Mechanical engineering

Description

Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.

Alternative labels

engineering of mechanical systems
design mechanisms
maintain mechanisms
mechanism engineering
engineering of mechanisms
analyse mechanisms
manufacture mechanisms
mechanical system engineering

Skill type

knowledge

Skill reusability level

sector-specific

Relationships with occupations

Essential knowledge

Mechanical engineering is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Quarry engineer: Quarry engineers analyse which extraction methods such as excavating, drilling and blasting are most suited to extract raw materials from the ground. They develop plans before a new quarry is opened, assessing if the quarry is profitable. Quarry engineers manage the everyday operations in a quarry, create and maintain progress reports, oversee the staff, ensure health and safety and assess the environmental impact a quarry has on its environment.
Renewable energy engineer: Renewable energy engineers research alternative sources of energy in order to design systems for renewable energy production. They strive to optimise energy production from renewable sources, and reduce production expenses and environmental strain. They design systems which focus on energy sustainability and efficiency.
Electromechanical drafter: Electromechanical drafters draw and create blueprints together with electromechanical engineers. They interpret the specifications and requirements made by the engineer and design electromechanical equipment and components.
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning engineer: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning engineers design and develop heating, ventilation, air conditioning and possibly refrigeration systems for usage in residences, manufacturing sites, offices, commercial buildings, etc. They strive for solutions that serve the needs of clients and respond to architectural restrictions of sites.
Rotating equipment engineer: Rotating equipment engineers develop designs and specifications for rotating equipment according to any applicable standards. They also provide technical expertise and help ensure that all new and existing equipment installations are completed.
Pipeline pump operator: Pipeline pump operators tend pump equipment and systems to transfer liquids and substances (e.g. such as chemical solutions, crude oil, gases, and others) from one point to the next. They operate hoses, pumps, and other equipment according to the good to be transferred. They ensure smooth circulation and flow of the goods in the pipelines.
Fisheries refrigeration engineer: Fisheries refrigeration engineers perform maintenance and repair machines and equipment in the fish hold and refrigeration system on board of fishing vessels.
Mechanical engineering drafter: Mechanical engineering drafters convert mechanical engineers’ designs and sketches into technical drawings detailing dimensions, fastening and assembling methods and other specifications used for example in manufacturing processes.
Marine surveyor: Marine surveyors inspect vessels intended for operations in maritime or open sea waters. They ensure that vessels and equipment follow the regulations laid down by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). They may also act as third parties for the review of offshore facilities and construction projects.
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technician: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technicians aid in the design of devices which provide heating, ventilation, air conditioning and possibly refrigeration in buildings. They ensure the equipment complies with environmental standards. They handle hazardous materials used in the systems, and ensure safety precautions are in place.
Agricultural engineer: Agricultural engineers intervene in a variety of matters within the agriculture field in combination with engineering concepts. They design and develop machinery and equipment for an efficient and sustainable exploitation of the land. They advise on the use of resources in agricultural sites comprising the usage of water and soil, harvesting methods, and waste management.
Packing machinery engineer: Packing machinery engineers are in charge of and responsible for packaging machinery. They maintain and improve technical standards, analyse results, set up improvement plans, and are responsible for machinery maintenance.
Robotics engineer: Robotics engineers design and develop robotic devices and applications in combination with mechanical engineering principles. They use pre-established designs and current developments for improving or inventing systems, machinery and equipment. They combine several knowledge fields such as computing, engineering, and electronics in the development of new engineering applications.
Automation engineering technician: Automation engineering technicians collaborate with automation engineers in the development of applications and systems for the automation of the production process. Automation engineering technicians build, test, monitor, and maintain the computer-controlled systems used in automated production systems.
Mechanical engineer: 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.
Pipeline engineer: Pipeline engineers design and develop the engineering aspects for the construction of pipeline infrastructures in various kinds of sites (e.g. inland, maritime). They envision and create the specifications for pumping systems and for the general transport of goods through pipelines.
Naval architect: Naval architects design, build, maintain and repair all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines. They analyse floating structures and take various features into account for their designs such as the form, structure, stability, resistance, access and propulsion of hulls.
Electromechanical engineer: Electromechanical engineers design and develop equipment and machinery that use both electrical and mechanical technology. They make draughts and prepare documents detailing the material requisitions, the assembly process and other technical specifications. Electromechanical engineers also test and evaluate the prototypes. They oversee the manufacturing process.
Microsystem engineer: Microsystem engineers research, design, develop, and supervise the production of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which can be integrated in mechanical, optical, acoustic, and electronic products.
Fluid power engineer: Fluid power engineers supervise the assembly, installation, maintenance, and testing of fluid power equipment in accordance with specified manufacturing processes. They create designs with schematics and assembly models, make drawings and bills of materials for components, and analyse equipment.
