As a mechanical engineer you'll provide efficient solutions to the development of processes and products, ranging from small component designs to extremely large plants, machinery or vehicles. You'll work on all stages of a product, from research and development to design and manufacture, through to installation and final commissioning.
Most industries rely on a form of mechanical systems, and mechanical engineering is thought to be one of the most diverse of all engineering disciplines. Due to this, there are employment opportunities across several sectors.
Responsibilities
As a mechanical engineer, you'll need to:
- research and develop products
- improve production processes, such as those in large oil refineries, or services within buildings
- design and implement cost-effective equipment modifications to help improve safety and reliability
- develop a project specification with colleagues, often including those from other engineering disciplines
- develop and use new materials and technologies
- manage people, projects and resources - this will depend on your role
- develop, test and evaluate theoretical designs
- discuss and solve complex problems with manufacturing departments, sub-contractors, suppliers and customers
- make sure a product can be made reliably and will perform consistently in specified operating environments
- manage projects using engineering principles and techniques
- plan and design new production processes
- produce details of specifications and outline designs
- recommend modifications following prototype test results
- use research, analytical, conceptual and planning skills, particularly those in mathematical modelling and computer-aided design
- consider the implications of issues such as cost, safety and time constraints
- work with other professionals, within and outside the engineering sector
- monitor and commission plant and systems.
