15 Online Mechanical Engineering Degree | Careers & Salaries 

Many engineering students strive to be exceptional in the engineering field today, especially in its technicality.

With any of these top-rated online mechanical engineering degrees, you can get to the top of your career. Going for these mechanical engineering degrees will make you the go-to kind of guy in a career.

Today like every other passing day, virtually everyone is definitely going to use some kind of stuff designed by a Mechanical engineer.

A career in mechanical engineering is one of the most lucrative engineering careers one can ever have. The field is so relevant and the demand for them is steadily increasing. Employment rates are projected to increase by 9 per cent between now and 2026.

Each day we find automobiles with state-of-the-art facilities. We find aircraft, moving objects and other machines built by mechanical engineers.

If you’re interested in online education, be sure to check out Free Online Courses. This post provides information about 15 Online Mechanical Engineering Degree, including the careers and salaries you are likely to earn.

Quickly scroll through the table of content below to see an overview of all that this post is made of.

Who is a Mechanical Engineer and what does he do?

A Mechanical engineer is a person who has gone through certified training and has acquired an appreciable level of knowledge on how to design, manufacture and use new types of machinery and other mechanical products.

They use their knowledge of physics, mathematics, and material science to do this just as the profession demands.

We are currently in a new era of engineering where we have the next generation of mechanical engineers doing unthinkable things already.

These new-generation engineers are the ones who design all the flashy automobiles we find plying our roads.

They also make other states of the art machines we find around such as elevators and escalators.

That’s not all.

They also design material-handling systems, such as conveyor systems and automated transfer stations.

Like other engineers, mechanical engineers use computers extensively. Mechanical engineers are routinely responsible for the integration of sensors, controllers, and machinery.

Most certainly, the knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural analysis is very prominent for this field.

In this particular article, we are going to show you some of the highest paying online mechanical engineering degrees you can take.

This article will be more relevant to you if you are already working in some way and you don’t really have all the time required to do the regular classroom training.

Also if you are the person that loves working with bolts and nuts, and you want to pursue a career that fits to complement what you love doing, then this article of online mechanical engineering degrees is also for you.

You can find online mechanical engineering degree programs available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels.

Can I Become a Mechanical Engineer Online?

Yes, if you enroll in an accredited Mechanical Engineering program online, you can become a mechanical engineer.

The advancement of technology makes it possible for students to earn a degree from anywhere in the world without having to relocate.

There are quite a number of online bachelor’s degree programs in Mechanical Engineering.

While some of these programs will require you to visit the campus, others offer students all the academic and financial support they need to complete their program online. Also, the curriculum is enriched to equip students with all they need to join the workforce.

And, this article explains in detail online mechanical engineering degree requirements as well as possible careers upon completion of studies.

Which online course is best for mechanical engineering?

The best online course for mechanical engineering is Industrial Pneumatics. Other top online courses for mechanical engineering are mechanical design and product development process, Abaqus CAE: learn static and dynamic analysis.

Mechanical engineers can also take the structural engineering Abaqus tutorials online.

Check out this list of Top 10 Engineering Colleges to Study In India

Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Careers

Over the years there has really been a large array of online courses happening on the webspace. These courses range from engineering courses to health, medicals, business and management and so many more. Time to take the next step in your career.

Discover online mechanical engineering courses that you can take even from the comfort of your office or your home.

Join us as we take you on this soft ride through a number of mechanical engineering courses and programs you can do online.

#1. Computer and electronic product engineer

The computer and electronic product manufacturing is one of the online mechanical engineering careers.

Experts in this industry produce computers, computer peripherals, communications equipment, and similar electronic products.

These products are used in homes and businesses, as well as in government and military establishments.

Average annual salary: 

The average annual salary for a computer and electronic product engineer is about $84,000.

#2. Machinery manufacturing engineer

An online degree in mechanical engineering can fetch you a job in a machinery manufacturing company.

Industries in the Machinery Manufacturing subsector create end products that apply mechanical force, for example, the application of gears and levers, to perform work.

Their area of expertise is in the production of machinery usually used in mining, construction, agriculture.

