Mechanical engineering is one of the most in-demand professions in the UK engineering sector. And it’s because there are so many industries that rely on mechanical engineering skills. But what does it take to become a mechanical engineer? And what sort of opportunities are available? In this blog post, we’ll share more about what a mechanical engineer does and the pathways open to becoming one.
According to Statista, around 71,700 mechanical engineers are working across the UK. And since mechanical engineering requires a combination of science, engineering, maths, and computing skills, successful candidates need to have skills and knowledge in many areas.
So, let’s take a deeper look into what a mechanical engineer does.
What Does a Mechanical Engineer do?
Mechanical engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and testing things like machinery, devices, and components across many sectors and industries. They’re creative individuals found in transport, construction, telecommunications, automotive design, manufacturing, and the armed forces.
A typical day for a mechanical engineer could include servicing mechanical devices, monitoring energy systems, designing machines, and working with artificial intelligence tools. They’re involved in every stage of a process, from research and design to development and launch.
Other areas within a mechanical engineer’s job description include:
Leading a device manufacturing process: A mechanical engineer analyses problems and meets with stakeholders to understand their requirements and expectations.
Developing and testing: These individuals also work on developing and testing prototypes. And they’ll use the results from their findings to improve mechanical designs.
Designing and redesigning: Mechanical engineers often design blueprints and test prototypes.
Computer modelling: A mechanical engineer may use software tools like CAD, much like a design engineer, to devise and build plans.
Planning and researching: Their role may include coming up with solutions to improve machinery performance or designing it to solve a problem.
Carrying out surveys: Mechanical engineers can carry out surveys of systems and equipment to ensure functionality and correct maintenance.
Salary Expectations
With the right level of experience behind them, a mechanical engineer can earn a good salary. According to the national careers service, the average annual salary ranges from £26,000 to £52,000.
Mechanical engineers have many routes to entry. But they do need a well-rounded mix of skills, experience, and aptitudes to achieve the higher end of salary levels. They may have to study towards chartered status to earn higher salaries.
Career Progression
There are several ways to progress a career as a mechanical engineer. But achieving incorporated or chartered engineer status is more likely to lead to higher demand for your skills and better salary expectations. Mechanical engineers can use their skills across a wide range of public and private sectors including construction, manufacturing, and energy and utilities. Mechanical engineers can also work in a people, business, or project-management roles, or specialise in a certain field. Many will start out in research or development and end up in a consultancy role.
What Do You Need?
So, which experiences, skills or types of education do you need to become a mechanical engineer?
Qualifications and Experience
Becoming a mechanical engineer often requires a university or college course. But you can also get into the job through apprenticeships or work experience. You’ll usually need 2 or 3 A levels including maths and physics. And at university, you may consider either a higher national diploma (HND) or degree in subject areas such as:
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical design engineering
Engineering manufacturing
Electromechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering technology or Mechatronics
Civil or Structural engineering
Physics
If you do already have an idea of the industries you’d prefer to work in as a mechanical engineer, you may find a specific degree course that suits you better. For instance, a degree in automotive engineering or industrial design and technology may be good, specialist routes. Also, make sure to check that course accreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers or a similar professional body.
When you embark on a Higher Education course, it’s a good idea to get some work experience too. Doing so will help you make contacts and gain work skills that could be useful when applying for graduate jobs. You might consider embarking on a holiday scheme, a year’s placement in industry, an internship or a STEM Ambassador scheme.
Skills and Interests
Some of the key attributes you’ll need to become a mechanical engineer include:
Strong maths skills
Knowledge of physics
Knowledge of engineering, science and technology
Analytical thinking skills
Good attention to detail
Innovation and ideation
Design skills
Problem-solving skills
Solid computer skills
Ability to use and fix machinery or tools
An interest in mechanical engineering or civil engineering
What Opportunities are Available?
Many opportunities exist for strong mechanical engineering candidates. Those with training or qualifications in niche areas may also stand out from the crowd, particularly if they can show expertise in their chosen area.
Some of the disciplines you could expect to choose from as a mechanical engineer include:
Mechanical design
Automotive engineer
Aerospace engineer
Structural engineer
Contracting civil engineer
Maintenance engineer
CAD technician
Product designer
Nuclear engineer
Control and instrumentation engineer
From improving the design and efficiency of tools and systems to building models or conducting system-level testing, a huge number of sectors need well-qualified and talented mechanical engineers:
Construction
Aerospace
Defence
AI and Robotics
Marine
Oil and Gas
Pharmaceuticals
Chemical manufacturing plants
FMCG
Renewable energy
Automotive
Railway industry
Utilities and Water Treatment
How Can You Find Work as a Mechanical Engineer?
Regardless of which industry you end up in, as a mechanical engineer you’ll need to bring a wide range of creative and analytical skills to every project. Work will vary depending on the field or sector you end up in.
Some specific types of work include:
Designing heating, cooling, or ventilation systems for commercial buildings
Creating blueprints for new machinery or technology for sustainable power plants
Conducting surveys of mechanical systems and ensuring they run well
Using CAD or CAM software to support new machinery designs
Producing technical documents, blueprints, and prototypes
Researching innovative products or approaches to improve railway systems
If you want to find your next opportunity as a mechanical engineer, look no further than Metalis. Our team has a wealth of experience working with manufacturing and engineering candidates. Plus, we have a wide range of job roles based with sector clients who need skilled and talented mechanical engineers.
To find out more, head over to our live jobs board where you can find a long list of opportunities and roles for mechanical engineers.
