Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineering is concerned with the design, development, installation, operation and maintenance of a wide range of products that contain movable parts. Mechanical engineers may be involved in design, turning plans into new products or revising existing ones. They may work in research and development, trying to find solutions to engineering problems, using new technologies when they become available, or in production where they plan and design new production processes. They work in a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, energy, railways, automotive and medical. In the sports industry, engineers may be involved in researching composite materials and titanium, replacing natural materials in equipment to improve performance.

Mechanical engineers are normally required to work a standard number of hours each week. Work environments may range from quiet, modern, open plan offices to factory production areas, which may be noisy. At times, engineers may have to visit outdoor sites. Mechanical engineers are employed throughout the UK in a wide spectrum of engineering activity.

Salaries range from £16,500 a year to £50,000, or considerably more.

Mechanical engineers need:

• to be good at maths, science and technology
• to be good at ICT, particularly computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and computer-aided engineering (CAE)
• excellent verbal and written communication skills
• to be good at planning and organisation
• to be good team workers.

Around 75,000 engineers worldwide are members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Employers include aerospace and automotive industries, gas, electricity and nuclear companies, and engineering construction companies. They also work in manufacturing, oil and gas industries, pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics, hospitals and educational institutions, road, railways and the water industry.

Many engineers begin by studying full time at university or college for a first degree and there is a wide choice of courses and qualifications available. It is possible to begin training for craft or technician-level jobs straight from school with GCSEs (A*-C) in English, maths and science followed by full-time study at college, or a work-based Apprenticeship. The Diploma in engineering may be relevant for this area of work.

A BTEC Higher National Diploma/Certificate or a foundation degree in engineering or technology provide alternative routes.

Engineers can go on to register with the Engineering Council (ECUK) as a professional engineer, either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). There are good prospects for promotion, particularly if they combine engineering skills with an aptitude for management.

Further details