Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design, develop, install and operate a wide range of machinery and mechanical equipment, ranging in size from small components to large plant and vehicles.

The Work

You could be:

• carrying out basic research into particular issues and problems in design or manufacture


• using the results of research to assist in the design of new equipment and machinery


• making models or trial versions of new designs to make sure that they will work correctly


• working on the construction and installation of new industrial equipment and machinery, and supervising their initial testing


• working on manufacturing systems in industry to make sure that products are manufactured efficiently, effectively and economically


• responsible for maintaining equipment and machinery and ensuring that faults are diagnosed and put right as quickly as possible
• writing reports and giving presentations.

Conditions

• Mechanical engineers work in a wide variety of locations, including offices, design laboratories, workshops and factories.


• If you work in production, the conditions can sometimes be noisy, dirty or dusty and you may have to wear safety glasses, footwear and headgear.


• Many engineers work normal hours, but if you are involved in continuous production in industry you may have to be on-call outside normal working hours or to work shifts.

Getting In

• You would normally take a Higher National Diploma (HND) or degree in mechanical engineering. Other subjects with a high mechanical engineering content may be acceptable. Note that some employers accept only those with a degree.


• For entry to an HND course you need 1-3 Highers plus some Standard grades. For a degree course you need 3-5 Highers including maths and physics or technological studies.


• You may be able to qualify by other training routes.
• Relevant work experience, while studying, can be helpful.

What Does It Take?

You need to have:

• an interest in solving scientific and technical problems


• a creative, logical and practical approach to solving problems


• a high level of technical ability including IT skills particularly computer aided design (CAD)


• good communication skills to deal with a wide range of people


• business awareness.

• handle complex information


• plan, prioritise and organise programmes of work


• work to timetables and under pressure to meet deadlines


• write clear and concise reports and make presentations


• work on your own and also as part of a team


• be adaptable.

Training

• After gaining your HND or degree and some further training with an employer, you can register with the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) as a professional engineer - either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).


• For IEng you need to have either a recognised Bachelors degree or a recognised HNC or HND plus further study to Bachelors degree level.


• For CEng you need to have a recognised Bachelors degree with Honours plus a recognised Masters degree (or equivalent), or a recognised integrated Master of Engineering (MEng) degree.


• If you do not have any of the above qualifications, you may still be able to achieve IEng or CEng by other approved routes. You can check these alternative routes with ECUK or with the appropriate professional engineering institution.
• You might study part time for a postgraduate qualification.
• You must keep up to date with new developments throughout your career.

Getting On

• Mechanical engineers who first qualify as IEng can progress to CEng after further training and experience. This can open up a wider range of opportunities.


• You might specialise in research and development, manufacturing and production, installation or maintenance.
• You might move into marketing or sales or general management.


• You could move into teaching and academic research in colleges and universities.
• Some highly qualified engineers become consultants offering specialist engineering services.


• There can be good opportunities to work abroad.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

• The Engineering Council UK (ECUK) sets and maintains the standards of the engineering profession in the UK. It does so through 36 professional engineering institutions which are Licensed Members of ECUK.


• The Enginuity website has more information at http://www.enginuity.org.uk/

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.