Aircraft maintenance engineer: Aircraft maintenance engineers make preflight and postflight inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs to ensure safe and sound performance of aircrafts. They inspect aircraft prior to takeoff to detect malfunctions such as oil leaks, electrical or hydraulic problems. They verify passenger and cargo distribution and amount of fuel to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
Industrial tool design engineer: Industrial tool design engineers design various industrial tools in accordance with customer needs, manufacturing requirements, and building specifications. They test the designs, look for solutions to any problems, and oversee production.
Aircraft maintenance technician: Aircraft maintenance technicians perform preventive maintenance to aircrafts, aircrafts components, engines and assemblies, such as airframes and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They perform inspections following strict protocols and aviation laws.
Container equipment design engineer: Container equipment design engineers design equipment to contain products or liquids, according to set specifications, such as boilers or pressure vessels. They test the designs, look for solutions to any problems and oversee production.
Aerodynamics engineer: Aerodynamics engineers perform aerodynamics analysis to make sure the designs of transport equipment meet aerodynamics and performance requirements. They contribute to designing engine and engine components, and issue technical reports for the engineering staff and customers. They coordinate with other engineering departments to check that designs perform as specified. Aerodynamics engineers conduct research to assess adaptability of equipment and materials. They also analyse proposals to evaluate production time and feasibility.
Agricultural equipment design engineer: Agricultural equipment design engineers apply knowledge of engineering and biological science to solve various agricultural problems such as soil and water conservation and the processing of agricultural products. They design agricultural structures, machinery, equipment and processes.
Mechatronics engineer: Mechatronics engineers design and develop intelligent systems, such as robotic devices, smart home appliances, and aeroplanes, through combining technologies from mechanical, electronic, computer, and control engineering. They create blueprints or design documents for parts, assemblies or finished products using software programs, and also oversee and manage projects.
Optomechanical engineer: Optomechanical engineers design and develop optomechanical systems, devices, and components, such as optical mirrors and optical mounts. Optomechanical engineering combines optical engineering with mechanical engineering in the design of these systems and devices. They conduct research, perform analysis, test the devices, and supervise the research.
Thermal engineer: Thermal engineers design systems which provide heating or cooling, using thermodynamics, that transfer heat or energy through liquids and gases. They also construct these systems, and perform test to ensure proper functionality.
Nuclear reactor operator: Nuclear reactor operators directly control nuclear reactors in power plants from control panels, and are solely responsible for the alterations in reactor reactivity. They start up operations and react to changes in status such as casualties and critical events. They monitor parameters and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Mechanical engineering technician: Mechanical engineering technicians provide technical support to mechanical engineers in producing and manufacturing mechanical machinery. They help make designs and adjustments, and perform tests. They also develop layouts and drawings, collate and interpret data and write reports.
Material stress analyst: Material stress analysts plan and use software to perform structural analyses including static, stability and fatigue analyses on a variety of machines. They develop analysis of primary and secondary structures. They prepare technical reports to document their analysis results, participate in design reviews and recommend process improvements. They also assist in the development of structural test plans.
Automation engineer: Automation engineers research, design, and develop applications and systems for the automation of the production process. They implement technology and reduce, whenever applicable, human input to reach the full potential of industrial robotics. Automation engineers oversee the process and ensure all systems run safely and smoothly.
Optomechanical engineering technician: Optomechanical engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of optomechanical devices, such as optical tables, deformable mirrors, and optical mounts. Optomechanical engineering technicians build, install, test, and maintain optomechanical equipment prototypes. They determine materials and assembly requirements.
Engineering lecturer: Engineering lecturers are subject professors, teachers, or lecturers who instruct students who have obtained an upper secondary education diploma in their own specialised field of study, engineering, which is predominantly academic in nature. They work with their university research assistants and university teaching assistants for the preparation of lectures and of exams, for leading laboratory practices, grading papers and exams and for leading review and feedback sessions for the students. They also conduct academic research in their field of engineering, publish their findings and liaise with other university colleagues.
Mechatronics engineering technician: Mechatronics engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of mechatronic devices and applications through a combination of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, and computer engineering. They build, test, install, and calibrate mechatronics and solve technical problems.
Nuclear engineer: Nuclear engineers plan and design engineering equipment and processes in nuclear plants and sites. They engage in engineering activities pertaining to nuclear power plants, and develop risk solutions.
Substation engineer: Substation engineers design medium and high voltage substations used for the transmission, distribution, and generation of electrical energy. They develop methods for the efficient operation of the energy process, and ensure compliance to safety and environmental standards.
Mine mechanical engineer: Mine mechanical engineers supervise the procurement, installation, removal and maintenance of mining mechanical equipment, using their knowledge of mechanical specifications. They organise the replacement and repair of mechanical equipment and components.

