Mechanical engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and maintains mechanical systems and devices used in industries such as manufacturing, energy, automotive, aerospace, and robotics. They apply principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science to create efficient, reliable, and cost-effective machinery. Mechanical Engineers play a fundamental role in advancing technology through innovation in product design, energy systems, and automation.

The main duties of a Mechanical Engineer include:

• Designing mechanical systems, machines, and components that meet performance and safety requirements.
• Conducting research and analysis to improve design efficiency, durability, and sustainability.
• Performing thermal, structural, and fluid dynamic simulations using engineering software.
• Selecting appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for mechanical designs.
• Preparing technical drawings, specifications, and documentation for production.
• Testing prototypes and analyzing results to verify design performance.
• Troubleshooting mechanical issues and implementing engineering solutions.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including electrical, civil, and manufacturing engineers.
• Managing projects, budgets, and schedules to meet production and quality objectives.
• Ensuring compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and industry codes.

The following job titles also refer to mechanical engineer:

mechanical engineering expert
mechanics engineer
mechanical technology engineering consultant
mechanical engineering consultant
mechanical technology engineering expert
mechanical technology engineering adviser
mechanical engineering adviser
mechanical technology engineering specialist
machinery engineer
mechanical engineering specialist
mechanical technology engineer

Mechanical Engineers work in a variety of settings, including offices, laboratories, manufacturing plants, and construction sites. The job typically combines computer-based design and analysis with hands-on work during testing or installation phases. Standard full-time hours are common, though overtime may be required during tight deadlines or product launches. The role may involve travel to client sites, suppliers, or production facilities. Attention to detail, teamwork, and adherence to safety standards are essential.

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field is required. Core knowledge in mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and fluid dynamics is essential. Hands-on experience gained through internships, co-op programs, or laboratory projects provides a strong foundation. Proficiency in design and simulation tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS, or MATLAB is advantageous. Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) certification enhances career opportunities. Advanced degrees may be beneficial for specialization in fields such as robotics, renewable energy, or advanced manufacturing. Key skills include analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Mechanical engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to mechanical engineer.

aerodynamics engineer
agricultural engineer
container equipment design engineer
fluid power engineer
marine engineer

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of mechanical engineer.

• Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
• Technical drawings: Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
• Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
• Mechanical engineering: Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills are necessary for the role of mechanical engineer.

• Adjust engineering designs: Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
• Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
• Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
• Approve engineering design: Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mechanical engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Biomedical science
• Ship related legislative requirements
• Refrigerants
• Production processes
• Fisheries management
• Telecommunications engineering
• Analytical methods in biomedical sciences
• Electricity principles
• Operation of different engines
• Electricity consumption
• Hydraulic fluid
• Material mechanics
• International regulations for preventing collisions at sea
• Electromechanics
• Mechanics of vessels
• Precision mechanics
• Manufacturing processes
• Transmission towers
• Quality and cycle time optimisation
• Design drawings
• Electrical engineering
• Medical device test procedures
• Micromechatronic engineering
• Electricity market
• Mathematics
• Design principles
• Radiation physics in healthcare
• Medical devices materials
• Firmware
• Aircraft mechanics
• Ventilation systems
• Bicycle mechanics
• Principles of mechanical engineering
• Pollution legislation
• Medical imaging technology
• Electrical discharge
• Electric current
• Diagnostic radiology
• Legislation in agriculture
• Biotechnology
• Electrical power safety regulations
• Hydraulics
• Agricultural production principles
• Physics
• Environmental legislation
• Irrigation systems
• Project management
• Mechanics of motor vehicles
• Pollution prevention
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Stealth technology
• Robotic components
• Assessment of risks and threats
• Aerodynamics
• CAE software
• Civil engineering
• Thermodynamics
• Fluid mechanics
• Computer engineering
• Microprocessors
• Quality standards
• Reverse engineering
• Biology
• Domestic heating systems
• Electronics
• 3D modelling
• ICT software specifications
• Human anatomy
• Industrial engineering
• CAD software
• Multimedia systems
• Thermal materials
• Biomedical techniques
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration parts
• Mechanics of trains
• Guidance, navigation and control
• Components of air conditioning systems
• Microelectromechanical systems
• Fisheries legislation
• Control engineering
• Pneumatics
• Industrial heating systems
• Electric generators
• Safety engineering
• Fire-fighting systems
• Fishing vessels
• Heat transfer processes
• Blueprints
• Technical terminology
• Mechatronics
• Biomedical engineering
• Power engineering
• Medical devices
• Product data management
• Optoelectronics
• Robotics
• Risks associated with undertaking fishing operations
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
• Radiation protection
• Scientific research methodology
• Medical device regulations
• Quality of fish products
• Types of containers
• Automation technology
• Engine components
• Synthetic natural environment
• Health informatics
• Cybernetics

