机械工程是一个多元化的专业，它依赖于基本的科学原理来构思，设计和制造一切，从微型化的单个零件（如生物传感器，打印机喷嘴和微型反应器）到大型复杂的系统和设备（如火箭推进器，喷气发动机，机器人）工具，风力涡轮机和汽车。机械工程师关注构思，设计，制造，测试和销售会改变，传递，转换和利用引起运动的能量形式的设备和系统。为了在机械工程专业中取得成就，需要广泛的技能和知识。
Mechanical engineering is a diverse profession that relies on fundamental science principles to conceive, design, and manufacture everything from miniaturized individual parts such as biosensors, printer nozzles, and micro-reactors to large complex systems and devices such as rocket propulsion, jet engines, robotic tools, wind turbines, and automobiles. Mechanical engineers are concerned with conceiving, designing, manufacturing, testing and marketing devices and systems that alter, transfer, transform and utilize energy forms that cause motion. In order to be accomplished in the mechanical engineering profession, a broad range of skills and knowledge are required.