A mechanical engineer is responsible for performing a range of important engineering tasks. Responsibilities may include:

  • Maintaining or improving mechanical components, instruments, products, or systems;
  • Interpreting mechanical system specifications and creating technical drawings;
  • Innovatively designing complex mechanical systems that require precise calculations;
  • Inspecting, monitoring, testing, detecting, preventing, and solving an array of mechanical problems, such as fixing an engine or component that has failed;
  • Using engineering software and computer-assisted design (CAD) software to execute tasks;
  • Building and deploying functional mechanical systems, machines, or devices;
  • Collaborating with diverse technicians, like mechanical engineering technicians, other multidisciplinary engineers, and team members, as well as customers on the mechanical engineering projects;
  • Collecting data or writing reports related to mechanical design projects;
  • Preparing detailed documentation and specifications for the purchase of mechanical equipment and materials or to track processes;
  • Delivering results in line with agreed project timelines and budgets;
  • Ensuring the compliance of mechanical engineering outputs with relevant requirements, codes, and certifications, and in line with customer needs and demands;
  • Always assuring the safety and security of team members;
  • Traveling to inspect mechanical systems or devices.

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Common mechanical engineer responsibilities 

A mechanical engineer is responsible for performing a range of important engineering tasks. Responsibilities may include:

  • Maintaining or improving mechanical components, instruments, products, or systems;
  • Interpreting mechanical system specifications and creating technical drawings;
  • Innovatively designing complex mechanical systems that require precise calculations;
  • Inspecting, monitoring, testing, detecting, preventing, and solving an array of mechanical problems, such as fixing an engine or component that has failed;
  • Using engineering software and computer-assisted design (CAD) software to execute tasks;
  • Building and deploying functional mechanical systems, machines, or devices;
  • Collaborating with diverse technicians, like mechanical engineering technicians, other multidisciplinary engineers, and team members, as well as customers on the mechanical engineering projects;
  • Collecting data or writing reports related to mechanical design projects;
  • Preparing detailed documentation and specifications for the purchase of mechanical equipment and materials or to track processes;
  • Delivering results in line with agreed project timelines and budgets;
  • Ensuring the compliance of mechanical engineering outputs with relevant requirements, codes, and certifications, and in line with customer needs and demands;
  • Always assuring the safety and security of team members;
  • Traveling to inspect mechanical systems or devices.

Qualifications for mechanical engineers 

Mechanical engineers should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or a related technical field. In some countries, an engineering license may also be required.

 

Additional supporting skills and experience include:

  • 3-5 years of engineering experience
  • Solid understanding of mechanical systems, or a combination of electronics and mechanics knowledge;
  • Excellent applied math, statistics, and design skills;
  • Proficiency in using diverse computer operating system hardware & software, and the latest design, modeling, and calculation software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Matlab/LabView, or similar;
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to be able to work easily with other technicians and team members;
  • Some work experience gained through an apprenticeship or in a relevant role is an advantage.

Sources of information 

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