26 Mechanical Engineering
What is it Like Being a Mechanical Engineer
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career of a mechanical engineer with Kristian Villanueva.
Guest: Kristian Villanueva is a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Priority Designs, whose passion for development is to create innovative products that people enjoy, and to make the world a better place through collaboration and great design. His experience with the automotive industry includes interior seating design, injection molded mechanisms and fasteners.
Connect with Kristian:
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Mechanical engineering combines technical expertise with creativity, resulting in products that shape our everyday lives. But what is it really like to be a mechanical engineer? On this episode, Greg sits down with Kristian Villanueva, Senior Mechanical Engineer at Priority Designs, who shares his journey, the nuances of his work, and advice for those curious about this field.
What we discuss:
Understanding Mechanical Engineering
Career Path and Experiences in Engineering
The Importance of Problem Solving in Engineering
Navigating the Engineering Job Market
Work-Life Balance and Job Satisfaction
Skills and Qualities for Aspiring Engineers
Advice for High School Students
Common Misconceptions in Engineering
Challenges and Rewards in Engineering
The Future of Engineering and Innovation
Understanding the Role of a Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineering is, at its core, the art and science of problem-solving. Kristian describes it as a blend of creativity and logic applied to tangible and intangible tools. While some tools are physical, like wrenches and 3D printers, others are abstract concepts like mathematics and physics. At Priority Designs, Kristian collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of experts in industrial design, UX/UI, software engineering, and prototyping to create innovative products.
His work isn’t just about designing; it’s about ensuring the final product is manufacturable, durable, and meets specific constraints like cost, time, and performance. For example, he’s been involved in projects ranging from designing tree loppers that enhance user efficiency to working on products aimed at improving safety.
What Mechanical Engineers Do:
Design and build tools, machines, or mechanisms.
Collaborate with teams from various disciplines.
Optimize designs for functionality, manufacturability, and cost.
The Journey to Becoming a Mechanical Engineer
Kristian’s journey to engineering wasn’t a straight line. Initially enrolled in a pre-pharmacy program at Ohio State University, he discovered through a job in a hospital hygiene study that the medical field wasn’t for him. Instead, he reflected on his natural affinity for math, problem-solving, and his childhood love of tinkering.
Kristian’s passion for engineering took root in middle school, where he participated in Science Olympiad and built complex mechanisms like Rube Goldberg devices. These experiences, coupled with a knack for hands-on problem-solving, guided him toward mechanical engineering. His story is a reminder that career paths can change, and reflecting on your interests can lead you to your true calling.
Advice for Aspiring Engineers:
Explore STEM opportunities like Science Olympiad or robotics clubs.
Reflect on hobbies and strengths—these often point toward your ideal career.
Don’t hesitate to pivot if something doesn’t feel right.
A Day in the Life of a Mechanical Engineer
One of the most appealing aspects of Kristian’s job is its variety. At Priority Designs, no two days are the same. His tasks range from brainstorming innovative concepts with clients to running tests on materials for structural integrity. Some days, he’s deeply immersed in creating 3D models and engineering documentation; other days, he’s collaborating with teams across disciplines or testing prototypes.
Mechanical engineering requires adaptability. Each project presents unique challenges that demand different tools and approaches. For example, when designing tools like tree loppers, Kristian balances functionality, durability, and ease of use while meeting the client’s specific needs.
Common Tasks in Mechanical Engineering:
3D modeling and technical documentation.
Physical testing of materials for strength, durability, and reliability.
Collaborating with clients, manufacturers, and interdisciplinary teams.
Skills and Qualities of Mechanical Engineers
A successful career in mechanical engineering demands a mix of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills. Kristian’s journey as a mechanical engineer highlights the essential skills and qualities needed to thrive in this field.
1. Technical Proficiency
Engineering is rooted in a solid understanding of math, science, and physics. While you don’t need to be the best at all these subjects, you must be competent and comfortable working with them regularly. Kristian emphasizes that mechanical engineers specifically need a good grasp of spatial awareness and how materials and components interact in the physical world.
Key Technical Skills:
Math and Physics: Foundational knowledge to understand forces, motion, and structural integrity.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Proficiency in 3D modeling and technical drawings.
Material Science: Understanding properties like strength, durability, and flexibility.
Analytical Tools: Skills in structural analysis, reverse engineering, and root cause analysis.
2. Problem-Solving and Creativity
At its core, engineering is about creative problem-solving. Whether troubleshooting a design flaw or optimizing a process, engineers must approach challenges logically while thinking outside the box. Kristian highlights the importance of using both tangible tools and abstract methodologies to find innovative solutions.
Qualities That Support Problem-Solving:
Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze and evaluate different approaches to a problem.
Resourcefulness: Using available tools and knowledge to address unexpected challenges.
Innovative Mindset: Seeing beyond traditional methods to design novel solutions.
3. Attention to Detail
Mechanical engineering involves precision at every stage, from designing components to ensuring manufacturability. Small oversights can lead to significant issues, so attention to detail is critical. Kristian explains how tasks like creating 2D drawings or testing materials demand focus and accuracy to meet performance and safety standards.
4. Collaboration and Communication
Mechanical engineers rarely work in isolation. Kristian’s role at Priority Designs involves collaborating with teams from various disciplines—industrial designers, UX/UI specialists, and manufacturing partners. Effective communication ensures that ideas are conveyed clearly and projects stay on track.
Interpersonal Skills for Engineers:
Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Verbal Communication: Clearly articulating ideas to clients, managers, and peers.
Visual Communication: Presenting designs and technical information in an understandable way.
5. Adaptability and Flexibility
Engineering projects often involve unexpected hurdles. Whether it’s a change in client requirements or a new material behaving differently than expected, engineers must adapt quickly. Kristian points out that real-world problems are rarely well-defined, and engineers often need to work through ambiguous scenarios to identify the core issue.