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of mechanical engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Manage supplies: Monitor and control the flow of supplies that includes the purchase, storage and movement of the required quality of raw materials, and also work-in-progress inventory. Manage supply chain activities and synchronise supply with demand of production and customer.
• Create solutions to problems: Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
• Keep up with digital transformation of industrial processes: Keep up to date with digital innovations applicable to industrial processes. Integrate these transformations in the company’s processes aiming for competitive and profitable business models.
• Provide technical documentation
• Model medical devices: Model and simulate medical devices using technical design software.
• Wear cleanroom suit: Wear garments appropriate for environments that require a high level of cleanliness to control the level of contamination.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation: Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environmental regulations and best practices.
• Test medical devices: Make sure the medical devices fit the patient and test and evaluate them to ensure they work as intended. Make adjustments to ensure proper fit, function and comfort.
• Gather technical information: Apply systematic research methods and communicate with relevant parties in order to find specific information and evaluate research results to assess the information’s relevance, relating technical systems and developments.
• Conduct literature research: Conduct a comprehensive and systematic research of information and publications on a specific literature topic. Present a comparative evaluative literature summary.
• Communicate with customers: Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
• Test procedures in electricity transmission: Perform tests on powerlines and cables, as well as other equipment used for the transmission of electrical power, in order to ensure the cables are well insulated, the voltage can be controlled well, and the equipment is compliant with regulations.
• Develop electronic test procedures: Develop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of electronic systems, products, and components.
• Work in outdoor conditions: Can cope with the different climate conditions such as heat, rain, cold or in strong wind.
• Develop agricultural policies: Develop programmes for development of new technologies and methodologies in agriculture, as well as the development and implementation of improved sustainability and environmental awareness in agriculture.
• Manage the operation of propulsion plant machinery: Manage the operative mechanism of the marine diesel engines, steam turbines, gas turbines, and steam boilers.
• Work in a fishery team: Work as part of a crew or team, and meet team deadlines and responsibilities together.
• Apply medical first aid on board ship: Apply medical guides and advice by radio to take effective action in the case of accidents or illnesses on-board a ship.
• Install transport equipment engines: Install engines used in transport equipment such as internal combustion engines, external combustion engines and electrical motors according to blueprints and technical plans by using hand and power tools.
• Design firmware: Design the appropriate firmware to a specific electronic system.
• Manage electricity transmission system: Manage the systems which ensure the transmission of electrical energy from electricity production facilities to electricity distribution facilities, through power lines, ensuring safety of operations and compliance with scheduling and regulations.
• Repair engines: Repair identified problems with internal combustion engines, external combustion engines and electrical motors. Replace and fix faulty parts by using hand and machine tools.
• Prevent fires on board: Organise fire drills on board. Make sure that appliances for fire prevention fire-fighting are in working order. Take the appropriate action in case of fire, including fires involving oil systems.
• Oversee construction project: Make sure that the construction project is carried out in compliance with the building permit, the execution plans, the performance and design specifications, and the relevant regulations.
• Lead a team in fishery services: Direct a fishery or aquaculture team and guide them towards the common goal of completing a variety of fishery related assignments or tasks.
• Inspect overhead power lines: Inspect the structures used in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy, such as the conductors, towers, and poles, to identify damage and need for repairs, and ensure routine maintenance is performed.
• Ensure compliance with safety legislation: Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.
• Provide advice to farmers: Provide technical and economical advice in order to optimise the quality and production of agricultural products.
• Debug software: Repair computer code by analysing testing results, locating the defects causing the software to output an incorrect or unexpected result and remove these faults.
