what is a mechanical engineer?
As a mechanical engineer, you are tasked with designing, building and testing mechanical devices. You construct and modify a variety of machines and systems. You also install and maintain motors, equipment and industrial systems based on their desired uses. As a mechanical engineer, you develop specifications for designing and creating tools and systems. That means you assess a project's requirements and plan and develop mechanical designs for the new products. You also ascertain the performance of mechanical components by creating testing processes and conducting tests.
Mechanical engineers work in various industries. They use their knowledge of engineering concepts to develop machines used in the healthcare, power, transport and manufacturing sectors. Some also work in research facilities to develop and test advanced technologies, such as nanotechnology or biotechnology. The roles of mechanical engineers vary as different industries apply unique engineering concepts to create products and mechanical components. Since mechanical engineers are needed in all sectors, you can secure a job in your desired industry.
As a mechanical engineer, you require technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to modify existing machine designs. You should also demonstrate the scientific and numerical ability to solve complex mechanical issues.
Would working as a mechanical engineer suit your numerical skills and ability to solve complex mechanical issues? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a mechanical engineer role.
mechanical engineer jobsaverage mechanical engineer salary
According to Job Bank, mechanical engineers take home an average salary of $122,048 annually. However, if you are new to the role, your earnings are lower since you have minimal experience and skills. You start with a salary of $77,722 per year, but the amount increases gradually with experience. The most experienced mechanical engineers make up to $125,578 yearly.
what factors affect the salary of a mechanical engineer?
Mechanical engineer salaries vary with experience and qualifications. Engineers with a licence usually take home higher salaries than entry-level mechanical engineers. Hence, improving your skills through internships and entry-level positions increases your salary prospects. A master's degree or professional certification in mechanical engineering also boosts your earning potential. You can negotiate a higher salary when you have specialized skills in a particular area.
The projects you work on also influence your earnings. When you work on large projects with unlimited funding, your salary reflects the complexity of the duties involved. Smaller projects have lower earnings due to the limited funds, but they offer great opportunities for mechanical engineers in entry-level positions.
types of mechanical engineers
Some of the mechanical engineering fields and specialization options include:
- manufacturing engineering: as a mechanical engineer, you play a vital role in manufacturing industries as you design the machines and technology used to create various products. Some mechanical engineers design equipment and machines for food production, as well as medical devices for diagnosis and medicine production. You also design specifications for the manufacturing of automobiles and household appliances, such as air-conditioning systems.
- process engineering: as a mechanical engineer, you assess mechanical processes and develop modifications to improve efficiency and safety. You investigate the functions of machines and develop modifications to improve the systems. After testing, you install the systems to improve industrial processes.
- robotics engineering: as a mechanical engineer, you can specialize in building and maintaining robots. Your job is to develop robot designs based on their functions and technology. You determine their performance, such as how the robots react to stimuli. You also create modifications and perform regular maintenance on the robots.
- automotive engineering: as a mechanical engineer working in the automotive industry, you play a role in designing and manufacturing vehicles. You also participate in auto research to develop modifications that improve the performance of vehicles. For instance, you develop alternatives for powering and fuelling mechanisms.
working as a mechanical engineer
Are you looking for a position as a mechanical engineer? Before you join the role, find out the duties, tasks and work environments of mechanical engineers.
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what does a mechanical engineer do?
The specific tasks of mechanical engineers vary depending on the industry. However, some typical duties include:
- analyzing problems: your work aims to solve a problem or respond to industrial requirements. For instance, if an industrial process consumes a lot of energy, you find a mechanical solution for optimizing the production process. You can create a new mechanical device or modify the existing equipment.
- producing mechanical designs and drawings: you design mechanical components and equipment by creating the blueprints and designs for machines. Since all mechanical parts require technical drawings, you use a computer-aided design (CAD) system to make the drawings.
- developing prototypes: you create prototypes from the design drawings and blueprints developed to solve a mechanical problem. You test the design and validate product hypotheses from the prototype. If the design prototype solves the issues, the product moves to the production phase, or you adjust the features to suit the desired functions.
- supervising manufacturing: when a product prototype passes the testing phase, it goes to full production. As a mechanical engineer, you supervise its production to ensure a successful outcome. You double-check that the machine contains all the expected features and performs optimally.
- creating technical documentation: every machine or equipment comes with technical information on its components and uses. The documentation also highlights how the equipment meets industry standards and complies with the regulations. As a mechanical engineer, you create the technical documentation for every product you design.
- budgeting and pricing products: before starting a mechanical engineering project, you discuss the cost implications with the relevant parties. After production, you assist the company in pricing the equipment based on various cost implications, including features, time and expenses.
