What's the job of a mechanical engineer?

I'm interested in math and science, so I'm considering a career in mechanical engineering. Could someone explain what mechanical engineers actually do day-to-day and what kind of projects they typically work on?

Sure, happy to help! Mechanical engineers are involved in the design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing of machines, tools, and different types of mechanical systems.

On a day-to-day basis, a mechanical engineer could be engaged in a number of tasks. The nature of the work depends a lot on the industry where the engineer is employed. Here's a general overview of some typical tasks:

1. Design: Mechanical engineers often design new equipment or machines. This can range from designing HVAC systems for buildings to creating parts for engines in the automotive industry. Engineers use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to create accurate models of these designs.

2. Analysis and Problem Solving: Mechanical engineers spend a lot of their time analyzing problems to see how a mechanical device might help solve that problem. For example, they might analyze how a heating system is functioning in a building and then design a more efficient system.

3. Testing: After a design has been completed, mechanical engineers will often perform tests on the designs to ensure that they work properly. This may involve physical tests as well as computer simulations.

4. Production: Some mechanical engineers work on the production side of things, overseeing the manufacturing process of the equipment or machines they've designed.

Projects can vary widely, but some examples might include designing a more fuel-efficient car, creating a new type of household appliance, or developing a machine that automates a certain manufacturing process. They might also work on biomechanics projects, designing prosthetic limbs, or aircraft/spacecraft design, just to name a few exciting possibilities.

In summary, the role of a mechanical engineer can be quite diverse and offers a lot of different paths depending on your specific interests. I hope this helps to give you a better understanding of what a career in mechanical engineering might look like!