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Mechanical Engineer (Technical)
A mechanical engineer is concerned with the design, development, installation, operation and maintenance of just about anything that has moveable parts. Mechanical engineers may be involved in activities such as design - turning plans into new products or revising existing ones; research and development - continually trying to find solutions to engineering problems, using new technologies when they become available and production - planning and designing new production processes.
Mechanical engineers work in all kinds of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, renewable energy, railways, automotive, medical and sports.
Around 75,000 mechanical engineers worldwide are members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Employers include aerospace and automotive industries, energy utilities, engineering construction companies, manufacturing industries, oil and gas industries, the Civil Service and the transport industry.
Mechanical engineers who train to be a mechanical engineer are usually good at maths and IT (this could include designing), they are usually logical and inquisitive and like to be up to date with all the latest technologies. The typical way to train as a mechanical engineer is to study full time at university or college for a first degree. There is a wide choice of courses and qualifications offered across the UK to mechanical engineers.
The normal working hours for a mechanical engineer are 37-40 hours a week, although the actual number of hours may be considerably longer, depending on the project. Being a mechanical engineer is by no means a 9-5 job.
Work environments for mechanical engineers may range from quiet, modern, open-plan offices to factory production areas, which may be noisy. At times, engineers may have to visit outdoor sites.
Salaries for mechanical engineers may range from around £16,500 to £50,000 a year or more.
Mechanical engineers have good prospects for promotion, particularly if they combine engineering skills with managerial aptitude. Some mechanical engineers work independently as consultants. There are good opportunities overseas for mechanical engineers.
Jobs of this type currently available
- Category:
- Engineering/Technical
- Published:
- 29 Jun 08
- Based in:
- Dundee
- Salary:
- Negotiable
- Category:
- Engineering/Technical
- Published:
- 30 May 08
- Based in:
- England
- Salary:
- £30,000 - £40,000
