The Role of Mechanical Engineers in Small Companies: Designing, Building, and Repairing Machines and Other Products
For many aspiring mechanical engineers, the idea of working in a small company can be both exciting and daunting. The question often arises: do mechanical engineers in small companies primarily focus on designing, building, and repairing machines and other products? This article delves into the responsibilities and challenges faced by mechanical engineers in small companies, providing a comprehensive understanding of their roles and the industry landscape.
Understanding the Predictability and Flexibility in Small Companies
One of the most significant advantages of working in a small company is the predictability and flexibility in job responsibilities. Unlike large corporations where tasks and roles are often more defined and specialized, small companies offer a broader range of opportunities for mechanical engineers. Here, their roles can expand beyond just designing, building, and repairing machines and extend to various project-related tasks. This flexibility allows them to take on a more holistic approach to problem-solving, contributing to the entire lifecycle of a project.
However, with this flexibility comes the challenge of predictability. In small companies, roles can evolve rapidly, and engineers may find themselves involved in tasks that are outside their initial expectations. This can include administrative tasks, customer interactions, and even marketing, all of which contribute to the overall success of the project. While this might seem overwhelming initially, it also presents a unique opportunity for personal growth and development.
Ownership and Success in Small Companies
Another notable aspect of working in a small company is the sense of ownership and the potential for success. Mechanical engineers in small companies often have the opportunity to own their projects, from start to finish. This means they can take significant responsibility for the success of a project, which can be incredibly rewarding. They can make a substantial impact, and the alignment of their efforts with the company's objectives is more direct.
On the other hand, while the project scope is more defined, it is often limited in scale compared to large organizations. Engineers in small companies typically work on smaller projects that are directly aligned with the company's goals. This limits the exposure to large-scale projects such as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or Government Services Administration (GSA) contracts, which are more common in bigger companies.
Industry Insights from a Mechanical Engineer's Perspective
A mechanical engineer with over two decades of experience shares insights on the role of mechanical engineers in small companies. According to him, the responsibilities of a mechanical engineer in small companies are far-reaching. They are expected to design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines. This all-encompassing role reflects the versatility and adaptability required in this field.
He further elaborates on his experience, stating that in small companies, engineers have a significant opportunity to shine, owning the project from beginning to end. However, he notes that this is not the case in large corporations, where engineers may be responsible for only a single CAD drawing or a specific part of the project. For example, in a company like Lockheed, an engineer is lucky to own a single CAD drawing, let alone a whole project.
Despite the challenges, the ability to own a project and contribute to its success is a significant perk of working in a small company. The engineer emphasizes the importance of versatility and adaptability, noting that the extent of personal involvement can vary greatly depending on the company's size and structure. Some small companies may be more bureaucratic, while others can be highly agile, allowing engineers to take on a wider range of tasks and contribute to the project in meaningful ways.
Personal Growth through Diverse Responsibilities
The experience of a mechanical engineer from NITK (National Institute of Technology Karnataka) provides additional insights. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree, which typically lasted five years, he specialized in Foundry Technology. Despite the challenges he faced, such as balancing coursework and practical applications, he eventually rose to leadership positions, heading plant engineering and overseeing the construction of critical buildings for gas turbine development. His journey highlights the importance of versatility and adaptability in the field of mechanical engineering.
His experience also shows that mechanical engineers have a wide range of responsibilities, from designing and building machines to supervising and sometimes personally engaging in physical tasks. As part of smaller job shops, mechanical engineers often play an active role after the design phase, solving issues that arise during production. This hands-on approach is both challenging and rewarding, offering a unique opportunity to witness the entire lifecycle of a project from start to finish.
In conclusion, while the role of mechanical engineers in small companies can vary significantly, they are often involved in designing, building, and repairing machines and other products. The flexibility and ownership of projects in small companies provide a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, but it also requires a high degree of adaptability and versatility.