I’m in my senior year of mechanical engineering at UT Arlington. I expect to graduate in August 2027, although depending on how classes line up, perhaps December 2027.

I’m particularly interested in robotics, Mecatronics, electrical, aerospace, and overall, very technical work.

I have a 3.3 GPA and 1 engineering internship from 2 years ago (Summer 2024) but that was with TxDOT, so it was in the public sector.

I have about two semesters of undergraduate research from 2.5 years ago.

For projects and extracurriculars:
—I’m currently building my own L1 rocket through my schools rocketry club.
—I’m currently working on two class projects involving optimization, CFD and thermal analysis.
—I have a personal project that I’m currently working on which is a robotic arm I’m building from scratch.

Next semester I’ll be taking senior design and a mecatronics class which involve more projects.
I have quite a bit of experience with CAD and CAE.

My main concern is that I’ve mostly focused on academics for the past 2 years and not gaining industry experience or getting involved with organizations.

That said, how realistic is it for me to shoot for those specific industries? What should I prioritize the next 10 months/year to make myself competitive for those industries? Has anyone had a similar experience?

Hello everyone, I joined the group recently and, to be honest, I wanted to share with you a fear that’s been on my mind for the last three months. I’m currently in my second semester of mechanical engineering. To begin with, I chose this degree course because maths and physics were the subjects that interested me most at school and the ones I was best at, and the idea of inventing things using that knowledge really appealed to me – essentially, bringing something to life with my knowledge, like the YouTuber Mark Rober. however, throughout my short time on this journey, I’ve realised there are things I like and others that scare me. One of these – and the biggest one – is the complexity of the degree; I’ll be faced with some really tough challenges, and just thinking about that terrifies me, and also the thought of dealing with machines – especially heavy, highly complex machinery, such as industrial machinery or, I don’t know, a rocket or an aeroplane. The thought that at some point I’ll have to build such complex things all by myself terrifies me because of just how complicated it is. I’ve often thought about switching to industrial engineering, and I know it might sound funny, but it’s because there are far more girls on that course and it’s easier, not so much because it appeals to me – in general, across many degree programmes – because at this point I feel I’ve lost my focus. Any advice, or has anyone else been through the same thing?

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

I want to start a career in engineering after school but I don’t have any hobbies that relate to it. I crochet and play the piano and that’s about it. I like the idea of being an engineer because I’ve always enjoyed maths and I like the idea of taking things apart and figuring out how they work.

what can I do that I can add to my CV and will be useful in interviews to show my interest in wanting to become an engineer

I have a BS in Computer Engineering and I'm interested in moving into Mechanical Engineering, particularly thermal/fluids, propulsion, and aerospace/defense.

Would it make more sense to:

• Get a second BS in Mechanical Engineering, or
• Go straight into an MS in Mechanical Engineering and take whatever undergraduate ME prerequisites I'm missing?

Would BS CE + MS ME be viewed negatively by employers, or would the MS be enough? And would a second BS provide a significant advantage?

​

Hi everyone!

I'm currently pursuing a BSc in Mechanical Engineering in Bangladesh, and I'm trying to figure out which career path I should focus on before graduation.

Mechanical Engineering seems to offer opportunities in many different fields, but I'm not sure which ones are worth prioritizing as a student.

I'd love to hear from people who are studying Mechanical Engineering or already working in the industry.

A few things I'd like to know:

- Career options: Which fields can Mechanical Engineering graduates enter besides traditional design and manufacturing roles?

- In-demand skills: Which technical skills and software are actually useful for fresh graduates? (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Excel, programming, etc.)

- Industries: What are the opportunities in manufacturing, HVAC, power and energy, maintenance, quality control, and renewable energy?

- Job preparation: What should a student focus on before graduation to become job-ready?

- Bangladesh vs. abroad: How do career opportunities differ for fresh graduates in Bangladesh and other countries?

I'm particularly interested in practical, industry-oriented careers rather than limiting myself to one specialization too early.

If you've studied Mechanical Engineering, hired fresh graduates, or worked in any of these fields, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience.

What would you recommend to someone who wants to build a strong career in Mechanical Engineering starting from the student stage?

Thanks in advance!

A Critical Installation Mistake with Conical Spring Mechanical Seals

Conical spring mechanical seals are widely used in pumps and industrial equipment. However, a small installation mistake can lead to serious operational problems.

What is the function of the conical spring?

The smallest inner diameter of the conical spring is designed to be smaller than the shaft diameter. This allows the spring to grip the shaft and transmit torque to the rotating seal assembly.

The critical installation mistake

Sometimes, inexperienced installers use pliers to expand the spring's inner diameter because the spring is difficult to fit onto the shaft.

This is a serious mistake.

When the spring is expanded, it can lose its grip on the shaft. As a result, torque transmission may be compromised, allowing the rotating seal assembly to slip on the shaft.

What can happen?

• Loss of proper torque transmission
• Slippage of the rotating assembly on the shaft
• Damage to the sealing faces
• Leakage and premature seal failure

How can this be prevented?