They also manufacture printing machines, laser marking machines, and other heavy machines

Some important processes for the manufacture of machinery are forging, stamping, bending, forming, and machining that shapes individual pieces of metal. Processes, such as welding and assembling are used to join separate parts together.

So when you pursue a career in this option, these are the kind of jobs you will be doing.

Average annual salary: 

An expert machinery engineer will earn about $74, 000 annually.

#3. Architectural engineer

Architectural engineering manufacturers design and supervise heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing and gutter systems.

They also include design specifications for simple active protection systems.

Ensuring the structural and mechanical integrity of building in anticipation of earthquakes, vibrations, and wind loads.

Additionally, architectural engineers specialize in designing and analyzing heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems.

And they are also in evaluating the efficiency and design of plumbing, fire protection, and electrical systems.

Furthermore, architectural engineers specialize in planning acoustic and lighting properties for buildings as well as Optimizing energy conservation and efficiency.

The field of architectural engineering offers unique opportunities to make a real difference by applying engineering principles and technology to building design, construction, and even more!

Average annual salary:  

The average annual salary of an Architectural engineering manufacturer ranges from $57,000 to $119,000.

#4. Biomedical Engineering Technician

More medical equipment is being used to enhance lives. The mechatronic engineer is thus responsible for building bio-inspired machines and devices that mimic the behavior of humans, animals, and plants.

Biomedical engineers with mechatronics degree analyze and design solutions to problems in biology and medicine so as to improve the quality of life.

Job Description:

The biomedical engineer discharges a wider range of responsibilities such as:

• Designing systems, products, and machines for diagnosing medical problems
• Installing, maintaining, and repairing of biomedical equipment
• Evaluating the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment
• Working with life scientists, chemists, and researchers to improve the engineering aspects of biological systems of humans and animals.

Average annual salary:

The average annual salary for a biomedical engineer with a mechatronic engineering degree is $62,282.

#5. Robotics Technician 

The manufacturing industry and robotics is probably the mechatronics engineering graduate’s first stop for a job. This is because, over the years, mechatronics has been interpreted as robotics.

Truly, the manufacturing industry and robotics is still a hub for mechatronic engineering degree jobs. Here, mechatronics engineers have the opportunity to work with robotics for the medical field, for the military, or in advanced manufacturing.

Job Description:

The robotic technician with a mechatronic engineering degree is cut out for highly technical job responsibilities such as:

• Building robotic solutions which would optimize manufacturing quality and productivity
• Troubleshooting robotic and automation equipment
• Performing preventive and corrective maintenance on robotic and electrical systems
• Installing new robotic systems in stationary positions.

Average annual salary:

The average annual robotics engineer salary for a mechatronic engineering degree holder is $52,000.

#6. Controls Engineer 

This mechatronic engineering job appeals more to the electrical and electronic components of the discipline. The control engineer is required in engineering firms to design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment.

The control engineer is also needed in the automobile industry to design automobiles, as well as in the telecommunications industry to develop broadcast and telecommunication systems.

Job Description:

• The control engineer deftly blends together his knowledge and expertise in electrical, and electronic engineering to:
• Design new ways of using power to develop and improve products
• Perform detailed calculations on developing manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications
• Develop maintenance and testing procedures for the company’s electronic components
• Inspect electronic equipment, instruments, and systems to ensure that they meet industry safety standards and regulations.

Average annual salary:

The average annual salary for a control engineer with a mechatronic engineering degree is $73,493.

#7. Project Engineer

This career option supervises the technical staff of a given company when working on engineering projects. An important feature of this job is to make sure that these projects meet deadlines and stay within budget. Project engineers also make sure that effective communication is taking place among staff.

Job Description:

• The Project engineer acts as a liaison officer.
• He is also often the primary technical point of contact for the consumer.
• A project engineer’s responsibilities include schedule preparation, pre-planning and resource forecasting for engineering and other technical activities relating to the project.
•  Also, they may be in charge of the performance management of vendors.
• Furthermore, they assure the accuracy of financial forecasts, which tie-in to project schedules.
• They ensure projects are completed according to project plans. Project engineers manage project team resources and training and develop extensive project management experience and expertise.

Average annual salary:

The average annual salary for a project engineer is $71489.