Optional knowledge

Mechanical engineering is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Precision device inspector: Precision device inspectors make sure precision devices, such as micrometers and gauges, operate according to design specifications. They may adjust the precision devices and their components in case of any faults.
Oil and gas production manager: Oil and gas production managers coordinate and implement short and medium term oil and gas production schedules and plans, such as drilling, extraction operations and waste management. They steer one or more units and oversee the implementation of technical and human means, within the framework of objectives of volume, quality and planning. Oil and gas production managers design and ensure that the production plans and schedules are met.
Medical device engineer: Medical device engineers design and develop medical-technical systems, installations, and equipment such as pacemakers, MRI scanners, and X-ray machines. They monitor the whole manufacturing process from concept design to product implementation. activities undertaken include, among others, designing product improvements, developing methods and techniques to evaluate design suitability, coordinating initial production, developing test procedures, and designing manufacturing diagrams.
Civil engineering technician: Civil engineering technicians help design and execute construction plans and take on organisational tasks, for example in the planning and monitoring, and in bidding and invoicing of construction work. They also calculate material requirements, and help with the purchasing and organising, and ensure the quality of the construction materials. Civil engineering technicians may perform technical tasks in civil engineering and develop and advise on policy implementing strategies for road works, traffic lights, sewerage and water management systems.
Mine manager: Mine managers control, direct, plan and coordinate mining production activities. They have statutory responsibility for safety and are also responsible for environmental impact. They oversee the acquisition, installation, maintenance and storage of mining plant and equipment. They lead and manage according to the organisation’s code of conduct.
Mechatronics assembler: Mechatronics assemblers assemble and maintain complex mechatronic equipment and machines, such as robots, elevators, and advanced home appliances. They build the mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, install software, set the systems in operation, and maintain and repair the components and systems.
Equipment engineer: Equipment engineers design and maintain the machinery and equipment in manufacturing facilities. They design machinery that adjusts to the manufacturing requirements and processes. Moreover, they envision the maintenance of the machines and equipment for uninterrupted functioning.

