Mechanical engineer

Mechanical engineer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Job responsibilities vary greatly according to the size and type of employer, but typically include:

• assessing project requirements
• agreeing budgets, timescales and specifications with clients and managers
• liaising with suppliers
• problem solving
• undertaking relevant research
• producing and implementing designs and test procedures
• measuring performance of mechanical components, devices and engines
• testing, evaluating, modifying and re-testing products
• writing reports and documentation
• providing technical advice
• analysing and interpreting data.

Typical employers of mechanical engineers

• engineering, manufacturing, construction and process companies
• research and development organisations
• consultancies
• utilities
• the Civil Service
• the Armed Forces

Jobs are advertised online, by careers services and recruitment agencies, in newspapers and in relevant publications including TARGETjobs Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineer, Computer Weekly, The Engineer, Engineering and Engineering News.

Self-employment via consultancy and contract work is possible for individuals with several years' experience. Many employers offer final year project work, sponsorship, vacation work and 'year out' placements which can provide valuable experience and a useful insight into the profession.

Qualifications and training required

A degree in a relevant engineering subject (mechanical, automotive or aerospace). Currently, mechanical engineers wishing to become chartered must hold an Institution of Mechanical Engineers accredited degree to MEng level and at least four years' of vocational training with an accredited employer.

Key skills for mechanical engineers

• effective technical skills
• interpersonal skills
• verbal and written communication skills
• commercial awareness
• team working skills.