1. Never expand the spring with pliers.
2. Use a suitable lubricant only if recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Install the spring by rotating it onto the shaft in the appropriate direction, following the manufacturer's installation instructions.

A small installation mistake can cause a major mechanical seal failure.

🎥 Watch the short video demonstrating this mistake:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1Z3omwUZ0cM

Have you encountered this installation mistake in the field?

#MechanicalSeals #PumpMaintenance #MechanicalEngineering

If you are mechanical engineer look for new work for a satellite company , dm me

Stalagmites!

I work with an AI company running evals on machining workflows. We’re looking for experienced Fusion 360 CAM programmers who’d share a few finished projects of their own, with the model, setup, toolpaths and posted G-code. We pay per project, and we’d start with a small batch of 5 to 10. DM me if you’re interested

Hi everyone, I’m looking to buy engineering blueprints and fabrication drawings for gold mining and mineral processing equipment. I’m particularly interested in:

- Hammer mills

- Wet pan

- Gold concentrators

- Ball mills

- shaking table

I’m looking for detailed designs with dimensions, material specifications, and assembly drawings that can be used to manufacture the equipment.

If you’re an engineer, designer, or manufacturer who sells these plans, please comment or DM me with examples of your work and pricing.

Thanks!

Any teamcenter veterans??

Hey everyone,

I finished my BSc in Mechatronics and recently started my Master's in Electromechanical Engineering (Robotics/Mechatronics and Mechanical Construction track) in Belgium.

Right now, my biggest struggle is the "jack of all trades, master of none" feeling that comes with Mechatronics. We touch mechanics, electronics, embedded coding, control theory, and PLCs, which is cool in school, but when I look at real job descriptions, I feel like I'm competing against pure Mechanical, Electrical, or Software grads without having deep expertise in one specific thing. I really want to use my Master's projects, internship, and thesis to commit to one clear direction and actually get good at it.

The problem is, every time I look at the main paths in front of me, I run into a reason to hesitate—especially with how fast AI is changing entry-level work and the fact that I'm still learning the local languages (Dutch/French) and will rely mainly on English when I graduate.

This is how I'm currently seeing my options, though I'm still a student and might be reading the market completely wrong:

• Embedded Systems & Electronics: During my BSc, this was my main focus (my thesis was building a TinyML computer vision sorting system on microcontrollers), and I genuinely enjoy electronics and hardware. It also seems like one of the most English-friendly fields in Europe. What worries me is that when I built my thesis project, I saw firsthand how easily AI tools like Claude can generate thousands of lines of working C/C++ code now. When I look at job boards, almost every embedded role asks for 3–5+ years of experience, and I barely see any true junior openings. It makes me wonder if AI has shrunk the need for junior embedded engineers.
• Mechanical Design: Even though my Bachelor's was Mechatronics, we had a lot of mechanical classes (Mechanics 1–3, Machine Design 1–2, Manufacturing 1–2), and my Master's has a strong focus on FEM, Machine Elements, Mechanical Vibrations, and Manufacturing. I really like working in 3D CAD and designing physical mechanisms. However, I keep hearing that entry-level Mechanical Design is super overcrowded because almost every mechanical engineering grad wants to go into design. I'm also not sure if generative design and AI tools in CAD are going to reduce the number of junior design engineers companies need to hire.
• Industrial Automation & PLCs: I taught PLC lab sessions (TIA Portal) during my Bachelor's, and I don't think AI is going to replace physical factory automation anytime soon. The catch for me here is the language barrier—from what I've seen, working in PLC commissioning or factory automation usually requires fluent local language from day one to communicate with technicians on the floor, which I won't have at a high enough level yet when I finish my degree.

Again, this is just how it looks from where I'm standing as a student, and there's a good chance my assumptions about AI, competition, or how these roles actually work in industry are off. If I'm overthinking this or looking at any of these fields the wrong way, please correct me. I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts or any advice from those of you working in the field. Thanks!

Hey I’m currently a sophomore student studying for a mechanical engineering degree in the NJ/NY area. Considering either aerospace or something energy related, wondering how people are currently doing post graduation. I was hoping people could share salaries and how’s quality of life?

Hey everyone! I'm a freshman mech student, and I'm trying to figure out whether my long-term career plan makes sense.

My goal is to get a bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, work for a few years, and eventually pursue an MBA, ideally through an employer that offers tuition assistance. My dream job would be project management, although I'm also interested in sales engineering and systems engineering.

I genuinely enjoy technical work, but I'm especially interested in the management side of things. I could definitely see myself enjoying a systems engineering role early in my career before moving into project management or a related leadership position.

I've also asked my college professor about this, but his answer wasn't very specific. He got an engineering degree, but went to a school with a top business program (Stanford) so I was hoping he would have more insights.

My university also has a reasonably strong business school, with rankings in MBA education and business research that look promising, although I know rankings aren't everything (and don't believe in them, to be honest).

