The Top 10 Roles Mechanical Engineering Roles for Indian Graduates

In India, the top engineering domains that college students choose to specialize in are computer science, electrical (or electronics) engineering, and mechanical engineering. 

Within mechanical engineering, there are several sub-domains like Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD),  FEA. Design Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Thermodynamics, and various others. Today, most of these involve the use of computational tools and software to perform advanced calculations and analyses. 

Here are the top 10 mechanical engineering roles you can apply for in India with a qualification in this field. 

 

1. CFD Analyst 

CFD is a category of mechanical engineering where computation plays a central role. CFD roles are the highest in demand in the job market among mechanical engineers, with the maximum salary range. For this role, you need a strong fundamental knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, as well as the skill to use computational tools on these concepts, like Converge or Ansys Fluent. 

You will have to solve the governing equations like the Navier-Stokes equation, Euler equation, and Fick's Law, using software tools like MATLAB or Python. You should also understand what goes on in the background when the solver processes your solution. 

 

2. CFD Engineer

A CFD engineer has a similar role as that of a CFD analyst. A CFD engineer should also be thorough in the same fundamental concepts, but the work will be more engineering-oriented. Using the results from the CFD analysis, you should work with the technical design team and recommend improvements and ensure that the product design and performance meet technical and functional requirements.

 

3. Design Engineer

Design Engineering has become increasingly popular among mechanical engineering graduates and automotive engineers. At one point in time, design engineering was restricted to solid modeling or surface engineering, but things have vastly improved in the last couple of years.

Currently, you can apply for positions dealing with wiring harness design, automotive mold design, BIW (Body in White) fixture design, plastic modeling, and many others. Remember that this domain is likely to expand in the next decade, so you can expect several new design-related jobs to crop up. 

 

4. CAE Engineer 

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) includes the use of computer software to assist several engineering domains like FEA, CFD, multibody dynamics (MBD), and so on. 

As a CAE engineer, you need to be familiar with pre-processing tools like ANSA or HyperMesh, as well as a languages like MATLAB or Python. Your job would involve tasks like calculating thermal and fluid flow analysis, simulating processes like casting or molding, and visualization of the results. 

 

5. FEA Engineer 

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is the analysis of a macro object by considering small elements of rectangular shape. Apart from pre-processing software, you should also know the fundamentals of solid mechanics, the strength of materials, and mathematical concepts like linear algebra and differential equations. 

You have fantastic opportunities as an FEA engineer if you are also familiar with tools like Ansys Workbench, LS-DYNA, Abacus, or NASTRAN. The trending topics in FEA are noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) and durability. 

 

6. Simulation Engineer 

A simulation engineer is a CFD or an FEA engineer who specializes in simulation processes. Several jobs require engineers to test the performance, durability, safety, and functionality of engineering solutions in a virtual environment. 

Simulations save a lot of time and expense because any errors or mishaps will enable the team to quickly rectify them in the actual model, instead of damaging an expensive machine like a submarine or helicopter. 

 

7. Crash Engineer 

Explicit dynamics is a sub-topic under FEA, which deals with high-velocity impacts in engineering, similar to what happens in a crash situation. With the latest enforcement of safety standards for automobiles everywhere, it has become mandatory for manufacturers to test the vehicles in a crash test before starting the mass production process. 

As a crash engineer, you should use pre-processing tools, FEA software, and simulation, if necessary, to ensure that the manufactured vehicle meets all the safety norms. 

 

8. Pre-Processing Engineer 

If you choose to be a pre-processing engineer, your work will focus solely on the use of tools like ANSA or HyperMesh for pre-processing that have a wide variety of CAD and solver interfaces. The fact that this domain is very niche is both the advantage and disadvantage. 

Becoming an expert in this topic will get you significant demand across many industries, but going deep into pre-processing will make it challenging to shift into other domains in your career with the same skillset. 

 

9. Application Engineer 

If you are not familiar with coding skills but know the software tools and fundamentals concepts of mechanical engineering, an application engineer could be the role suited for you. 

There are three standard positions you can take up: CFD, FEA, and MBD application engineers. Your job would involve interacting with the clients to understand their needs and using the software tools to the maximum extent to achieve this.

 

10. Electric and IC Integration Engineer 

The position of an electric and IC integration engineer is a recent addition in most automotive and mechanical engineering companies. IC (Internal Combustion) engines are what almost all vehicles use today, but electric cars are likely to be the future of transportation. This domain involves the integration of the current vehicular technology with futuristic ideas. 

For this role, you need to know the fundamentals of hybrid electric vehicles, controls, and battery management systems. Mechanical engineers typically focus on building the engine and testing the car for safety and performance, while chemical and materials engineers work on battery and fuel technology for these vehicles. 

 

Conclusion 

Thus, mechanical engineering is a versatile engineering field with scope for plenty of high-paying and high-growth jobs. For these positions, you must be acquainted with the fundamental engineering concepts, the working of the software applications, and the integration of both. 

These top 10 mechanical engineering roles will give rise to several other specialized positions in the coming years, which is encouraging news for the college students of today. 

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