Mechanical Engineering Careers in the Military

As someone interested in mechanical engineering, I'm curious about the roles available in the military for this field. What kind of work do mechanical engineers do in the military, and what opportunities exist for them?

Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in the military, contributing to a variety of fields and operations. They are often involved in the design, development, and maintenance of military hardware, vehicles, and equipment. This could be anything from aircraft and tanks to submarines and missiles.

For example, as a mechanical engineer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, you could be responsible for the design and development of new field equipment or the improvement of existing systems. You might work on projects involving hydraulics, thermodynamics, or weapon systems. This can involve extensive use of computer-aided design (CAD) and production tools, as well as physical testing.

The Navy employs many mechanical engineers in its Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), which oversees the engineering, building, buying and maintaining of ships, submarines and combat systems. Here, you might work on engine designs, propulsion systems, and the maintenance of naval ship systems.

The Air Force may employ mechanical engineers to work on aircraft design and maintenance, including the support systems for aircraft like landing gear and control systems.

Beyond these direct roles, many mechanical engineers in the military also work in project management, overseeing the implementation and execution of major engineering projects.

In terms of opportunity, the military offers strong career prospects and advancement opportunities. Many military engineers gain leadership positions early in their career. Plus, the military offers excellent education and training opportunities, often covering the cost of acquiring advanced degrees in the field. Overall, the experience and skills you gain as a mechanical engineer in the military can be valuable and rewarding, both inside and outside of the service.