[DanTheManPR]

> The biggest difference I see between software developers and mechanical engineers is a way of thinking. I realize that sounds very woo, but it's very obvious to me and to other mechanical engineers I've spoken to.

As a fellow trained ME, yes, it seems obvious to me as well. A good school and program will have you spending several years in intensive study and thought about the fundamentals and wider implications of the physical principles and mathematics of machines and systems. If you can then follow that up with a few years of good hands-on professional experience with the subject of your study, it's going to give you a level of insight into the workings of the physical world that is difficult to achieve just through direct experience.

Which is not to say that you can't succeed in manufacturing without an engineering degree. It's pretty common for experienced machinists/welders/etc. to break out of a career cul-de-sac and go into business for themselves and engage in some effective and knowledgeable engineering in the process.

But there's no shortcut. You either do the schooling, or you earn the experience. Otherwise, you're not even going to be realizing the mistakes you're making.

[nick889996544]

I think mechanical engineers require or develop a more pragmatic attitude. Do-overs in the mechanical realm are often more time consuming or expensive than those in software. And practical experience comes with a lot of learning.

[DanTheManPR]

Beyond the expense and time, mistakes can also be very dangerous. I take a lot of pride in designing industrial machines that are not only effective at their task, but safe to build and operate. The products that I've had a hand in are touched by a lot of people, and it's my responsibility to make sure that the energies being transformed by the machine are not unleashed in ways that are harmful to people. Laziness or lack of care on my part will get people hurt.

[hef19898]

Fully agree. Even if I am not a full mechanical engineer I am an industrial one by training. And over half of my studies was equivalent to what the mechanical engineers did as well. And somehow that affects how think about the world and stuff, engineering thinking of sorts.

I am im supply chain management now, and compared to others in thay domain that are really good SCMs but not engineers, thinking like an engineer makes things easier sometimes.

I also agree on using the old hands on the shop floor when it comes to manufacturing and machining parts, engineering / design for manufacturing is something a lot of engineers struggle with. Also goes for maintenance and what not. And the good engineers listen carefully to that kind of feed-backband actually search it. This was one something my profs pointed out to us all the time as being an important part of our future jobs. Obviously, some people are better at that then others.