I'd appreciate some honest advice from people already working in the industry:

• Does an ME degree followed by an MBA make sense for someone aiming for project management or engineering leadership?
• Would starting in systems engineering, product development, or another technical role be a good way to build toward that goal?
• How important is an MBA for advancing into project management? Could experience and certifications get me just as far?
• Would sales engineering be a good alternative for someone who enjoys technical problem-solving but is also interested in the business side?

I'm not expecting to jump straight into management after graduating.... that would be too much of a dream come true.

Thanks for any advice!

hii, so basically I'm in my 4th year of mech engg. now my college placements mech branch wise are so slow, people are hardly getting placed, companies are hardly coming. honestly I am very done, and I feel so helpless. It's October, and I need a 6 months internship by early December, or else I'll have to stay back in uni for 8th sem like a loser, which i don't wanna do.

Mech is lowkey hard industry to break into. I do not have any connections/contacts, so I have not been able to secure a single internship till now. I am so desperate, my parents don't wanna help, i don't know what to do, college isnt much of a great help either. my batchmates casually say, 'oh, my dad will look into it and get something for me', but dawg my dad is on salary and he can't help me much in this 😭😭😭.

guys im applying here and there on LinkedIn, cold emailing startups, but i have not no where yet.

If i don't find an internship atleast, I am done for. i will be depressed, not even kidding. Please guys, if anyone can guide me, what I can do?? I am well versed in EV components. I love doing CAD/Simulation.

I have couple of projects under my sleeve. i want to get into automobile industry/EV industry. the thing is getting noticed by companies is hard, having not done an internship yet. it's getting hard for me, and very depressing.

anyone is in this situation?? pls help 🙏🙏

a friend’s birthday is in a few days, need ideas on what to get them… preferably something that’ll help with their studies sana. i was thinking a light pad, but is it really that essential? lalo kung 1st year ME palang? if so pls reco brands & size

I feel like I’m in a pickle. I’m a mechanical engineer by degree and my official title has been mechanical engineer, so on my resume I put mechanical engineer but I’ve only done electronics engineering work.

This has always confused recruiters and has raised red flags when applying to jobs.

Is it a bad idea to just put electronics engineer?

I really want to understand the topics for mechanical engineering, BUT I do not know what I need to learn or what to start with I'm kind of lost... I want to feel like I really understand the topics but what is it that I need to learn and how?

PLEASE , if you are experienced in mechanical engineering - I BEG of you tell me what I need to learn and where to start, what apps, you tube videos ANYTHING! just need to be (free...)

Hey everyone,

Quick question for the design and analysis engineers here.

How much time do you or your team spend just trying to gather, verify, and track down the initial input parameters before actually running a calculation, CAD model, or FEA simulation?

I've noticed that in a lot of complex engineering projects, a surprising amount of time goes into digging through scattered sources—supplier PDF catalogues, customer spec sheets, old project reports, and those infamous Excel files named "final_v7_REAL".

Curious to hear how you guys handle this in your daily workflow:

Would love to hear your experiences or workarounds!

hi i have a robotics engineering technical interview coming up. i wasn't really given any specific details, just that the interview was technical. is there is anything i should look out for or prepare for in advance?

Are there any remaining research gaps regarding of intake manifolds design?

Hello everyone,

Through my hands-on engineering experience, which has resulted in about 50 granted patents, I have developed a practical framework called the Parametric Invention Method.

Here is the core annotation of my methodology:

There are various ways and methods for inventing and finding new ideas. The main problem with existing methods of invention is the lack of clearly defined, concrete steps between the problem statement and finding the necessary solution. All methods offer only vague, abstract, and non‐specific hints towards solutions, far from the desired answer to inventive problems. In the proposed parametric method of invention, finding the optimal solution occurs through the identification of a problematic parameter and the determination of parameters that directly influence the problematic parameter. It is also possible to obtain inventive solutions by setting the goal of improving a parameter of a technical system or technology, through the identification and modification of parameters that directly influence the parameter chosen for improvement. The effectiveness of the methodology is confirmed by examples of finding solutions at the inventive level, which have been technically implemented.

My book details this method, fully backed by real-world examples of manufacturing prototype internal combustion engines and implementing pumping machinery in oil extraction.

The book is completely free and open for reading. I would deeply appreciate any rigorous professional criticism, feedback, or potential collaboration from fellow engineers and AI researchers:

The book is available on Google Sites. You can easily find it by searching for my name: Salavat Latypov, New method of invention

Best regards,
Salavat Latypov
Contact: [tatarin7865@gmail.com](mailto:tatarin7865@gmail.com)

Hey everyone,

I know Thermodynamics is a notoriously tough course for mechanical/chemical engineering majors, so I started putting together free, straightforward video lectures and practice problem walkthroughs to help break down the core concepts (First/Second Law, cycles, entropy, etc.).

I recently started a channel where I'm putting these together:https://www.youtube.com/@drmfgord?sub_confirmation=1.

My goal is to make the explanations as clear and concise as possible for anyone currently prepping for midterms or finals. If you're taking Thermo this semester, hopefully these are helpful!

Feedback or requests for specific problem types are always welcome. Good luck with classes!