“I like knowing we’re making a product that can be used on a daily basis.” —Michelle Smith, Wilson Tool
What do mechanical designers do?
Design or alter products, taking into account factors such as price, manufacturability and aesthetics. Create designs and drawings for products and machines using the latest computer hardware, 3D modeling and computer-aided design (CAD) manufacturing software.
Specify manufacturing instructions for the creation and assembly of parts. Get into rapid prototyping, 3D printing, reverse engineering and analysis of competitors’ products.
Upsides & Downsides: Facts you should know
Companies are seeking trained mechanical designers.
A good living
Mechanical designers in Minnesota make a median wage of $56,638 a year.
77% of mechanical design students are hired within 6 months of graduation.
A growing field
197 students graduate each year from mechanical design programs in Minnesota.
Intense screen time
You’ll spend lots of time working on a computer.
- CAD drafter
- CAD designer
- Engineering technician
- Mechanical technician
Under 1 year, 1 year, 2 years post-high school