This article is to highlight the work responsibilities of an electromechanical engineer. Here we tell about the educational requirements, important skills, salary and employment scope to decide if this would be the right career for you.
Career for an Electromechanical Engineer
Electromechanical engineers deal with both the principles of electrical and mechanical engineering in the workplace. All kinds of devices from satellites to computer monitors, are both electromechanical in nature; electromechanical engineers created ideas and build machines that use both technologies.
To get a job as an electromechanical engineer needs good grades from a good institution.
Education
Bachelor’s degree(must), master’s degree or higher could be pursued
Job Skills
Technical, public speaking, technical writing, maths and software skills
Median Salary (2017)*
$93,010 for electrical engineers, $83,590 for mechanical engineers
Job Growth (2014-2024)*
1% electrical engineers, 5% mechanical engineers
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education needed
Most people who become electromechanical engineers obtain a bachelor’s degree in either electrical engineering or in mechanical engineering; but a growing number of schools now offer bachelor’s degrees in electromechanical engineering. In any engineering degree program, students are expected to take classes in maths, physics, computer science and the basics of engineering. Most undergraduate engineering degrees could be earned in four years; many high-level electromechanical engineer jobs need at least a master’s degree or even higher qualification.
Skills
A strong technical background and a creative mind is a must for electromechanical engineers; always developing new ideas and bringing them to life is the heart of the job. Good knowledge in maths, science and computer science is a must for electromechanical engineers, who work with all three disciplines frequently. Electromechanical engineers often need to make presentations and draft technical instructions, so public speaking and good writing skills are also essential.
Career and Economic Outlook
As of May 2015, a yearly median salary for electrical engineers was $93,010 and the median annual salary for mechanical engineers was $83,590.
Alternative Careers
Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician
For those who are interested in installation and repair work on software-driven equipments, becoming an electro-mechanical technician might be a good career option. They need to piece together and calibrate new machines, like manufacturing robotic devices. They also diagnose issues, make necessary repairs, create new components and do performance tests.
You need to enter this profession through an associate degree or certificate in an area like mechatronics or computer-integrated manufacturing. Professional certification is offered by several organizations and that could be beneficial when you look for a job.