• Maintain shipboard machinery: Take care of the repair and maintenance of shipboard machinery, including the safe isolation of such machinery or equipment before personnel are permitted to work on it. Dismantle, adjust and reassemble machinery and equipment with the right tools and measuring instruments. Interpret machinery drawings and handbooks and diagrams of piping, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Solder electronics: Operate and use soldering tools and soldering iron, which supply high temperatures to melt the solder and to join electronic components.
• Design medical devices: Design and develop medical devices, such as hearing aids and medical imaging equipment, according to specifications.
• Operate marine machinery systems: Operate principles of marine machinery, including marine diesel engine, steam turbine, boiler, shafting installations, propeller, various auxiliaries, steering gear, automatic control systems, and deck machinery. Follow safety and emergency procedures for operation of propulsion plant machinery, including control systems. Prepare, operate, and maintain the following machinery items and control systems: main engine and steam boiler and their associated auxiliaries and steam systems, auxiliary prime movers and associated systems and other auxiliaries like refrigeration, air-conditioning and ventilation systems. Take necessary measures to prevent damage to these systems.
• Manage engine-room resources: Allocate, assign, and prioritise engine-room resources. Communicate effectively, showing assertiveness and leadership. Obtain and maintain situational awareness, considering of team experience.
• Ensure safety in electrical power operations: Monitor and control operations on an electrical power transmission and distribution system in order to ensure that major risks are controlled and prevented, such as electrocution risks, damage to property and equipment, and instability of transmission or distribution.
• Perform data analysis: Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.
• Maintain agricultural machinery: Maintain agricultural facilities and equipment in order to ensure that it is clean and in safe, working order. Perform routine maintenance on equipment and adjust or repair when necessary, using hand and power tools. Replace defective parts components or systems.
• Lubricate engines: Apply motor oil to engines to lubricate internal combustion engines in order to reduce wear, to clean and to cool the engine.
• Extinguish fires: Choose the adequate substances and methods to extinguish fires depending on their size, such as water and various chemical agents. Use a breathing apparatus.
• Execute analytical mathematical calculations: Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
• Record test data: Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Use thermal management: Provide thermal management solutions for product design, system development and electronic devices used to protect high power systems and applications in demanding environments. These can be eventually collaborated with customers or other engineers.
• Maintain electrical equipment: Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.
• Create software design: Transpose a series of requirements into a clear and organised software design.
• Use computer-aided engineering systems: Use computer-aided engineering software to conduct stress analyses on engineering designs.
• Monitor manufacturing quality standards: Monitor quality standards in manufacturing and finishing process.
• Conduct quality control analysis: Conduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.
• Perform small vessel safety measures: Organise and monitor safety, applying the regulations for risk prevention at work. Organise and manage emergency operations such as flooding, abandoning ship, survival at sea, search and rescue of shipwrecked, according to the ship’s emergency plans, to ensure safety. Organise and direct the operations of fire fighting and prevention, according to the ship’s emergency plans to ensure safety.
• Install mechatronic equipment: Install equipment used for the automation of a specific machine or device.
• Perform test run: Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
• Define manufacturing quality criteria: Define and describe the criteria by which data quality is measured for manufacturing purposes, such as international standards and manufacturing regulations.
• Provide cost benefit analysis reports: Prepare, compile and communicate reports with broken down cost analysis on the proposal and budget plans of the company. Analyse the financial or social costs and benefits of a project or investment in advance over a given period of time.
• Inspect engine rooms: Inspect engine rooms to detect the presence of any hazardous materials, and to ensure legal compliance. Inspect the construction of the rooms, the functionality of equipment, the adequacy of room ventilation, and the frequency of maintenance activities.
• Manufacture medical devices: Put together medical devices according to company specifications and national and international regulations. Use specialised materials, tools, and machinery to assemble the medical devices. Apply molding, welding, or bonding techniques according to the type of medical device. Retain a high level of cleanliness throughout the manufacturing process.
• Inspect facility sites: Inspect the land of a possible construction site for distribution facilities by measuring and interpreting various data and calculations by using the appropriate equipment. Check if the field work is conform with plans and specifications.
