineering, then explore the N1 – N3 engineering courses available with Oxbridge Academy.