Military jobs suitable for a mechanical engineering graduate?

If I pursue a mechanical engineering degree, what military jobs could I aim for after graduating college? I'm curious about combining engineering skills with a military career. Are there specific branches or roles that suit this background?

Absolutely, having a degree in mechanical engineering is very valuable in the military. Here are a few examples of military career paths where your degree would be especially useful:

Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer: The United States Navy has a Civil Engineer Corps that specifically looks for individuals with engineering degrees. This role would allow you to oversee construction and maintenance of structures and facilities for Navy operations worldwide.

Air Force Developmental Engineer: In the Air Force, Developmental Engineers typically manage the entire life cycle of any technology or innovation, which includes planning, design, testing, and management.

Army Corps of Engineers: The Army Corps of Engineers would definitely value someone with a degree in mechanical engineering. Their mission spans almost every area of engineering and construction in support of the military's objectives, from infrastructure to environmental projects.

Military roles in Demolition/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD): The skills learned in mechanical engineering could be put to great use in the EOD occupation, as enlisted military personnel or officers in the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps all have EOD teams.

Space Force Development Engineer: Given the fact that Space Force is a new branch of the military, engineers are highly sought after to advance space technology. Your background in mechanical engineering would be valuable in developing, testing, and deploying new aerospace systems.

Keep in mind that each of these roles would require additional training specific to the military branch and job role. Having a degree already helps you enter as an officer rather than as enlisted, but each military branch has its own Officer Candidate School which you would likely need to attend. Reach out to recruiters from the different branches to get a better idea about the paths available to you!