Ask HN: Programming jobs for a mechanical engineer | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Programming jobs for a mechanical engineer

9 pointshanniabu10 comments

I graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and have learned python, php,and Javascript since then. While I can get a normal Web dev or app developer or front end job, I figured I couldv earn more in a some niche area where my degree would be a benefit. However, I can not think of one other than creating CAD software, which I don't believe I can do with my current languages. Does anybody know of any areas where they believe a mechanical engineering background would be of use?

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CFD development also takes while studying in mechanical and aerospace engineering. So I would say that yes it is entirely possible to be involved in CFD development with a degree in ME, although you will probably need to pursue an advanced degree in order to open the right doors.the job postings fall into 2 categories. The first is generally programming related, requiring a degree or experience in programming. The second is related to the modeling or the physics - for that companies want people with advanced engineering/physics backgrounds. [url=http://www.essayguardian.com/] Custom essay writing service[/url] provides you the information about programming job what is scope for that job now etc.It should be useful guidelines for you.

VectorWorks has a python interface [so does Blender, but that's not really used as CAD]. The problem with building CAD software on existing platforms is that CAD vendors don't build app stores. There are three reasons: a robust independent apps would compete with features, CAD users tend not to have budget discretion, and CAD API's have the sort of privileged access that can wipe out a computer.

The real nexus of programming and mechanical engineering is embedded software. Microcontrollers have become powerful enough that Python and JavaScript can be used where margins are fat and bean counting is balanced against programmer productivity. Of course, tradition and commodification of hardware make other languages more common.

Then again, learning more languages is probably going to be part and parcel of a programming career for any recent grad.

Good luck.

I'm an ME and work in a simulation software company as a researcher. All of us researchers are PhD Mechanical/Aerospace Engineers (tbh I'm the only without a PhD, only a Masters here) and spend our days reading papers, implementing MATLAB/Python prototypes of numerical methods, and passing that over to the software engineers who implement those in the product with C++.

The C++ software engineers are all from traditional engineering backgrounds (cannot remember their degrees though, sorry), as you do need the more "advanced" Calculus to understand our stuff. I think this is where you should be looking at - simulation/engineering software companies - if you have the chops.

Good luck!

Most people i know of doing mech engine and programing work with some kind of control software or in mathematical/engineering modelling. The former tends to use c/c++ or done pretty proprietary languages. The latter sometimes uses fortran, Matlab or maybe python. Getting a job with an engineering company rather than a software house would probably be a good idea. Eg in my part of the UK you'd look at utilities gas/electric supply, and manufacturing.

While I was undertaking my M.eng undergrad, I once asked a senior prof how I could integrate my mechanical engineering education with my software skills and he answered that there were no programming opportunities in mechanical other than in mathematical modelling and CAD software. That ultimately led me to dropout and focus on the general front end and app dev jobs you cite. I bet the engineering license aught to be a boon for certain positions though.

I recommend considering fields in modeling and simulations (aeronautics/defense and power generation simulations were great opportunities for me going from ME undergrad to experienced SE). Expect to work in Fortran/Ada/C/C++ though, but I found an ME background is a huge advantage over the typical SE/CE candidates and are highly coveted by defense, utility, and consulting firms. It gives you endless opportunities to actually practice the diverse knowledge/skills built in a decent ME program.

You may want to have a look at data science (with Python) for manufacturing or quality / flow control.

Thanks, that's a good idea

PLM product life cycle management

Hmmm, thanks, never thought of that one

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