Component engineer: Component engineers design and envision the engineering development of different small parts composing a bigger project, machine, or process. They ensure that parts are not conflicting from an engineering perspective.
Energy systems engineer: Energy systems engineers supervise the energy conversion and distribution processes. They analyse the energy supply and consumption efficiency developing new ways to improve the existing processes, taking into account both the technical and the financial aspects. They also study the environmental impact of energy usage and combine the production of renewable energy in the current power systems.
Satellite engineer: Satellite engineers develop, test and oversee the manufacture of satellite systems and satellite programmes. They may also develop software programs, collect and research data, and test the satellite systems. Satellite engineers can also develop systems to command and control satellites. They monitor satellites for issues and report on the behaviour of the satellite in orbit.
Electronics engineering technician: Electronics engineering technicians work closely with electronics engineers in the development of electronic equipment and devices. Electronics engineering technicians are responsible for building, testing, and maintaining electronic devices.
Instrumentation engineering technician: Instrumentation engineering technicians assist instrumentation engineers in the development of control equipment, such as valves, relays, and regulators, which can be used to monitor and control processes. Instrumentation engineering technicians are responsible for building, testing, monitoring, and maintaining of equipment. They use wrenches, beam cutters, grind saws, and overhead cranes to build and repair equipment.
Medical device engineering technician: Medical device engineering technicians collaborate with medical device engineers in the design, development and production of medical-technical systems, installations, and equipment such as pacemakers, MRI machines, and X-ray devices. They build, install, inspect, modify, repair, calibrate, and maintain medical-technical equipment and support systems. Medical device engineering technicians  are responsible for the operational readiness, safe use, economic operation and the appropriate procurement of medical equipment and facilities in hospitals.
Optical instrument production supervisor: Optical instrument production supervisors coordinate, plan and direct the optical instrument production process. They make sure the optical glass is processed properly and optical equipment is assembled according to specifications. They manage labourers working on the production line, oversee the quality of the assembled goods, and perform cost and resource management.
Sensor engineer: Sensor engineers design and develop sensors, sensor systems and products that are equipped with sensors. They plan and monitor the manufacture of these products.
Electromechanical engineering technician: Electromechanical engineering technicians collaborate with electromechanical engineers in the development of electromechanical equipment. Electromechanical engineering technicians are responsible for building, installing, testing, monitoring, and maintaining the electromechanical equipment, circuits and systems. They test this by the use of test instruments such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters. Electromechanical engineering technicians also use soldering equipment and hand tools to repair electromechanical equipment.
Industrial engineer: Industrial engineers design a vast array of production systems aiming to present efficient and effective solutions. They integrate a varied number of variables such as workers, technology, ergonomics, production flows, and product specifications for the design and implementation of production systems. They can specify and design for microsystems as well.
Military engineer: Military engineers perform technical and scientific functions in the military, such as the development of concepts for military technical equipment, support of the manufacturing of military equipment, and technical research, maintenance, and quality assurance.
Flight test engineer: Flight test engineers work with other systems engineers to plan the tests in detail and to make sure that the recording systems are installed for the required data parameters. They analyse the data collected during test flights and produce reports for individual test phases and for the final flight test. They are also responsible for the safety of the test operations.
Sensor engineering technician: Sensor engineering technicians collaborate with sensor engineers in the development of sensors, sensor systems, and products that are equipped with sensors. Their role is to build, test, maintain, and repair the sensor equipment.
Mathematician: Mathematicians study and deepen existing mathematical theories in order to expand the knowledge and find new paradigms within the field. They can apply this knowledge to challenges presented in engineering and scientific projects in order to assure that measurements, quantities, and mathematic laws prove their viability.
Robotics engineering technician: Robotics engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of robotic devices and applications through a combination of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, and computer engineering. Robotics engineering technicians build, test, install and calibrate robotic equipment.
Rolling stock engineer: Rolling stock engineers design and oversee the manufacturing process and installation of rail vehicles, including locomotives, carriages, wagons and multiple units. They design new trains and electrical or mechanical parts, supervise modifications and resolve technical problems. They also perform routine maintenance duties to ensure that trains are in good condition and meet quality and safety standards.
Hydropower technician: Hydropower technicians install and maintain systems in hydropower plants. They perform inspections, analyse problems and carry out repairs. They ensure the turbines operate in compliance with regulations, and assist the hydropower engineers in the construction of turbines.
Electrical engineer: Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems, electrical equipment, components, motors, and equipment with the feature of energy transmission. They engage in large scale projects such as the design and maintenance of power stations, and the distribution of power to smaller applications such as household appliances.
Microelectronics engineer: Microelectronics engineers design, develop, and supervise the production of small electronic devices and components such as micro-processors and integrated circuits.
