Mechanical & Industrial Engineers: Diverse, Broad Career Paths

By Lorraine A. DarConte

There are many different engineering disciplines to choose from, but speak with mechanical/industrial engineers and they’ll tell you the same thing—there’s a broad range of career paths to choose from in their discipline. “Mechanical engineers are very marketable, well rounded, flexible, and easy to place in any industry,” states Natalia Chabebe. “Industrial gives you a great toolset to work in other areas,” adds industrial engineer Melissa Hall. “We know how to interact with other engineers and move into different fields.”

Hamilton Sundstrand: The Cool Factor
"The work I do is unique as not everyone gets to work on spaceship hardware. It’s got the cool factor,” states Natalia Chabebe, a mechanical design engineer at Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, one of the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products. For the past three and one-half years,  Chabebe has been working on the Orion program, part of a vehicle that will be heading to the International Space Station sometime in the future. “I mainly worked on one design project, which involved designing heat exchanger-like components called cold plates,” explains Chabebe, who’s been with the project from its infancy. “We  designed a physical product that met all the customer requirements.  We then met with the engineering board to make sure everyone was happy with the design, finalized drawings, and signed off on the drawings for manufacturing. Now I’m wrapping up smaller, different design projects for other components on that same vehicle.”
For example, Chabebe re designed an item because a component was taking too long to procure. However, the most chal lenging aspect of Chabebe’s job is to keep current with new technologies. “For me, the challenge is making sure I’m up to speed with the technological data and information I need to know,” she reiterates. “A lot of what we do is unique—it’s the first time a component is being made—so there’s a lot of creativity and knowledge involved. I always try to learn from the more experienced senior engineers that are more ‘in tune’ with the process.”
In high school, Chabebe was one of those students who excelled in math and science. “I knew that history and English were not my future because I did not excel in those subjects. I always did well in math and physics, and was always in the accelerated classes,” she admits.  “During my senior year, I spoke with my guidance counselor and narrowed my career choices down to engineering, though I wasn’t sure what type of engineering to study.”
After conducting research, Chabebe realized mechanical engineering offered a wide variety of career choices that interested her, such as aerospace and aeronautics. “I decided to start off with mechanical engineering and if I liked it, I’d see it through. The first two years of school focused on basic engineering, but my favorite classes  reassured me that mechanical engineering was the right decision,” she recalls. Chabebe went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.
“There’s a very broad range of career paths in mechanical engineering, notes Chabebe, who advises those who are unsure of which area to study, to consider mechanical engineering. Many of Chabebe’s friends are mechanical engineers, and all work in completely different areas—finance, pharmaceutical, and construction—fields that require different skills. “Mechanical engineers are very marketable, well-rounded, flexible, and easy to place in any industry. There’s always a shortage of engineers so there are always career opportunities. In hard economic times like these, it’s good to have a strong technical degree like engineering,” she comments.
If she were to do it all over again, she would take additional classes in engineering management just to have those extra skills not all engineers have. Chabebe, who is fluent in Spanish, also studied abroad in Spain for a semester via St. Louis University in Madrid. “It’s a vast, vast field,” notes Chabebe, who worked in several industries while still in school. “My first internship was at GlaxoSmithKline, the second largest pharmaceutical company in the world, where I worked at a plant that manufactured and packaged toothpaste. I worked in the packaging department mainly quality control of high-speed machines that assembled the tubes of toothpaste  and packaged them for shipment. That whole process is mechanical engineering-based,” she explains. “My role was a kind of root-cause analysis of the assembly line—finding out when and why there was downtime and assuring it was 100% functional all the time.”
Chabebe’s second internship was at a real estate management company where she managed a large building in New York City. “It was a completely different role in a completely different industry. I never thought I’d go into any sort of real estate management,” states  Chabebe, “but as an engineering job, it was a lot of fun working with the construction management team.”
Chabebe plans to finish her master’s degree in mechanical engineering this May at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Hamilton Sundstrand offer an education program that pays for her master’s degree as long as she maintains a ‘C’ or better (her lowest grade is a “B”). Chabebe is also considering an MBA. “I haven’t decided if I want to stay more  technical or managerial,” she confides. “I’m still feeling my way. I do like being technical for now as I want to be able to use the tools I learned in school in my work. In the future, I’d like to see if I  have the leadership qualities and skills for management,” she adds. As for her current job at Hamilton Sundstrand, Chabebe enjoys the work because it’s challenging. “I like the work environment, my co-workers, and the support I get from the senior engineers,” concludes Chabebe. “I feel I’ve learned a lot thanks to my co-workers, who’ve also reassured me of my own strengths and abilities.”
