Mechanical engineers can find work in all sorts of areas of the engineering industry. They focus on providing technical solutions to a product's design, installation and repair. Work can be found in a range of sectors, such as the automotive sector and manufacturing and transport.

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FAQs

FAQs

What does a Mechanical engineer do?

Day-to-day activities will include:

Designing and improving equipment on behalf of your employer
Developing and testing designs
Discussing and solving complex manufacturing problems
Ensuring product reliability
Planning and designing new products
Recommending modifications to existing products
Considering the cost, safety and time constraints on products
Ensure safety regulations are followed

What skills and interests should an Mechanical engineer have?

A high level of technical and scientific knowledge
Good communication skills
Ability to work alone and as part of a team
Manual dexterity
IT skills
Creative ability and enthusiasm
Ability to work under pressure
Organisational skills, such as time and resource planning

What hours does a Mechanical engineer typically do?

You will typically work 37-40 hours a week, although may have to work overtime sometimes, particularly towards the end of a project. Self-employment and freelance work will be available for more experienced engineers.

What environment is a Mechanical engineer based in?

Work is mainly office-based or in plants, factories, workshops or building sites.

How much does a Mechanical engineer travel?

Travel within the working day, to plants, factories, and building sites, will be common. Absence from home overnight and overseas work may sometimes be required, depending on the employer.

How much does a Mechanical engineer get paid?

Starting salaries range from £20,000 to £28,000. With experience, this can increase to between £25,000 and £35,000. At a senior level, salaries of up to £60,000 can be expected.

Perks & benefits

Most careers in engineering lead to senior positions with responsibilities for other staff and larger projects. There will be opportunities to develop additional skills, such as business and management, which will assist in attaining promotions. Additionally, you may be able to move into related sectors such as procurement, sales and marketing and human resources, or more senior roles such as engineering director or engineering consultant.

What qualifications does a Mechanical engineer need?

A degree will be hugely important (see below). It is worth checking with the Institute for Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) that your degree is accredited. You may also enter the sector with an HND or foundation degree in subjects such as engineering and mechanical engineering.

Work experience will be valuable to your application and many employers will offer internship and summer placement schemes. Some degree courses will offer a year in industry, which will provide you with good contacts for future job prospects.

Fluency in a second language may be beneficial depending if the employer operates on an international scale.

Useful subjects to study at school & university

Aeronautical engineering
Agricultural engineering
Computer-aided engineering
Engineering science
Manufactured engineer
Mechanical engineering
Nuclear engineering