Do engineers actually build stuff?

Engineers build but their main role is to design. In the industry, there are different jobs an engineer can do, they can be in research and development, testing, manufacturing and many more. The one you might want is the manufacturing since its where they put together stuff.

What Do Engineers Build

It depends on what kind of engineer you want to be. If you want to design, you will be a much much better designer if you have experience building the things you design. Even building anything can be valuable. Experimentation is a valuable part of learning and building your own things will help you understand the function of the things in ways you might never see otherwise. An engineering education provides the theoretical background, the mathematical understanding, and the ability to learn. Practical experience is something you can not get from a book (you can not learn to swim or ride a bike just by reading a book).

I encourage all engineers to get their hands dirty. Yes, it does not make sense to have a degreed engineer running a lathe 8 hrs a day but that is not what I am suggesting. If you want the engineer to understand how metals behave when they are machined, learning to operate a lathe is great way to start.

If you are part of R&D or a maintenance engineer you will build and repair things more then a traditional design engineer. If you are good with your hands I would go into either maintenance or CNC machining. These both are engineering technical fields where you can get a college degree and use your knowledge to actually build things.

Mechanical engineers can be involved in designing, building, operating, maintaining stuff as well as doing things like economic analysis, specification development, project engineering, project management. They are involved in just about every industry and company in the developed world. With a little patience you can find a place that suits your interests.

From what I have heard, no you aren't going to do much actual building of prototypes. You could try getting into mechanical engineering technology. However, if you are expecting a BSME salary from a MET degree, then you may be disappointed. How about a trade? I think professional welders/machinists do alright, especially if you own your own business.

Usually, engineers design, and someone else builds, a prototype shop or something similar.

It's a waste of money to pay engineers to run machine tools that you can hire someone else to operate, and who can do a better job of it.

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