Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems. These sorts of engineers can work in many fields and are always in-demand.

A Typical Day

  • Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
  • Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
  • Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
  • Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
  • Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
 

Recommended Credentials

Bachelor's Degree

Education & Training

Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.

 

Northwest Lower Michigan

 

Get started with classes at Northwestern Michigan College. 

Take engineering classes before you transfer.

Complete your general education requirements at Northwestern Michigan College before you transfer to a 4-year school.

Transfer guide from NMC to Michigan Tech University.

Elsewhere in Michigan

 

Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Mechanics or Mechanical Engineering Technology
— Michigan Tech University
Mechanical Engineering
— Kettering University
Mechanical Engineering
— Lake Superior State University

Explore This Career

Try it before you buy it!

Take an engineering class at your high school. Tour the Northwest Ed Career Tech Center's Engineering Academy.

The Local Advantage Learning Pathway

Pathway 1

Check out Northwest Education Services’ Construction TradesEngineering AcademyElectrical OccupationsDrafting & DesignPrecision Machining Technology or a similar program elsewhere to start your education on the right foot!

Apply to join advanced curriculum programs:

Ask your high school counselor about dual enrollment at NMC.

Pathway 2

Get started with classes at Northwestern Michigan College. 

Take engineering classes before you transfer.

Complete your general education requirements at Northwestern Michigan College before you transfer to a 4-year school.

Transfer guide from NMC to Michigan Tech University.

Pathway 3

Transfer to a 4-year school to complete your bachelor’s degree! The following have a transfer agreement with NMC:

 

Sample Employers in Our Region

Click the logos below to learn more.

TIP

Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.

 

Sample Job Titles...

  • Design Engineer
  • Quality Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Sensor Engineer
  • Project Engineer
 

Hear It From The Pros

10-Year Job Growth Projections

6.7%
10-County Region
3%
Michigan
4%
U.S.

Employed Regionally

240
In 2021 (10-County Region)

Wage Range & Median 10-County Region

$48,120
$75,830 
$113,890

Annual Hires Regionally

20
In 2021

Other Regional Career Resources

Learn more about Mechanical Engineers at O*NET Online.

Sample Career Pathways

Click to download a PDF of this diagram.

Diagram of Paths To and From Other Careers for Mechanical Engineer

Related Careers

Click to explore.