#8. Engineering Manager

Engineering management is the application of the practice of management to the practice of engineering.

Analyzing technology, resource needs, and market demands are a large part of this job.

Engineering managers spend time consulting and negotiating with clients when preparing a project, coordinating and directing all types of engineering activities, and proposing new ideas and explaining reports to clients.

Average annual salary:

Most engineers start out with a salary between $50,000 and $60,000. To compare, the average starting salary for an engineering manager is around $75,000. The average engineering management salary is $122,810

#9. Mechanical Engineering Technician

Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines.

They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings.

Technicians can jump into the field with just an associate degree. They serve as mechanical engineers’ assistants, recording data from experiments as they work together to design and test machines.

Job Description:

Mechanical engineering technicians typically do the following:

• Evaluate design drawings for new or changed tools by measuring dimensions on the drawings and comparing them with the original specifications
• Prepare layouts and drawings of parts to be made and of the process for putting the parts together, often using three-dimensional design software
• Discuss changes with coworkers—for example, in the design of a part and in the way it will be made and assembled
• Review instructions and blueprints for projects in order to ensure that test specifications and procedures are followed and objectives are met
• Plan, produce and assemble new or changed mechanical parts for products, such as industrial machinery or equipment

Average annual salary:

The median annual wage for mechanical engineering technicians is $54,480.

#10. Materials Engineer

These engineers use plastics, metals and other existing materials to create new materials that can be used for specific products.

They spend a lot of time designing and testing products, so mechanical engineers with hands-on experience in semiconductors might find a home in this career.

Job Description:

• Materials engineers design and create new materials and the processing technology to produce those materials.
• They specialize in analyzing materials and data, conducting tests, troubleshooting, monitoring performance, ensuring quality control and creating documentation.
• Materials engineers may be responsible for developing new methods of testing, training technicians and lab workers, maintaining inventories and ordering supplies.
• Engineers must also stay up-to-date on industry standards, government regulations and new developments in their field.

Average annual salary:

The average annual salary of material engineers rates up to $91,310.

#11. Nanotechnologist

Nanotechnologists manipulate matter on the nanoscale, developing new materials and equipment as well as drugs and diagnostic tools.

Nanotechnology encompasses science, physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and computer science.

Their work involves designing and conducting experiments based around observing nano-scale systems (either organic or inorganic) in their given field, often with the aid of other researchers across several disciplines.

The information is then analyzed to develop practical applications of the results, such as a new material, device or procedure.

Computational research can also be carried out using simulated nano-scale experiments and systems to increase theoretical knowledge and aid in the design and development of practical experiments.

Job Description:

• plan and conduct experiments to investigate and analyze nano-scale systems
• operate, or design and construct, complex instrumentation
• extrapolate data to develop theories to explain experimental results
• write up results in reports and/or scientific papers or books
• arrange the testing of products or materials
• develop new products and ways of applying the new methodology
• maintain accurate records of results

Average annual salary:

The average annual salary for this career is $97,250.

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#12. CAD Technician

A CAD technician, also known as a draughtsperson, uses CAD software to create technical drawings and plans for products and parts used in the engineering, construction and manufacturing industries.

They use their engineering, IT and mathematical knowledge and skills to design buildings, machinery, products, and parts.

Job Description:

• create high-quality detailed technical drawings and plans based on designs supplied by architects and designers and make modifications to existing drawings
• use a variety of CAD software programs to create designs in 2D and 3D models
• liaise with architects, engineers, and designers to understand their design requirements and provide technical advice to manufacturing and construction technicians
• provide accurate, detailed, and to scale drawings
• ensure drawings are compliant with industry and health and safety standards and protocols.

Average annual salary:

The average annual salary for a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician is $45,254 per year.

#13. Automotive Engineer

Automotive engineering is a combination of mechanical, electrical and materials science. Engineers in this field can design new vehicles or look for ways to improve existing automotive engineering technology.

In the field, engineers use design software to devise new vehicle designs or systems, including ThinkDesign Engineering, Gamma Technologies GT-SUITE or Corel Painter Sketch Pad.

Some engineers also use grinders, machine tools, and workshop presses to fabricate prototype parts for testing.

A 4-year degree is a minimum qualification for most automotive engineering positions.

