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Mechanical Engineers: Keeping Things Running
What do a sewing machine, elevator, diesel engine, oil drilling rig, and the Slinky™ all have in common? They were all developed by mechanical engineers.
Mechanical engineers use math and science to create new machines and equipment, and to solve problems so that old ones work better. They deal with the design, manufacture, and operation of large systems involving machinery and equipment, as well as with small components or devices.
They might be involved with taking a system from paper (or the computer screen) and making it really work. They design, analyze, create, and test these systems and devices, and troubleshoot when things go wrong or malfunction. Or, they may even be involved with selling, acting as technical salespeople for companies that create equipment.
Mechanical engineers work in industries that create vehicles, robotics, heating, refrigeration, ventilation, laser technology, manufacturing equipment, and more.