Mechanical Engineering
Jayhawk Engineering graduates have been CEOs at Ford, Chrysler, Burns & McDonnell, Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, and at both Boeing Commercial Aircraft and Boeing Satellite Systems
Overview:
Whether it’s advanced materials, biomechanics, emerging transportation technologies, or a variety of other fields, mechanical engineers have a vast network of career opportunities available to them due to the remarkable versatility of this degree. From award-winning race cars and energy efficient vehicle development to advanced spinal implants and an easier path to recovery from knee surgery, mechanical engineering at KU offers a variety of opportunities, including robust offerings in bioengineering, energy and materials.
Majors Offered:
Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering Minor
Concentrations:
Biomechanical
Pre-Medical
Students can get involved with Jayhawk Motorsports starting their first year on campus. The team designs, builds, and drives two racecars — one electric and one combustion-powered — and competes in international competitions twice per year. Jayhawk Motorsports regularly places highly in national competitions, including two first place overall finishes since 2012.
Through mechanical engineering capstone design courses, undergraduate students work directly with engineers at sponsoring companies and perform hands-on work on these projects in the school’s world-class Structural Testing and Student Projects Facility. Students gain valuable insight into the business world while making connections for life after graduation. A separate capstone innovation program allows students to pitch their innovative product ideas. If selected, students form entrepreneurial teams to develop and test a prototype of their product. Students earn valuable experience in taking their own ideas forward through the engineering design process.
The Hill Engineering Research and Development Center houses the KU EcoHawks, a student research program that focuses on developing innovative, sustainable energy solutions for transportation and energy infrastructure.
Who Hires KU Engineers
- Becton Dickinson
- Black & Veatch
- Boeing
- Bombardier
- Boston Scientific Corp.
- Burns & McDonnell
- Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
- ExxonMobil
- Ford Motor Company
- Garmin International
- General Motors
- Honeywell
- Johnson Controls
- Kiewit
- Koch Industries
- Lockheed Martin
- Meditronic
- Pfizer
- Raytheon Technologies
- Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
- Schlumberger
- Stinger Ghaffarian
- Tesla
- The Spaceship Company
- Sierra Nevada Corporation
- Spirit AeroSystems
- Zimmer Biomet
Aerospace industry
Alternative energy,
sustainability, and
conservation firms
Automotive industry
Biomedical device firms
Design, construction, and
consulting firms
Manufacturing and plant
operations
Petroleum industry
Pharmaceutical companies
Power generation
Transportation industry
Bachelor's degree candidates national average* starting salary range:
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: $70,000 - $73,500
*Salaries from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)