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work environment of a mechanical engineer
Mechanical engineers work in diverse environments based on their projects or industry. Some work in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical and transport industries. As a mechanical engineer, your work is office-based during the design phase. You generate technical drawings and create prototypes within an office environment. You also make regular visits to factories, plants and workshops. Factory production areas can be noisy, especially in the automotive industry. Sometimes, you visit factories to repair or maintain equipment, which requires you to wear protective gear. The role involves travelling, especially if your office is located far away from factory production areas. During the design stage, you sometimes work from home.
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who are your colleagues?
As a mechanical engineer, you work in diverse industries, from manufacturing to technology and pharmaceutical companies. Hence, you interact with a range of professionals, from high-level managers, like operations managers or product managers, to industry support workers, such as welders and assemblers. In addition to material handlers and machinists, you may work alongside project managers, plant managers and electrical engineers.
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mechanical engineer work schedule
The typical work hours of mechanical engineers are 36 to 40 hours a week in a full-time position. That means you work regular office hours with occasional evenings or weekend overtime. During the design stage, you may work overtime to complete the prototypes on time. Part-time roles usually involve working a few hours daily. You can also work on a consultation basis or on a short-term contract via an agency. Freelance work and self-employment options are available if you have a good track record and extensive experience.
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career opportunities as a mechanical engineer
As a mechanical engineer, you start your career in a junior role and gain experience to become a lead mechanical engineer or another senior-level position. For instance, if you are interested in management, you can become a project manager or production manager. Some mechanical engineers specialize in specific industries to become robotics or mechatronics engineers. Others work in aerospace, defence or automotive engineering roles. When you gain expertise, you can become a consultant.
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advantages of finding a job as a mechanical engineer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
mechanical engineer skills and education
The requirements for becoming a mechanical engineer include:
- educational qualifications: to become a mechanical engineer, pursue a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Some employers also require a master's or doctorate in a related engineering discipline. A doctorate program allows you to specialize in a particular field.
- licensing and professional certification: mechanical engineering is a regulated profession in Canada. Hence, you require a licence from a regulatory authority before you start working. After graduation, you are eligible for a professional engineer licence after completing four years of supervised work and passing the professional practice examination. The regulatory body varies per province or territory. For instance, in New Brunswick, you register with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick, while the Engineers and Geoscientists BC organization regulates the profession in British Columbia.
competencies and characteristics of mechanical engineers
Some of the transferable skills that a mechanical engineer requires include:
- problem-solving skills: as a mechanical engineer, you should be good at analyzing and solving real-world problems. Problem-solving skills help you develop solutions and product modifications.
- creativity: as a mechanical engineer, your creative powers enable you to invent and design products or solutions for different industrial processes. Artfully-designed mechanical components usually rely on your creativity.
- math skills: becoming a mechanical engineer requires a strong aptitude for mathematics and numerical skills. Math skills are useful for analyzing data and applying mathematical concepts to design.
- communication skills: as a mechanical engineer, you work with various professionals, including computer scientists, architects and other engineers. Your ability to communicate effectively helps you exchange ideas in a professional manner to achieve project success. It is also important to be an active listener to understand the details received from the professionals.
- project management skills: since your job is to execute plans, you require project management skills. It helps you manage the projects within the allocated time and budget.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a mechanical engineer.
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is mechanical engineering a good career?
Working as a mechanical engineer is a lucrative career in Canada due to the high demand for the role. You have multiple areas of specialization, which expands your career growth opportunities. You can work in various industries and gain additional skills.
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what is the main job of a mechanical engineer?
As a mechanical engineer, you design and create machines, systems and processes. With your knowledge of mechanics and thermodynamics, you create machines that solve problems. For instance, you design air-conditioning systems, refrigerators, cars and aeroplanes.
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where do mechanical engineers work?
You use your knowledge and skills to create machines and systems. Hence, you are likely to work in manufacturing settings, especially automotive and vehicle manufacturing industries. As a mechanical engineer, you can also work in robotics, electronics and nanotechnology companies.
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how do you become a mechanical engineer?
To be a mechanical engineer in Canada, pursue a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. The degree program should be accredited to get a practising licence. To specialize in a particular area, you should get a master's degree and a doctorate.
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what is the salary of mechanical engineers?
As a mechanical engineer, you receive a salary of $122,048 per year. However, the earnings fluctuate based on experience and qualifications. The highest-paid mechanical engineers take home over $125,578 per year.
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how do I find a job as a mechanical engineer?
Finding a job near you as a mechanical engineer is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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