Mechanical engineer

Description

Mechanical engineers research, plan and design mechanical products and systems and supervise the fabrication, operation, application, installation and repair of systems and products. They research and analyse data.

Other titles

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

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as mechanical engineer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

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.

Mechanical engineer career path

Similar occupations

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

Promotions or specializations

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of mechanical engineer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of mechanical engineer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills of mechanical engineer

Essential knowledge

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

Engineering principles
Technical drawings
Engineering processes
Mechanical engineering
Mechanics

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of mechanical engineer.

Adjust engineering designs
Perform scientific research
Use technical drawing software
Approve engineering design

Optional knowledge and skills of mechanical engineer

Optional knowledge

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

Optional skills and competences

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
Create solutions to problems
Keep up with digital transformation of industrial processes
Provide technical documentation
Model medical devices
Wear cleanroom suit
Ensure compliance with environmental legislation
Test medical devices
Gather technical information
Conduct literature research
Communicate with customers
Test procedures in electricity transmission
Develop electronic test procedures
Work in outdoor conditions
Use a computer
Develop agricultural policies
Manage the operation of propulsion plant machinery
Work in a fishery team
Apply medical first aid on board ship
Install transport equipment engines
Design firmware
Manage electricity transmission system
Repair engines
Prevent fires on board
Oversee construction project
Lead a team in fishery services
Inspect overhead power lines
Ensure compliance with safety legislation
Provide advice to farmers
Debug software
Maintain shipboard machinery
Solder electronics
Design medical devices
Operate marine machinery systems
Manage engine-room resources
Ensure safety in electrical power operations
Perform data analysis
Maintain agricultural machinery
Lubricate engines
Extinguish fires
Execute analytical mathematical calculations
Record test data
Troubleshoot
Use thermal management
Maintain electrical equipment
Create software design
Use computer-aided engineering systems
Monitor manufacturing quality standards
Conduct quality control analysis
Perform small vessel safety measures
Install mechatronic equipment
Perform test run
Define manufacturing quality criteria
Provide cost benefit analysis reports
Inspect engine rooms
Manufacture medical devices
Inspect facility sites
Advise on pollution prevention
Apply advanced manufacturing
Create a product’s virtual model
Report test findings
Install heating boiler
Advise on irrigation projects
Create technical plans
Communicate using the global maritime distress and safety system
Oversee quality control
Use thermal analysis
Wear appropriate protective gear
Make electrical calculations
Analyse stress resistance of products
Respond to electrical power contingencies
Determine production capacity
Read standard blueprints
Ensure compliance with electricity distribution schedule
Perform small vessel safety procedures
Calibrate mechatronic instruments
Manage engineering project
Pollution at sea prevention
Test mechatronic units
Conduct training on biomedical equipment
Inspect underground power cables
Supervise electricity distribution operations
Maintain robotic equipment
Use testing equipment
Operate control systems
Create AutoCAD drawings
Coordinate fire fighting
Install circuit breakers
Write routine reports
Install heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration ducts
Develop software prototype
Use CAM software
Monitor automated machines
Manage workflow processes
Coordinate engineering teams
Plan manufacturing processes
Assemble robots
Install automation components
Analyse test data
Manipulate medical devices materials
Follow safety standards in industrial contexts
Design engineering components
Manage ship emergency plans
Ensure equipment cooling
Examine engineering principles
Provide advice to technicians
Monitor production developments
Re-assemble engines
Develop strategies for electricity contingencies
Develop medical device test procedures
Survive at sea in the event of ship abandonment
Simulate mechatronic design concepts
Adjust voltage
Ensure vessel compliance with regulations
Design electric power systems
Draft design specifications
Develop mechatronic test procedures
Use precision tools
Operate electronic measuring instruments
Interpret 3D plans
Draft bill of materials
Use maritime English
Read engineering drawings
Use CAD software
Research improvement of crop yields
Repair medical devices
Operate pumping systems
Maintain electronic equipment
Design prototypes
Conduct performance tests
Interpret technical requirements
Apply technical communication skills
Report analysis results
Liaise with engineers
Determine production feasibility
Replace machines
Operate scientific measuring equipment
Use tools for construction and repair
Perform project management
Program firmware
Use technical documentation
Operate life-saving appliances
Advise architects
Execute feasibility study
Operate precision machinery
Set up the controller of a machine
Define technical requirements
Disassemble engines
Assemble mechatronic units
Build business relationships
Maintain safe engineering watches
Maintain control systems for automated equipment
Interpret 2D plans
Design ventilation network
Assess environmental impact
Train employees
Provide training
Develop electricity distribution schedule
Prepare production prototypes
Assess financial viability
Set up automotive robot
Swim
Evaluate engine performance
Install heating furnace
Prepare assembly drawings
Analyse production processes for improvement
Design thermal equipment
Design thermal requirements
Perform resource planning
Follow company standards
Operate ship propulsion system
Monitor electric generators
Design automation components
Operate ship rescue machinery
Develop product design
Control production

ISCO group and title

2144 – Mechanical engineers

 

 


 

 

References

ESCO

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Last updated on June 8, 2022