• Advise on pollution prevention; Advise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.
• Apply advanced manufacturing: Improve production rates, efficiencies, yields, costs, and changeovers of products and processes using relevant advanced, innovative, and cutting edge technology.
• Create a product’s virtual model: Create a mathematical or three-dimensional computer graphic model of the product by using a CAE system or a calculator.
• Report test findings: Report test results with a focus on findings and recommendations, differentiating results by levels of severity. Include relevant information from the test plan and outline the test methodologies, using metrics, tables, and visual methods to clarify where needed.
• Install heating boiler: Place heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration boilers, which heats up water and circulates it through a closed radiator system to distribute heat around a structure. Connect the boiler to a source of fuel or electricity and to the circulation system. Connect it to the water supply if it features an automatic filling system. Configure the boiler.
• Advise on irrigation projects: Advise on the construction of irrigation projects. Review contractor orders to ensure the compatibility of the design with installation concepts and pre-existent grounds master plan. Monitor the contractor’s work.
• Create technical plans: Create detailed technical plans of machinery, equipment, tools and other products.
• Communicate using the global maritime distress and safety system: Send an alert in case of distress, using any of the various GMDSS radio systems such that the alert has a very high probability of being received by either shore rescue authorities and/or other vessels in the area.
• Oversee quality control: Monitor and assure the quality of the provided goods or services by overseeing that all the factors of the production meet quality requirements. Supervise product inspection and testing.
• Use thermal analysis: Use software tools such as Icepak, Fluens and FloTHERM as a means to develop and optimize thermal control designs in order to cope with a wide range of difficult problems regarding thermal products and properties of thermal materials.
• Wear appropriate protective gear: Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
• Make electrical calculations: Determine the type, size and number of pieces of electrical equipment for a given distribution area by making complex electrical calculations. These are made for instruments such as transformers, circuit breakers, switches and lightning arresters.
• Analyse stress resistance of products: Analyse the ability of products to endure stress imposed by temperature, loads, motion, vibration and other factors, by using mathematical formulas and computer simulations.
• Respond to electrical power contingencies: Set in motion the strategies created for responding to emergency situations, as well as respond to unforeseen problems, in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as power outages, in order to rapidly solve the problem and return to normal operations.
• Determine production capacity: Determine how many parts or tools can be manufactured by one machine during one production cycle.
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Ensure compliance with electricity distribution schedule: Monitor the operations of an electrical energy distribution facility and electricity distribution systems in order to ensure that the distribution goals are met, and the electricity supply demands are met.
• Perform small vessel safety procedures: Implement emergency measures of health care to sick and injured on board, according to established procedures to minimise potential injuries or illnesses.
• Calibrate mechatronic instruments: Correct and adjust the reliability of an mechatronic instrument by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular intervals which are set by the manufacturer.
• Manage engineering project: Manage engineering project resources, budget, deadlines, and human resources, and plan schedules as well as any technical activities pertinent to the project.
• Pollution at sea prevention: Organize and monitor environment protection applying the regulations for pollution prevention at sea.
• Test mechatronic units: Test mechatronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
• Conduct training on biomedical equipment: Train clinicians and other personnel on the proper use of biomedical equipment.
• Inspect underground power cables: Inspect the underground power cables during installation or repair activities in order to identify faults and assess the extent of damage or need for repairs, and to ensure they are correctly installed and maintained.
• Supervise electricity distribution operations: Supervise the activities of an electricity distribution facility and the operation of electrical energy distribution systems, such as power lines, in order to ensure compliance with legislation, efficient operations, and that the equipment is properly handled and maintained.
• Maintain robotic equipment: Diagnose and detect malfunctions in robotic components and systems and remove, replace, or repair these components when necessary. Execute preventative equipment maintenance tasks, such as storing robotic components in clean, dust-free, and non-humid spaces.
• Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
• Operate control systems: Configure and operate electrical, electronic and control equipment. Maintain, monitor and control operations on a control system to ensure major risks are controlled and prevented.
• Coordinate fire fighting: Organize and direct the operations of fire fighting, according to the ship’s emergency plans to ensure safety.
• Install circuit breakers: Install electrical switches designed to switch off automatically in case of an overload or short-circuit. Organise circuit breakers in the panel logically. Make sure no foreign objects are introduced into the panel. Use only circuit breakers approved for the panel, usually the same manufacturer.
• Write routine reports: Compose regular reports by writing clear observations on the monitored processes in a respective field.
• Install heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration ducts: Install ducts to deliver and remove air. Determine whether the duct should be flexible or not, and select the appropriate material based on projected usage. Waterproof and airproof the duct and insulate it against temperature influence to ensure maximum efficiency and prevent contamination with mould. Make the correct connections between the ducts and endpoints.
• Develop software prototype: Create a first incomplete or preliminary version of a piece of software application to simulate some specific aspects of the final product.
• Use CAM software: Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
• Monitor automated machines: Continuously check up on the automated machine’s set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.
• Manage workflow processes: Develop, document and implement traffic and workflow processes across the company for different functions. Liaise with several departments and services such as account management and the creative director to plan and resource work.
• Coordinate engineering teams: Plan, coordinate and supervise engineering activities together with engineers and engineering technicians. Ensure clear and effective channels of communication across all departments. Make sure the team is aware of the standards and objectives of the research and development.
• Plan manufacturing processes: Determine and schedule production and assembly steps. Plan manpower and equipment needs taking ergonomic considerations into account.
• Assemble robots: Assemble robotic machines, devices, and components according to engineering drawings. Program and install the necessary components of robotic systems, such as robot controllers, conveyors, and end-of-arm tools.
• Install automation components: Install the automation components according to the specifications of the circuit diagram.
• Analyse test data: Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.
• Manipulate medical devices materials: Manipulate materials used in the manufacturing of medical devices such as metal alloys, stainless steel, composites or polymer glass.
• Design engineering components: Design engineering parts, assemblies, products, or systems.
• Manage ship emergency plans: Organize and manage emergency operations, flooding, abandoning ship, survival at sea, search and rescue of shipwrecked, according to the ship’s emergency plans, to ensure the safety
• Ensure equipment cooling: Make sure the machines and installations are properly supplied with air and coolants in order to prevent overheating and other malfunctions.
• Examine engineering principles: Analyse the principles that need to be considered for engineering designs and projects such as functionality, replicability, costs and other principles.
• Monitor production developments: Monitor parameters to keep an eye on the production, developments and costs within your area of control.
• Re-assemble engines: Re-assemble transport equipment engines after overhaul, inspection, repair, maintenace or cleaning according to blueprints and technical plans.
• Develop strategies for electricity contingencies: Develop and implement strategies which ensure that swift and efficient actions can be taken in the event of a disruption in the generation, transmission, or distribution of electrical energy, such as a power outage or sudden increase of demand.
• Develop medical device test procedures: Develop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of medical devices and components before, during, and after the building of the medical device.
• Survive at sea in the event of ship abandonment: Identify muster signals and what emergencies they signal. Comply with established procedures. Don and use a lifejacket or an immersion suit. Safely jump into the water from a height. Swim and right an inverted liferaft while wearing a swim while wearing a lifejacket. Keep afloat without a lifejacket. Board a survival craft from the ship, or from the water while wearing a lifejacket. Take initial actions on boarding survival craft to enhance chance of survival. Stream a drogue or sea-anchor. Operate survival craft equipment. Operate location devices, including radio equipment.
• Simulate mechatronic design concepts: Simulate mechatronic design concepts through creating mechanical models and performing tolerance analysis.
• Adjust voltage: Adjust voltage in electrical equipment.