Hamilton Sundstrand is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation. The company’s heritage spans the course of 100 years, tracing its roots to the founding of the Sundstrand Corp. in 1905 and Hamilton Standard in 1919. With 2010 sales of $5.6 billion, Hamilton Sundstrand is headquartered in Windsor Locks, CT. Among the world’s  largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products, the company designs, manufactures, and services aerospace systems and provides integrated system solutions for commercial, regional, corporate, and military aircraft. It also is a major supplier for international space programs. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, CT, is a diversified company that provides high-technology products and services to the aerospace and building industries.
For more information about careers at Hamilton Sundstrand, please visit the following website address: www.hamiltonsundstrandcareers.com.

Harris Corporation:
Secure Radios And Systems
"Hockey,” states industrial engineer Melissa Hall, “is a huge part of shaping who I am. It taught me a lot about leadership, conflict, discipline, and hard work. These are things companies look for in an employee that hockey taught me that the classroom didn’t.” Hence, Hall, who was a captain for the 2009-10 nationally ranked Rochester  Institute of Technology (RIT) Tigers women’s hockey team, advises students in any discipline to play sports or get involved in other activities outside the classroom as it can have a big impact on your ability to land a job. “I also grew up playing with the boys,” she continues, “and was usually the only girl on the team. That may have helped me while studying engineering, as there were times when there were only two or three women in a class of 30; luckily these ratios are improving in hockey and engineering.”
Today, Hall, who helps coach a girl’s hockey team in Webster, NY, is a quality engineer at Harris Corporation, where she works in the company’s radio frequency division. “We build radios for military and non-military applications,” states Harris, whose responsibilities include both preventative and reactive engineering. “We always look  to improve our process and our products. Sometimes we work in the reactive mode—if something has already gone wrong, how can we stop it from continuing. For instance,” explains Hall, “if we assemble a product and consistently a tool causes damage or leaving connectors loose, we have to decide how to contain the affected radios and then fix the tool so that it can only go in the proper direction or will notify an operator that the driver hasn’t reached proper torque. Then there’s the preventive mode—we look for opportunities where something could go wrong, a part that can go in upside down but will only work right side up for example, and we work to prevent it from happening in the first place. The end goal is to error-proof our process and deliver a quality product consistently.”
The most challenging aspect of her job—the quest for quality—is also the most rewarding part of the job. Hall enjoys the people interface and getting individuals at all levels to recognize that quality is good. Sometimes, when striving for better quality, others may think she suggests they go about things in the wrong way.
“My role is not to tell somebody they’re doing something wrong but to work with technicians, operators, and supervisors to help improve the process,” she declares. “It’s not that someone did something wrong, but instead, something’s wrong with the situation. When operators recognize something isn’t right, they help themselves, the product, and myself by speaking up. It’s rewarding for me when an operator comes to me and says ‘Hey, we have an issue.’ Quality is not just about statistics, it’s about operator empowerment and continuous improvement.”
Hall credits her father, who was mathematically inclined, with her desire to become an engineer. “I learned from him,” recalls Hall, who says whenever they went on a road trip, they’d solve math problems in the car. “I came to RIT as an undeclared engineer. I was in the engineering program, but the specific field was undecided. After I  got to RIT, where I earned a bachelor’s of science degree and master’s degree in engineering, I took a few classes that fell somewhere between industrial and mechanical engineering.”
Hall decided mechanical engineering was pretty great, but industrial provided her with the perfect combination of social engineering and hands-on problem solving. “Industrial engineering deals with all these aspects. Mechanical engineering does too,” she admits, “but I feel industrial better fits my personality. I like the idea to break  down a process or a product step-by-step and trying to make it better or more efficient and that’s what industrial engineering is all about. I didn’t realize that until I got to college but I have always dissected things and imagined how I would make them or design them differently, RIT and industrial engineering just gave me the  structure and tool set to do it better.”
Although Hall thinks which discipline students study depends on their personalities, she would recommend industrial engineering because there are so many different areas in which to choose. “I’m a quality engineer right now, but with my background I can go into manufacturing or supply chain management or management or statistics. There’s a wide range of things I can do,” she reiterates. “Industrial gives you a great toolset to work in other areas. Even at Harris, I can go into something more mechanical because I have a toolset that can get me started in that realm. We know how to interact with other engineers and move into different fields.”
In fact, Hall finds her first job out of school was not difficult.  “RIT has a wonderful career fair with great companies from all over the country that look for industrial engineers,” she remarks.
“Harris is a great company to work for because it’s all about continuous improvement,” continues Hall. “We just moved into a new  facility that has state-of-the-art manufacturing written all over it. Harris is an up-and-coming company in Rochester and worldwide.”
