MECHANICAL ENGINEERING KEVIN GARCIA LUCAS OLIVEIRA THAIS OLIVEIRA

SUB-DISCIPLINES Automotive Robotics Aerospace

AUTOMOTIVE Is the most known mechanical engineering field that is responsible for develop and improve transportation. The mechanical engineer will design, build, analyze data and improve all the car parts for the automotive industry. The automotive industry is highly globalized, intensely competitive, and very diverse. Dozens of vehicle producers turn out hundreds of models, which change every few years. “The U.S. economy and vehicle sales have been rebounding since 2009, and we believe there is still plenty of room for the auto industry to grow,” General Motors Co. CEO Mary Barra said.

ROBOTICS According to the opening quote from Littler Mendelson (the world’s largest labor and employment law firm) “Robotics is the fastest growing industry in the world, poised to become the largest in the next decade.” Robotics came to make easier the work of man. The robots are used for tasks that require monotonous repetition. Being able to create smaller and more complex technologies that man could not do without the help of precision robots.

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE The aerospace & defense industry will always be in demand for cutting-edge technology and next-generation aircrafts and defense products. According to the 2014 aerospace & defense industry outlook, revenue growth in the 5 percent range is expected for the overall industry in In addition, the commercial aerospace sector is expected to continue its significant revenue and earnings growth, with record production both at the platform level, as well as in the supplier base. Production of aircraft units have been steadily increasing since 2011.

YOUNG ENGINEERS Young Engineers usually do not work in a leading position, they work more as assistants to senior engineers in order to gain more experience. They solve and calculate small complex engineering problems. Also, they assist in the research, testing, and development of products. Young engineers, once they begin their careers, start at entry level engineering jobs and work their way up. They contribute to team projects and have responsibilities that vary from company to company.

JOB OPPORTUNITY Mechanical engineers can work for automotive companies (General Motors) or engineering companies that provide automotive companies components for their products(Multimatic). Job opportunities for mechanical engineers: - Advanced Powertrain NVH Technology Development Engineer at Ford (Automotive) - Materials, Process & Physics Mechanical Engineer Level 1 at Boeing (Aerospace & Defense) - Mechanical Engineer 1 at ATS Automation (Robotics)

BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS The most important background requirement every employer demands is a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant ABET engineering discipline. Also, experience of at least 2 years in the engineering field is required by many employers. Other requirements include: communication, organizational, computer, oral, written, and leadership skills. Most employers prefer a Master’s Degree or Ph.d in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant ABET engineering discipline and more years of experience.

SENIOR OPPORTUNITIES Senior Mechanical Engineers with 8+ years of experience and at least a B.S. Degree or higher have the opportunity to earn more income and have more responsibilities than young MEs. Senior MEs lead teams of large major projects and have the ability to solve large complex problems. Example: Randstad Engineering is currently looking for a Sr. ME that provides expertise required to manufacture consumer products, recommends and implements improvements to manufacturing processes, evaluates supplier capabilities, and leads project teams.

SPECIALIZATION TRAINING AT WAYNE STATE The EcoCar 3 is an advanced vehicle technology competition where 16 universities are challenged to redesign the Chevrolet Camaro into a hybrid- electric car. Joining the EcoCar 3 team at Wayne State will give you specialized training that is only available to 15 other universities. The Formula SAE organization gives engineers the opportunity to work in a team that designs and manufactures a scaled down formula one car.

TECHNOLOGY DRIVERS The biggest technology driver in the automotive industry is the autonomous vehicle. The next generation of vehicles will incorporate autonomous functions that allow the driver to relax while the vehicle drives, autonomously, without major assistance from the driver. A major technological advance in the aerospace industry is commercial spaceflight. In the world of tomorrow, people will have the opportunity to journey into space without having to go through years of grueling astronaut training and preparation.

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