Mechanical engineer

Mechanical engineers apply their knowledge of mechanics, hydraulics, thermodynamics and materials to design and make machines and their parts. They are involved in many industries, including manufacturing, process industries, aerospace, defence, biomedical engineering and food processing, etc.

Work activities

Mechanical engineers research, design and develop all types of machines and their parts. Those that specialise in design use computer aided design (CAD) technology to design anything from a car to a toaster. They take into account safety, efficiency, environmental impact, and also the way a product looks.

Many mechanical engineers work on continuous production, where they may be responsible for designing, developing and managing computer aided manufacturing (CAM) technology and robots. For example, in industries that produce food, pharmaceuticals, paints and detergents, mechanical engineers are responsible for mechanical processes such as filling, mixing, packaging, and labelling equipment. Mechanical engineers may also install, operate and maintain the systems used to manage waste.

In manufacturing industries, mechanical engineers organise the installation of new equipment, and plan schedules for regular servicing and overhauling of all the machinery and equipment involved. In agriculture and food processing, mechanical engineers may design harvesting machinery, deep freezers, canning plant and industrial ovens, for example. Mechanical engineers also use their knowledge and experience to tackle global problems, for example, developing ploughing equipment that doesn’t damage fragile soils.

For many operations, high pressure design is fundamental, and mechanical engineers have to find ways to transfer high temperature, highly corrosive and flammable fluids. Mechanical engineering plays a vital role in transport. For example, mechanical engineers research ways to make cars safer and more fuel efficient and use computer aided design (CAD) techniques to design and test jet engines. They help to make safer, quieter vehicles that produce less air pollution.

Personal qualities and skills

As a mechanical engineer, you need:

To enjoy solving problems through science.
To be able to develop strong technical skills and knowledge, as well as keep up to date with changes in technology.
Good communication skills - you may be working in a team with other specialists, for example, geologists or medical professionals.
Excellent management skills to organise resources such as people, money and equipment.
The ability to encourage other people’s ideas.
To be flexible and able to compromise.
Good computer skills.
Strong communication skills to write reports and to explain complex engineering information to people from non-technical backgrounds.
Good organisational skills – you may be responsible for planning budgets and coordinating resources.
To work well to deadlines.
To be able to stay calm and work well under pressure.
A willingness to take on responsibility, and to lead and motivate others.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for mechanical engineers vary, depending on employer, role and responsibilities. The pay rates given are approximate. Mechanical engineers earn in the range of £20,000 - £52,500 a year.

Most mechanical engineers work around 36-40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes and weekend work may be required.

Employers are firms across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing and processing, medical engineering, aerospace, automotive engineering, nuclear power and electricity generation. Opportunities for mechanical engineers occur with employers throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced mechanical engineers to work independently as consultants.

What’s happening in this work area?

There are likely to be more roles in the future for those who are skilled at designing and manufacturing with consideration as to how a product will be recycled at the end of its life, as well as being able to design and manufacture products that minimise wastage. The industry suffers from a shortage of high-skilled personnel and also a shortage of women, with around three quarters of jobs being taken by men.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies.

Entry routes and training

Mechanical engineers usually complete a relevant engineering degree, foundation degree or HND. There are a large number of courses in mechanical engineering, so it’s essential to check prospectuses carefully to make sure the course you choose is relevant to the branch of engineering you want to follow.

Some graduates join graduate training schemes, which offer structured training and learning. Depending on their level of entry, engineers can gain Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) professional status. Both are highly regarded by employers throughout industry.

A number of apprenticeship programmes offer a route into this this career path:

Electro-mechanical engineer (level 6 / higher)
Manufacturing engineer (level 6 / degree)

Depending on their qualification, mechanical engineers can progress by taking on more responsibility for the management of engineering projects and teams of engineers. Some engineers choose to become self-employed or take contract work on a freelance basis.

Qualifications

To get onto an higher or degree apprenticeship, you will need two A-levels/equivalent in relevant subjects, plus GCSEs in English and maths.

For entry to a degree in mechanical engineering, the usual academic requirements are:

Two to three A-levels, usually in maths and a science or technology subject, often physics.
GCSEs in your A level subjects at grades 9-4.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4.

English, maths and a science subject are usually required at GCSE at grades 9-4. Other qualifications, such as a relevant Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma are often accepted. Check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Engineering) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

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