• Ensure vessel compliance with regulations: Inspect vessels, vessel components, and equipment; ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
• Design electric power systems: Construct generation plants, distribution stations and systems and transmission lines to get energy and new technology where it needs to go. Use high tech equipment, research, maintenance and repair to keep these systems running. Further design and plan layout of the buildings to be constructed.
• Draft design specifications: List the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.
• Develop mechatronic test procedures: Develop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of mechatronic systems, products, and components.
• Use precision tools: Use electronic, mechanical, electric, or optical precision tools, such as drilling machines, grinders, gear cutters and milling machines to boost accuracy while machining products.
• Operate electronic measuring instruments: Tend a wide variety of devices for measuring electronic characteristics of system components, such as optical power meter, fibre power meter, digital power meter and multimeter.
• Interpret 3D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.
• Draft bill of materials: Set up a list of materials, components, and assemblies as well as the quantities needed to manufacture a certain product.
• Use maritime English: Communicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.
• Read engineering drawings: Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
• Use CAD software: Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
• Research improvement of crop yields: Study crop production in order to discover the best way to plant, gather, and cultivate crops to increase productivity.
• Repair medical devices: Repair or modify medical appliances and supportive devices according to the specifications.
• Operate pumping systems: Operate pumps and piping systems, including control systems. Perform routine pumping operations. Operate the bilge, ballast and cargo pumping systems. Be familiar with oily-water separators (or-similar equipment).
• Maintain electronic equipment: Check and repair electronic equipment. Develop maintenance tasks on electronic equipment. Detect malfunction, locate faults and take measures to prevent damage.
• Design prototypes: Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.
• Conduct performance tests: Conduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditions.
• Interpret technical requirements: Analyse, understand and apply the information provided regarding technical conditions.
• Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
• Report analysis results: Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well as potential interpretations of the results.
• Liaise with engineers: Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
• Determine production feasibility: Determine if a product or its components can be produced by applying engineering principles.
• Replace machines: Evaluate when to invest in replacing machines or machine tools and take the necessary actions.
• Operate scientific measuring equipment: Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
• Use tools for construction and repair: Construct and repair ships and equipment using hand tools, machine tools, and measuring instruments. Safely carry out emergency or temporary repairs. Take measures to ensure a safe working environment. Use various types of sealants and packaging.
• Perform project management: Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project’s progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.
• Program firmware: Program permanent software with a read-only memory (ROM) on a hardware device, such as an integrated circuit.
• Use technical documentation: Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
• Operate life-saving appliances: Operate survival craft and their launching appliances and arrangements. Operate life-saving instruments like radio life-saving appliances, satellite EPIRBs, SARTs, immersion suits and thermal protective aids.
• Advise architects: Give advise on design, safety issues, and cost reduction to architects during the pre-application phase.
• Execute feasibility study: Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the process of decision making.
• Operate precision machinery: Operate machinery used for the making of small systems or components with a high level of precision.
• Set up the controller of a machine: Set up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.
• Define technical requirements: Specify technical properties of goods, materials, methods, processes, services, systems, software and functionalities by identifying and responding to the particular needs that are to be satisfied according to customer requirements.
• Disassemble engines: Disassemble internal combustion engines, generators, pumps, transmissions and other components of mechanical equipment.
• Assemble mechatronic units: Assemble mechatronic units using mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, and information technology systems and components. Manipulate and attach metals through using welding and soldering techniques, glue, screws, and rivets. Install wiring. Install drive systems, sensors, actuators, and transducers. Mount switches, control devices, coverings, and protection.