6. Curiosity and Passion
Kristian emphasizes the importance of staying curious and embracing a lifelong learning mindset. From middle school science competitions to his professional work, his curiosity about how things work has driven his success. Passion fuels perseverance, especially when innovation takes years of trial and error.
7. Soft Skills in the Engineering Context
While technical expertise is essential, soft skills can set engineers apart. Kristian recommends developing business acumen, networking with professionals outside engineering, and learning to present ideas persuasively. These abilities not only improve career prospects but also enhance collaboration and leadership opportunities.
Work-Life Balance in Engineering
Kristian Villanueva’s perspective on work-life balance as a mechanical engineer highlights both the challenges and the flexibility that can come with the profession. While engineering roles often demand focus, problem-solving, and attention to detail, there is room to manage a balanced lifestyle, depending on the company, role, and individual priorities.
Kristian notes that the engineering mindset can be difficult to "turn off." For instance, he finds himself approaching everyday tasks, like grocery shopping or loading a dishwasher, with a methodical, efficiency-driven mindset. This tendency to problem-solve constantly, while beneficial in his career, can sometimes make it hard to fully disengage from work-related thinking.
Additionally, meetings and corporate bureaucracy, especially in managerial roles, can impact balance. Kristian mentioned that during his time in middle management, his job often felt like it was 75% meetings and only 25% actual hands-on work. This imbalance, combined with the mental toll of constant reporting, can make achieving work-life harmony more challenging in certain phases of one’s career.
Opportunities for Balance
Despite the challenges, Kristian has found that prioritizing technical, hands-on roles rather than full-on management has given him more control over his workload. At Priority Designs, he enjoys the flexibility to choose projects and roles that align with his strengths and preferences. This variety in tasks—from brainstorming and prototyping to collaborating with teams—allows him to maintain a dynamic and engaging work environment, which helps prevent burnout.
Moreover, engineers often have the ability to set boundaries when working in a team-oriented, project-based structure. Kristian’s current role emphasizes collaboration with clients and colleagues, which creates opportunities for flexible schedules and prioritizing tasks that fit his personal and professional goals.
Strategies for Engineers Seeking Work-Life Balance
Prioritize Roles That Align With Your Preferences: If you thrive on technical work, aim for roles that emphasize hands-on problem-solving rather than management-heavy positions.
Set Boundaries: Work on clear distinctions between personal and professional time, especially if your job demands significant mental focus.
Seek Variety: Engaging with diverse projects, industries, and tasks can prevent monotony and keep work interesting.
Find Supportive Employers: Organizations like Priority Designs that offer autonomy and a supportive culture can make a significant difference in achieving balance.
Challenges and Rewards of Being a Mechanical Engineer
Like many engineers, Kristian faces the challenge of turning off his “problem-solving brain.” Whether planning efficient grocery store routes or optimizing dishwasher loading, his engineering mindset is always active. While this hyper-methodical thinking can be exhausting, it’s also a source of strength.
The most rewarding part of his work is seeing ideas come to life. From a mental concept to a digital model and, finally, a tangible product, the process of creation is deeply satisfying. Kristian emphasizes that while innovation is challenging—it can take years to perfect a single product — it’s worth the effort when the results positively impact users’ lives.
What to know:
Engineering requires balancing creativity and logic, even in everyday life.
Seeing a product come to life is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the job.
Innovation is a collaborative and iterative process that demands patience.
How to Prepare for a Career in Mechanical Engineering
Aspiring mechanical engineers should focus on building strong foundations in math, physics, and science. High school courses like AP Calculus and physics provide the groundwork for the technical skills required in the field. Hands-on experiences, like tinkering with machines or joining STEM clubs, are equally important in developing problem-solving abilities.
For college students, extracurricular activities such as Formula SAE teams offer invaluable experience. Building connections with peers in other disciplines, such as business or marketing, can also enhance your perspective and career prospects. Kristian emphasizes the importance of internships and real-world experience, which help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional application.
Tips for Success:
Build a portfolio showcasing your projects and designs
Seek internships to gain hands-on experience
Network with professionals and find mentors who can guide your career
Dispelling Myths About Engineering
A common misconception about engineering is that it’s dull or overly technical. Kristian counters this by highlighting the creativity and collaboration involved in solving real-world problems. The field offers diverse opportunities for those who enjoy variety and innovation.
Engineers are far from boring—they’re problem-solvers who use their skills to create products that improve lives. Whether working on cutting-edge technologies or refining everyday tools, mechanical engineers play a vital role in shaping our world.
The Reality of Engineering:
It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving field
Creativity and teamwork are as crucial as technical expertise
Each project offers new challenges and opportunities to learn
Final Thoughts: A Career Built on Curiosity and Innovation
Kristian’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity and adaptability. From his early experiments with Rube Goldberg machines to his innovative work at Priority Designs, he has followed a path driven by passion and persistence. For those considering a career in engineering, he offers simple yet profound advice: stay curious, embrace challenges, and never stop learning.
Mechanical engineering is not just a career — it’s a way of thinking that permeates every aspect of life. Whether you’re a student exploring STEM or a professional looking for a change, Kristian’s journey shows that with the right mindset, the possibilities are endless.
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career in Mechanical Engineering
Engineering is fundamentally about problem solving.
Mechanical engineering involves both tangible and abstract tools.
Career paths in engineering can vary widely based on interests.
Real-world problems are often not well-defined, requiring flexibility.
Collaboration and communication are key skills in engineering.
High school students should focus on math and science courses.
Extracurricular activities can enhance engineering education.
Internships provide valuable real-world experience.
Misconceptions about engineering being boring are common but inaccurate.
Innovation in engineering takes time and persistence.
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