Mechanical Engineering is one of the evergreen branches of engineering which over time, has contributed to several innovations. Considered to be one of the oldest branches of engineering, mechanical engineering deals with the concepts of thermodynamics, fluids, mechanics and structural analysis. The scope of mechanical engineering is vast even today. These concepts are used in designing some of the best and most efficient state-of-the-art motor vehicles, manufacturing units, aircrafts as well as other industrial machinery. Apart from the machinery and vehicles, mechanical engineers significantly contribute towards the development of power equipment, engines and complex machinery systems. Not only the design and manufacturing, even the maintenance and testing of such machinery and equipment are considered as responsibilities of mechanical engineers.
However, this evergreen branch of engineering is facing an alarming question – whether it is still the right stream for students who love machines or not. Due to the lack of job offers or placement opportunities for the huge number of graduates, people have started doubting their decision to take up mechanical engineering as a stream. So here, we are going to discuss the scope of mechanical engineering and its future prospects.
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering which deals with the design, manufacturing, maintenance and testing of machines. It is also considered as one of the most diverse and versatile disciplines of engineering. Mechanical engineering also includes the application of mechanics, material science, applied mathematics and physics.
With the rise of modern technology, mechanical engineering has witnessed newfound importance with more and more students opting to learn less explored domains of robotics, mechatronics, nanotechnology, etc.
New trends and future scope
The scope of mechanical engineering no longer remains limited to just manufacturing and testing of huge machinery and equipment. With technology making new advancements, there are several new domains in mechanical engineering which are being taken up by passionate engineers. These domains include robotics, new materials, nanotechnology, computer-aided design, geomechanics, etc. The two highly pursued domains are robotics and mechatronics, both of which combine the knowledge of mechanical engineering with other streams to deliver state of the art products.
Robotics – Robotics is an interdisciplinary stream of engineering that combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science with an aim to design and develop robotic systems along with computer systems to control them. With the AI revolution already started, Robotics as a stream has been on the rise and is expected to grow in both reach and demand in the coming decade.
Mechatronics – Mechatronics too, is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering which usually combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and Information technology. A mechatronic engineer is responsible for designing complex engineering systems, can assist in process automation and also test the systems in use in the processes.
From automobiles to heavy-duty lifting machines and even the modern aircrafts that defy speed barriers, a variety of modern systems are being designed under the supervision of expert mechanical engineers. You will not find mechanical engineers limiting themselves to the manufacturing industry anymore. Mechanical engineers are being welcomed in various industries with open arms and high compensation packages, provided that the candidates are skilled and proficient.
The current market scenario and scope
According to the portal payscale.com, the average salary of mechanical engineers falls below Rs. 3.4 lakhs per annum. A few skills are able to add value to this compensation package. For example, knowledge of robotics or robotics process automation and a sound understanding of electrical systems can make a recruiting firm provide you with a better pay package, as per their need. Even though the pay package is lower as compared to computer science, mechanical engineering is expected to rise again.
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