• Build business relationships: Establish a positive, long-term relationship between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the organisation and its objectives.
• Maintain safe engineering watches: Observe principles in keeping an engineering watch. Take over, accept and hand over a watch. Perform routine duties undertaken during a watch. Maintain the machinery space logs and the significance of the readings taken. Observe safety and emergency procedures. Observe safety precautions during a watch and take immediate actions in the event of fire or accident, with particular reference to oil systems.
• Maintain control systems for automated equipment: Check, maintain and repair electrical and electronic elements. Check and update software of automated equipment.
• Interpret 2D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.
• Design ventilation network: Draft ventilation network. Prepare and plan the ventilation layout using specialist software. Design heating or cooling systems as required. Improve efficiency of ventilation network to lower energy consumption, including the interplay between a near zero energy building (nZEB), its use, and the right ventilation strategy.
• Assess environmental impact: Monitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation’s environmental risks while taking costs into account.
• Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
• Develop electricity distribution schedule: Develop plans which outline the timelines and routes for the distribution of electrical energy, taking into account both the current and potential future demands of electrical energy, ensuring that the supply can meet demands, and distribution occurs in an efficient and safe manner.
• Prepare production prototypes: Prepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.
• Assess financial viability: Revise and analyse financial information and requirements of projects such as their budget appraisal, expected turnover, and risk assessment for determining the benefits and costs of the project. Assess if the agreement or project will redeem its investment, and whether the potential profit is worth the financial risk.
• Set up automotive robot: Set up and programme an automotive robot working on machine processes and substituting or collaboratively supporting human labour, such as the six-axis automotive robot.
• Swim: Move through water by means of the limbs.
• Evaluate engine performance: Read and comprehend engineering manuals and publications; test engines in order to evaluate engine performance.
• Install heating furnace: Place a furnace which heats air to be distributed around a structure. Connect the furnace to a source of fuel or electricity and connect any air ducts to guide the heated air. Configure the furnace.
• Prepare assembly drawings: Create the drawings that identify the different components and materials, and that provide instructions as to how they should be assembled.
• Analyse production processes for improvement: Analyse production processes leading toward improvement. Analyse in order to reduce production losses and overall manufacturing costs.
• Design thermal equipment: Conceptually design equipment for healing and cooling using heat transfer principles such as conduction, convection, radiation and combustion. The temperature for these devices should stay stable and optimal, since they continually move heat around the system.
• Design thermal requirements: Engineer level design requirements for thermal products such as telecom systems. Improve and optimize these designs by using thermal solutions or experimentation and validation techniques.
• Perform resource planning: Estimate the expected input in terms of time, human and financial resources necessary to achieve the project objectives.
• Follow company standards: Lead and manage according to the organisation’s code of conduct.
• Operate ship propulsion system: Perform start-up and subsequent observation of the working parameters of the ship’s propulsion system. Check the operating parameters of electric generators in the switchboard, power sources and electrical and electronic equipment and navigation lights. Verify that the operating parameters of pneumatic and hydraulic systems are within the values. Perform simple maintenance procedures, repair and replacement of damaged items.
• Monitor electric generators: Monitor the operation of electric generators in power stations in order to ensure functionality and safety, and to identify need for repairs and maintenance.
• Design automation components: Design engineering parts, assemblies, products, or systems that contribute to the automation of industrial machines.
• Operate ship rescue machinery: Operate rescue boats and survival craft. Launch the boats as required and operate their equipment. Take care of survivors and survival craft after abandoning ship. Use electronic devices to track and communicate location, including communications and signalling apparatus and pyrotechnics.
• Develop product design: Convert market requirements into product design and development.
• Control production: Plan, coordinate, and direct all production activities to ensure the goods are made on time, in correct order, of adequate quality and composition, starting from intake goods up to shipping.

2144 – Mechanical engineers 

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 References