Automotive engineer: Automotive engineers design and oversee the manufacturing process and operation of motor vehicles such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses and their respective engineering systems. They design new vehicles or mechanical parts, supervise modifications and resolve technical problems. They make sure the designs comply with cost specifications and other constraints. They also conduct research studying environmental, energy and safety aspects.
Precision engineer: Precision engineers design processes, machines, fixtures and other equipment that have exceptionally low engineering tolerances, are repeatable and stable over time. They ensure prototypes are built and tested and make sure the designs meet system specifications and operational requirements.
Drafter: Drafters prepare and create technical drawings using a special software or manual techniques, to show how something is built or works.
Compliance engineer: Compliance engineers strive to keep the highest compliance of systems with engineering specifications. They can exert compliance in a varied array of engineering fields including mechanical, electrical, electronical systems. They ensure the engineering complies with regulations, safety measures, and internal directives.
Optical engineer: Optical engineers design and develop different industrial applications with optics. They have knowledge of light, light transmission principles, and optics in order to design engineering specs of equipment such as microscopes, lenses, telescopes, and other optical devices.
Electrical equipment production supervisor: Electrical equipment production supervisors coordinate, plan and direct the production process of electrical equipment. They manage labourers working on the production line, oversee the quality of the assembled goods, and perform cost and resource management.
Quarry manager: Quarry managers plan, oversee and coordinate quarry operations. They coordinate extraction, processing and transportation and ensure these processes run smoothly and according to health and safety standards. Quarry managers ensure the successful running of the quarry and implement company strategies and guidelines.
Energy engineer: Energy engineers design new, efficient and clean ways to produce, transform, and distribute energy to improve environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. They extract energy through natural resources, such as oil or gas, or renewable and sustainable sources, such as wind or solar power. 
Marine engineer: Marine engineers design, build, maintain and repair the hull, mechanical, electronic equipment and auxiliary systems such as engines, pumps, heating, ventilation, generator sets. They work on all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines.
Product development engineering drafter: Product development engineering drafters design and draw blueprints to bring new concepts and products to life. They draft and draw detailed plans on how to manufacture a product.
Marine chief engineer: Marine chief engineers are responsible for the entire technical operations of the vessel including engineering, electrical, and mechanical divisions. They are the head of the entire engine department aboard the ship. They have overall responsibility for all technical operations and equipment on-board the ship. Marine chief engineers collaborate on security, survival and health care on board, observe the national and international standards of application.
Civil engineer: Civil engineers design, plan, and develop technical and engineering specifications for infrastructure and construction projects. They apply engineering knowledge in a vast array of projects, from the construction of infrastructure for transportation, housing projects, and luxury buildings, to the construction of natural sites. They design plans that seek to optimise materials and integrate specifications and resource allocation within the time constraints.
Aerospace engineer: Aerospace engineers develop, test and oversee the manufacture of flight vehicles such as aircrafts, missiles, and spacecrafts. The field of engineering they are active in, can be divided into two branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering.
Surface engineer: Surface engineers research and develop technologies for manufacturing processes that assist in altering the properties of the surface of bulk material, such as metal, in order to reduce degradation by corrosion or wear. They explore and design how to protect surfaces of (metal) workpieces and products utilising sustainable materials and testing with a minimum of waste.
Mine production manager: Mine production managers coordinate and implement short and medium term mine production schedules and plans, such as drilling, blasting, ore and mineral extraction, and waste management.
Patent engineer: Patent engineers advise companies on different aspects of intellectual property law. They analyse inventions, and research their economic potential. They check if  patent rights have already been given out for an invention and ensure that these rights have not been affected or violated.
Hydropower engineer: Hydropower engineers research, design and plan the building of facilities that generate electricity from the movement of water. They search optimal locations, conduct trials and try different materials to achieve the best result. Hydropower engineers develop strategies for more efficient energy production and analyse environmental consequences.
Pharmaceutical engineer: Pharmaceutical engineers design and develop technologies used in pharmaceutical research and drugs manufacture, advising the pharmaceutical manufacturing plants to maintain and operate those technologies and ensuring the customers` and workers` safety requirements are met. They may also be involved in the conception and design of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and research centers.
Chemical engineer: Chemical engineers design and develop large-scale chemical and physical production processes and are involved in the entire industrial process required for transforming raw materials into products.
Application engineer: Application engineers deal with the technical requirements, management, and design for the development of various engineering applications, such as systems, new product designs, or the improvements of processes. They are responsible for the implementation of a design or process improvement, they offer technical support for products, answer questions about the technical functionality and assist the sales team.

 


 

References

  1. Mechanical engineering – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022