ADD ADVICE TO FAVMechanical engineer
What mechanical engineers do
- work in organisations that manufacture mechanical parts or equipment
- design new products or redesign existing ones
- manage the forming and machining of parts
- supervise the assembly of parts to produce products
- develop and install new machinery into production lines, or modify existing equipment for new purposes or increased economy
- maintain production machinery.
Key skills
- ability to draw and interpret engineering drawings
- design skills, the ability to think and conceptualise in three dimensions
- participate as an effective member of teams and have the ability to supervise groups of technicians, eg in fitting and assembly, workshop, welding
- persistence to pursue recurring problems relentlessly until a solution is found
- communicate well, both verbally and in writing.
Training to be a mechanical engineer
Many trainees undertake the monitored professional development scheme approved by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. This programme includes training in design, materials selection, machining and forming, production practices, safety and related subjects.
Salaries
Starting salaries of trainees are typically in the range of £20,000 to £26,000.
