Our Hubber known to us as greathub has requested information about where in the world to go for he best professional growth, highest salaries, and consistent high-demand status for the occupation of Mechanical Engineer. This is very interesting to consider, important to the development within many countries, and a vital question.

During 2008, I have authored many resume packages for recent graduates in mechanical or electric engineering and for mechanical engineers in America, in US military branches, in the military of other nations, and for both privately and publicly employed engineers in UAE (United Arab Emirates). Many opportunities are available in engineering within countries that are focused on these and other initiatives:

1. Alternative Power Sources and "Going Green" with recycling and related industries,
2. Nanotechnology and Biotechnology through 2028
3. Transportation and Shipping
4. The Aerospace Industry
5. Drilling and Mining
6. Military and Defense
7. Agriculture and Forestry
8. Machine Tools 

Mechanical Engineers (MEs) can cross over into a number of other engineering fields, especially into geological engineering and others in the processes of mining and drilling. They are capable of crossing over into more divisions than any other engineers. However, MEs have some standard working procedures.

MEs research and then design, develop, manufacture, and test equipment, tools, engines, machines, and other items.

They work on power-producing machines like generators, engines, and turbines, refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, materiel systems, people movers, production equipment, and robots. They also design tools that other engineers need. Further, they work in manufacturing and agriculture production, maintenance, or sales of technical goods as well as in other areas.

Such versatility makes ME's more likely than other engineers to experience greater opportunities for hire, professional growth, promotion, and top salaries.

The online magazine named Just4Business published an article on June 15, 2008 stating that German based mechanical engineers are recognized globally for excellence.

In 2007, German exports of equipment and machines increased by nearly 11%, placing Germany at the top of the global list of machines and equipment exporters (per the German Association for Mechanical and Plant Engineering [VDMA]). German export of mechanical engineering products increased four years in a row through 2007.

This suggests that Germany is the number one country in the world for mechanical engineering opportunities and growth in 2008.

The United States of America is Number Two such exports. Japan is Number 3 and Italy is Number 4.

China is Number 5 in exports of mechanically engineered products.

However, UAE seems to be leading in the manufacture of engines of all types, especially in aircraft, spacecraft, and ground transportation and shipping, for use in its own region of world as well as for export.

Top Opportunities for Mechanical Engineering Globally:

• Germany
• USA (America)
• UAE & surrounding region
• Japan
• Italy
• China

However, it can logically be concluded that if America is successful in electing a President in 2008 from the Democratic Party, then alternative energy sources will become more important to the global and US economy and to mechanical engineers (MEs) as a decline in military expenditures in Iraq and related mechanically engineered products used there manifests. Opportunities for MEs would seem to drop initially, but would likely increase after that initial drop in the USA as the focus would be placed more heavily onto alternative energy and transportation choices and Going Green overall. Under a Republican Administration, there would be some shift to alternative energy.

Salaries are likely to remain higher among the Top Three countries of this list as well: Germany, USA, and UAE.

The USA is the largest exporter of mining machinery and equipment, while Japan is the top producer of productronics - production equipment for the electronics industry. Italy leads in machines and equipment for the roller and metallurgical plant business,

The Chinese leads in safes, firefighting equipment, welding technology equipment, controls and related equipment, ventilation equipment, and elevators, escalators, and other "people movers."

Germany maintains its lead in a total of 18 out of 33 ME divsions, including purification systems, printing/paper technologies, oil-hydraulic and pneumatic components for fluidics, and others.

As stated above, UAE seems to be doing a big business in large scale engines.

Work with your college placement office, if you are a recent graduate of a Mechanical Engineering program and use their assistance in finding you a well-paying job. For countries outside your own, access specifically-dedicated Engineering job search boards online and examine the jobs available therein. This will give you an idea of salary ranges that can be earned.

For MEs already in the workplace that wish to move out of their countries for better opportunities, contact your supervisor and the Human Resources Department of your employer for assistance. In addition, contact the embassies in your own country for those nations in which you are interested for their guidance and advice. 

Best of success to all Mechanical Engineers in the 21st Century! The future may depend upon you.