Individuals interested in designing, testing and creating automotive systems may be drawn to this line of work.

Average annual salary:

The average pay for an Automotive Engineer is $76,340 per year.

Do you want to pursue an engineering degree program on a scholarship? Check out this Top 50 Engineering Scholarships (SHARE THIS)

#14. Mechatronics Engineer

Mechatronics engineering is the design of computer-controlled electromechanical systems.

It can be viewed as ‘modern mechanical engineering design’ in the sense that the design of the mechanical system must be performed together with that of the electrical/electronic and computer control aspects that will comprise the complete system.

Some examples of mechatronic systems include a CD or DVD player; a computer hard disc drive; a video cassette recorder (VCR); a fly-by-wire aircraft control system; and an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Each of these products is essentially mechanical in nature, but could not function without the integral design of the electrical and computer control systems that are critical to their operation.

Average annual salary:

A typical Transport equipment manufacturing engineer would earn about $67,446 every year.

#15. Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. It has two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering.

Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.

In addition, they create and test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.

Job Description:

Aerospace engineers typically do the following:

• Direct and coordinate the design, manufacture, and testing of aircraft and aerospace products
• Assess proposals for projects to determine if they are technically and financially feasible
• Determine if proposed projects will result in safe operations that meet the defined goals
• Evaluate designs to see that the products meet engineering principles, customer requirements, and environmental regulations
• Develop acceptance criteria for design methods, quality standards, sustainment after delivery, and completion dates
• Ensure that projects meet quality standards
• Inspect malfunctioning or damaged products to identify sources of problems and possible solutions

Average annual salary:

The average salary for an entry-level Aerospace Engineer is $69,041. An experienced Aerospace Engineer makes about $112,143 per year.

Online Mechanical Engineering Degree: Requirements

If a  student desires to go into an engineering career, he will have to acquire at least an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Associate and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering provide students with a foundation in technical skills and engineering knowledge to help prepare them for entry-level engineering careers.

Here they will require general education courses and foundational courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

Master’s degree programs require students to complete advanced coursework in mechanical engineering and mathematics topics.

This is usually after they have completed a bachelor’s degree coursework.

Students may choose a concentration in an area of studies such as dynamics and control, fluids engineering, mechanics and materials, or design and manufacturing.

Many schools allow students to choose between a thesis and a non-thesis master’s degree programs.

Students in doctoral programs carry out original research in areas of study such as nanotechnology, alternative energy technology, and lean manufacturing.

These programs may take several years to complete and involve writing and defending a dissertation.

Professional Certificate programs are designed for students and professionals looking for additional education in a specific concentration.

Mechanical engineering certificate programs may include topics such as machinery dynamics, thermo-fluid systems, and electromechanical systems.

These programs give students the opportunity to learn a wide variety of subjects, like engineering analysis, advanced dynamics, and matrix theory.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, it is helpful for mechanical engineers to obtain a state license.

Best Schools Where You Can Get Your Online Mechanical Engineering Degree

A lot of schools offer online degrees in mechanical engineering but the listed schools have been confirmed to be topping the charts. Here are the best online colleges for mechanical engineering.

1. University of Michigan-Dearborn
2. Old Dominion University
3. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
4. The University of Alabama
5. Indiana State University

Frequently Asked Questions

Online mechanical engineering degree programs are available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels at 50 accredited schools. It is recommended that students choose an online mechanical engineering degree that has been accredited.

Nearly all mechanical engineers have obtained a bachelor’s degree, which is meant to be completed in four years, though five years is common too. Several online programs even anticipate six years for part-time students.

Education Requirements. A career in mechanical engineering requires at least a bachelor’s degree. These programs include instruction in various system components, from computer programming to power systems, and cover technical subjects such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and hydraulics.

Engineering school admission requirements typically include a high school diploma with a full menu of math and science courses, plus humanities and computer studies. High school preparation should include geometry, trigonometry, algebra and calculus, plus physics, chemistry and biology.

Conclusion

The emergence of online programs has resulted in a wider array of program offerings. Therefore, mechanical engineers of all levels, from beginners all the way to advanced practitioners, can find an online program that aligns with their educational and career goals.

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