Mechanical engineer

The Work
You could be: working on the construction and installation of new industrial equipment and machinery, and supervising their initial testing working on manufacturing systems in industry to make sure that products are manufactured efficiently, effectively and economically carrying out basic research into particular issues and problems in the design or manufacture of equipment using the results of research to modify the design of new equipment and machinery making models or trial versions of new designs to make sure that they will work correctly responsible for maintaining equipment and machinery and ensuring that faults are diagnosed and put right as quickly as possible writing reports and giving presentations.
Conditions
Mechanical engineers work in a wide variety of locations, including offices, design laboratories, workshops and factories.
If you work in production, the conditions can sometimes be noisy, dirty or dusty and you may have to wear safety glasses, footwear and headgear.
Many engineers work normal hours, but if you are involved in continuous production in industry you may have to be on call outside normal working hours or to work shifts.
Getting In
Most employers would expect you to have a BEng or MEng degree in mechanical engineering. Other subjects with a high mechanical engineering content may be acceptable. Some employers may accept a Higher National Diploma (HND).
For a degree course you would normally need 4-5 good Highers including Maths and Physics or a technological subject.
You may be able to qualify by other training routes.
Relevant work experience, while studying, can be helpful.There are job opportunities for mechanical engineers in a very wide range of organisations such as manufacturing companies, the construction industry, transport companies, defence industries, energy companies, the Civil Service and other public bodies such as local authorities and the National Health Service.
What Does It Take?
You need to have: an interest in solving scientific and technical problems a creative, logical and practical approach to solving problems a high level of technical ability excellent IT and computer-aided design (CAD) skills good communication skills to deal with a wide range of peopl business awareness.
You need to be able to: handle complex information plan, prioritise and organise programmes of work work to timetables and under pressure to meet deadlines write clear and concise reports and make presentations work on your own and also as part of a team
Be adaptable.
Training

After gaining your HND or degree and some further training with an employer, you can register with the Engineering Council as a professional engineer - either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).For IEng you need to have either a recognised Bachelors degree or a recognised HNC or HND plus further study to Bachelors degree level. For CEng you need to have a recognised Bachelors degree with Honours plus a recognised Masters degree (or equivalent), or a recognised integrated Master of Engineering (MEng) degree.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) operates the Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS) which can lead to Chartered status. If you do not have any of the above qualifications, you may still be able to achieve IEng or CEng by other approved routes. You can check these alternative routes with the Engineering Council or with the appropriate professional engineering institution. You might study part time for a postgraduate qualification.
You must keep up to date with new developments throughout your career.
Getting On
Mechanical engineers who first qualify as IEng can progress to CEng after further training and experience. This can open up a wider range of opportunities.
All Chartered engineers can also apply for European Engineer Status (Eur Ing). This can be a distinct advantage as companies begin to operate more in international markets. You might also specialise in research and development, manufacturing and production, installation or maintenance.
You might move into marketing or sales or general management. You could move into teaching and academic research in colleges and universities.
Some highly qualified engineers become consultants offering specialist engineering services. There can be good opportunities to work abroad.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on: where you work the size of the company or organisation you work for the demand for the job. The starting salary for mechanical engineers at graduate entry is usually£25,000to£30,000 a year. With experience this can rise to £40,000 to £55,000 a year.