Mechanical engineer
Mechanical engineers use engineering principles to provide efficient solutions to the development of processes and products, ranging from small component designs to extremely large plant, machinery or vehicles. They can 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 mechanical systems and mechanical engineering is thought to be one of the most diverse of all engineering disciplines, with employment opportunities available in a wide range of sectors, such as the manufacturing, power, construction and medical industries.
Mechanical engineers can also be involved in the management of people and resources, as well as the development and use of new materials and technologies.
Mechanical engineers work on a project from the initial brief, through the design and development stage, to the testing of one or more prototypes, right through to final manufacture and implementation.
Projects can vary significantly, from researching and developing medical products (such as mechanical hearts) to improving production processes in large oil refineries or designing services within buildings.
Tasks will generally include:
This area of work is open to the following engineering disciplines:
A good honours degree is usually required, although some employers place as much emphasis on general and people skills and commercial awareness as on class of degree. For chartered status (CEng) however, an accredited MEng degree or an acceptable combination of other academic awards is essential. This could include a BEng (Hons) that is accredited for CEng, plus an appropriate Masters degree or approved further learning to Masters level.
Some employers recruit only graduates but may consider diplomates for technical level posts. Technician training can lead to experience of development and design work at a lower level. An alternative for holders of accredited HNDs is to do a top-up course to convert to a degree, or to undertake a matching section. This may be done through a combination of work and part-time or distance-based learning. It is then possible to progress to incorporated engineer (IEng) level.
Entry without a degree or HND is possible for people over 35 who have a minimum of 15 years' experience in engineering, including responsibility for managing projects. Contact the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for information on mature candidate schemes.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, although an MSc could be helpful.
Pre-entry experience is not needed, although a relevant sandwich or vacation placement can be advantageous and is highly recommended. You might be able to count some of the experience gained during a sandwich placement towards qualifying for CEng status. Vacation work, placements and sandwich courses all provide evidence of skill development and commercial awareness.
Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Employers may also look for fluency in a second language.
Start finding out about employers before your final year and make contact with them at engineering recruitment fairs/shows.
For full information and guidance on entry requirements and training routes, contact the relevant professional body (either the IMechE or the IET).
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
If you are aiming for chartered status (CEng), you should check that any post you accept offers training and experience accredited by an engineering institution. You will need to undertake a programme of initial professional development and will be assigned a mentor, who will monitor your progress in the early stages of your engineering career.
Most large firms offer structured training and encourage professional development. Usually, firms offer in-service training and short courses for specific needs. Your in-house training may include placements in different departments to broaden your experience. Some employers are unable to provide broad training experience themselves, and it is worth checking what arrangements they have in place.
To gain CEng status, you will need to submit a written report and satisfy an assessment panel that you have the skills, specialist knowledge and competence to practise as an engineer. It is possible to achieve CEng or incorporated (IEng) status within four to six years after graduation. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) oversees the Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS) leading to CEng status.
Throughout your career, you will be required to add to your expertise through in-service training and/or further study for a higher degree. Most careers in engineering lead to a senior position with responsibility for other staff and/or larger projects and budgets.
To progress in the profession, it is becoming increasingly important to achieve professional status as a chartered engineer (CEng). The Engineering Council , in collaboration with the main engineering institutions, has introduced regulations known as UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) .These affect all graduates aspiring to achieve CEng status. As companies operate in an increasingly international market, the European engineer (Eur Ing) status and additional language skills will become a distinct advantage if you wish to progress further in the profession. All chartered engineers are eligible to apply for Eur Ing status.
Many mechanical engineers decide to develop additional skills, for example in business, so that they can get involved with larger projects and take on greater responsibility. Good commercial awareness is essential for career development, as well as developing people management skills, as many engineers will be required to lead teams or manage projects.
Some mechanical engineers move into business functions, such as procurement, sales and marketing or human resources (HR). Others will develop their technical skills and look to move into senior engineering posts, such as engineering director. Another career path could involve moving into engineering consultancy.
It is hard to think of an industry that mechanical engineers are not involved in; mechanical engineering has usually played a part in almost all the products and services we see around us.
Mechanical engineers are likely to be recruited into the following types of industries:
Recruitment agencies advertise vacancies and also handle contract vacancies, particularly for experienced engineers.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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