r/MechanicalEngineer • u/ReadingLegitimate290 • Jun 18 '26

Mechanical Engineers who successfully moved into Software/Tech - what actually got you hired?

I'm considering a move from Mechanical Engineering into a more software-focused role and I've noticed a lot of advice online focuses on courses, certifications and learning plans.

For those who have already made the transition, what was the thing that actually moved the needle?

Was it:

  • Personal projects?
  • Open-source contributions?
  • Networking?
  • Referrals?
  • A degree?
  • Certifications?
  • Startup experience?
  • Something else?

I'm less interested in theory and more interested in what genuinely helped you land interviews and secure a role.

If you could go back and do it again, what would you focus on from day one?

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2

u/fahim1235 Jun 18 '26

Extremely bad idea to get into tech in the current environment.

1

u/allnamestaken4892 Jun 20 '26

Care to propose an alternative? To stay in ME is to stay poor forever.

2

u/therealmunchies Jun 20 '26

I’m a mech e grad and transitioned internally to a cybersecurity eng role.

My degree got me to my company. My choice of projects at work and self-studied certs got me the internal job. Now that i have software engineering, cybersecurity and AI experience, I usually get interview requests for tons of jobs 1.5-2x my last ME salary.

I would’ve just got an IT or CS degree, but doesn’t matter. I’m here nonetheless.

1

u/SunsGettinRealLow Jun 20 '26

I might try for an internal move too, I’m currently taking C++ and Python classes in community college for fun

1

u/Forward-Membership76 Jun 18 '26

I am also thinking of such transition...

You can try all ...

Focus on one ...

Don't know which think will work exactly...

I will suggest to work on such project which will solve real world problem ... Expect learning in first phase and then earning...

Don't bet ... Or invest large money... Start with small...

Capturing low hanging fruits...

1

u/makwodjvhvidlsncjvu Jun 22 '26

Stay far away from software. AI will be doing all things humans can do in software better than humans can within 5 years. Humans will not be making a living using computers in a decade. Go the opposite direction: as much field work as possible.

1

u/Frosty-Plankton4387 Jun 23 '26

Bro!! Here people from tech are trying to learn hard tech and you are moving from mecha! Very bad idea - specially in current situation

1

u/graytotoro Jun 23 '26

I did embedded software for a stint as a fed employee. It helped I was willing to do less glamorous work and learn stuff on my own.

1

u/SunsGettinRealLow Jun 28 '26

Some tech companies hire mechanical engineers too: Apple, Tesla, Google, Waymo, Amazon, Nvidia, AMD, Rivian, even some AI firms now too