In addition, Harris is focused on advanced learning for its employees. “The company provides classes both online and in a classroom that everyone from operators to upper-level management can attend,” states Hall. “I’m already getting my green belt certification in Six Sigma and I’ve only been at the company for six months. There’s growth, individual and company wide, warmth, and empowerment. It is great working for a company where I know I can make an impact and develop.”
Hall can also advance her career at Harris. “I wouldn’t have to leave to change my career, she concludes. “Right now, I’m a quality engineer on the floor with a radio that’s already in full production. I’d like to eventually work on the design end to see what can I bring to the table on a new radio. As an industrial engineer at Harris, there is definitely a lot of room for growth.”
Harris RF Communications is the leading global supplier of secure radio communications, tactical communication networks, and embedded high-grade encryption solutions for military, public safety, government, and commercial customers. Tactical Communications serves the U.S. Department of Defense, international militaries, and  government agencies with a comprehensive line of secure radios and systems.

General Motors:
Selling The World’s
Best Vehicles
Mechanical engineer Matias Garibaldi has been working for General Motors as a hybrid and electric energy systems engineer for half a year. “It is my first position at General Motors and I have been completely emerged in the exciting projects of the hybrid section of the company. I have previous experience in this field from my 
involvement in projects and internships while I was studying mechanical engineering at The Cooper Union in New York,” states Garibaldi. “As a hybrid & electric energy systems engineer, I analyze various hybrid vehicles and see how each component, such as the electric motor and battery pack, behaves and interacts with other  components. I ensure that the vehicle meets its performance expectations, such as fuel economy and 0 to 60 times, while at the same time, meeting the safety requirements limited by the performance constraints of each component. By understanding how each component interacts in the vehicle “I can identify how we can further improve each vehicle.”
The most challenging part of Garibaldi’s job is to balance his time between projects. “Since there are so many interesting tasks going on at the same time, I have to be careful not to take on too many assignments,” says Garibaldi, who admits to having a curious nature that constantly tempts him to take on additional work. “Also, this could lead to not being able to dedicate the amount of time necessary to complete each one. The most rewarding part of my job at General Motors is working as a team to create a product we are proud of and see every day. Personal transportation is such an important part of our lives and being able to further develop the automobile technology, which has existed for roughly 150 years, is something amazing.”
Garibaldi always enjoyed learning how things work and how he could make an impact in the world. “Growing up, I had the great opportunity to live in different parts of the world including, Sydney, Manila, Houston, Buenos Aires, and New York. Although all of these areas have vastly diverse cultures,” he notes, “they have common environmental  issues. As I matured, I realized that an engineering education would give me the tools to solve important universal problems. I became interested in mechanical engineering because it is one of the broadest engineering disciplines and focuses on the conversion of energy and production of power, which I believe is one of the most  important fields to study and develop.”
Therefore, studying mechanical engineering provided Garibaldi with a strong foundation to build upon and a great breadth of knowledge, which allowed him to further improve his skillset in the topics that interested him, most. “Due to my interest in hybrid and electric  vehicle design, I shifted my focus towards electromechanical topics  and product development,” he comments.
According to Garibaldi, one of the most important things for students to learn is that hard work pays off in the long run and although engineering may sound difficult or time-consuming, there are future benefits. “An engineering background is never a negative trait and mechanical engineering is a discipline that is applicable to many  fields,” continues Garibaldi. “As part of my mechanical engineering studies at The Cooper Union, I was exposed to mathematics, physics, electrical and chemical engineering, manufacturing processes, and programming. I was also extensively trained in mechanical design in addition to the conventional humanities and soft science classes. The wide ranging applications of a mechanical engineering degree is evidenced by how my graduating class branched into various disciplines including, tissue engineering, defense engineering, façade engineering, automotive engineering, medical device development, and even finance, to name a few.”
Another advantage of the breadth of this field, notes Garibaldi, is the opportunity to master the skill to learn complex and difficult topics quickly. “So,” maintains Garibaldi, “whether or not you decide to pursue a career in engineering after college, studying it will prepare you to be mentally flexible with the ability to switch into  whatever field you ultimately pursue.”
Garibaldi believes, since there is always a need for engineers, chances are good students will find job openings upon graduation.  “Engineering students can expect to find a job in their field of interest within engineering if they are proactive and become involved  in research or projects either within their school or at  exxtracurricular internships. There should always be a certain degree of foresight or focus on ensuring your marketability,” states Garibaldi.
He continues, “Preparing a résumé early in your college career keeps your goals in perspective and gives a context for your actions. One of the most important traits to have when looking for a job is flexibility. Do not restrict yourself to one company or one field, because most companies look for young and adaptive employees that can adjust to change.”
As for his career, Garibaldi hopes to take on more responsibilities at General Motors and work on various vehicle programs. “I plan to further educate myself in the hybrid and electric vehicle field and continue to build a well-rounded skillset by being a lifetime learner,” he concludes. “As I continue learning, I plan to not only be in the analysis side of the vehicle, but also in the component design and larger scale planning of the business.”
General Motors (GM) is passionate about designing, building, and selling the world’s best vehicles. GM is committed to delivering vehicles with compelling designs, flawless quality and reliability, and leading safety, fuel economy and infotainment features. From the design and engineering of new state-of-the-art plants in China,  India, and Russia to developing new marketing programs for all emerging markets, you can go as far as your hard work and determination will take you. GM’s largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Italy. For more information, visit http://careers.gm.com/ about-gm/career-growth.html.

Duke Energy: A World Of Opportunities
"My dad was into automotive racing,” remembers mechanical engineer Amanda Sliwinski, who, as a young girl, spent considerable time with him at the racetrack working on his car. Sliwinski was mechanically inclined and also enjoyed math and science. It was her father who first suggested she become an engineer, a career choice, she admits, she was clueless about. “In high school I got in touch with my guidance counselor about becoming an engineer and she suggested I attend the Woman in Engineering summer camp at Michigan Tech.” Sliwinski enjoyed the program and the career possibilities sounded interesting. For more information about the camp, see http://youthprograms.mtu.edu/about-wie.php).
Sliwinski graduated from Ohio State University in 2007 with a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering. She has about five years of experience in the automotive industry, which she gained while in a co-op program with Lubrizol Corporation and her first position with Cummins, Inc. Today, Sliwinski is a mechanical engineer with Duke Energy in Cincinnati, OH, where she works with other engineers to support operations and maintenance for the city’s electrical grid. The company supplies electrical power to homes and businesses in the area. Sliwinski helps maintain equipment via testing and provides advice to maintenance personnel about servicing and/or replacing equipment. “We like to be proactive with equipment,” states Sliwinski. “Instead of waiting for it to fail, we look to solve problems before they happen.”
Because she’s only been with Duke Energy for two years, Sliwinski is what she calls “new to the group. I’m not an expert, so in order to learn more I’m in charge of equipment replacement. The most challenging aspect of my job is being able to juggle many things at once and to change directions quickly, especially when dealing with  failed equipment, which typically happens during a snowstorm, etc. 
It’s usually an emergency situation and we have to act fast. Though she’s only one of a handful of women in her group at Duke Energy, Sliwinski has not had any issues or challenges in this area. “I’m still in the minority,” she admits, “and sometimes I’m the only woman in an entire room, but people don’t treat me differently.” Maybe she’s been lucky, notes Sliwinski, or maybe things really have changed, but she’s never had any problems at work due to her gender.  Additionally, the workforce at Duke Energy is diverse and includes people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and ages.
For those considering an engineering career, Sliwinski says engineering as a degree opens a lot of doors. “There’s a wealth of different things you can do—a world of possibilities that allows you to change direction if you want,” says Sliwinski. Changing direction,  she adds, is a testament to engineering’s versatility. “The benefit  of mechanical and electrical disciplines is that they both cover such a wide range of industries and are so versatile. Having one of those degrees opens up a world of possibilities where as some of the more  specific disciplines such as aerospace, for example, might limit you from getting jobs in many industries. As a mechanical engineer, I’m not pigeon-holed in one area.”
Also, Sliwinski advises students to participate in co-ops and internships while still in school. “We had 150 applications for one job, so it’s difficult to stand out from the crowd. You need practical experience. Joining clubs is okay, but relevant work experience as an intern in the industry is what will land you the  job,” states Sliwinski.
“Keep your eyes open, and consider your options,” she continues. “I did get laid off in 2009, from Cummins, Inc., which had a major partnership with Chrysler to build its engines for trucks. I was out of work for nine months before I found this job,” says Sliwinski, who believes the situation is improving but it’s still not as good as it  was five years ago. “When I left school in 2007, I had four job offers.”
In the future, Sliwinski considers returning to school for an MBA. “I’ll see where it takes me, perhaps on a different path that’s less technical and more managerial. I’m also interested in project management as another area of focus. I’ve jumped around too frequently in the last few years,” she concludes, “and want to stay at Duke Energy for a while so I can become an expert at my current job.”
Duke Energy makes life better for millions of people everyday by providing electric and gas services in a sustainable way—affordable, reliable, and clean. It is of the largest electric power companies in the United States, supplying and delivering energy to approximately four million U.S. customers. Duke Energy has approximately 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Carolinas and the Midwest, and natural gas distribution services in Ohio and Kentucky.  For more information, visit www.duke-energy.com/careers/default.asp.