What does a mechanical engineer do?

Mechanical engineering impacts pretty much all aspects of our lives. The buildings we live in and work in have all had the input of a mechanical engineer. The cars, buses, boats, planes and other forms of transport we use have all had their input too. Even in the food production sector, mechanical engineers play their part.

But what do mechanical engineers do on a daily basis? In this post, we’ll explore more in detail their role. Anyone who works in this type of job is highly skilled and trained. And if you would like to follow in their footsteps, you should consider studying a Mechanical engineering degree.

Mechanical engineers: Definition

Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices and systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from designing and building vehicles and machinery to developing renewable energy systems and medical devices. As mentioned earlier, their work takes place across numerous industries and can be seen in most aspects of our lives. Some examples include automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and more.

What do mechanical engineers do?

Having looked at the definition of a mechanical engineers, let’s look more in detail at some of the tasks they do. It must be stated that the daily tasks of a mechanical engineer can vary depending on their specific role and the project they are working on. However, these are just some common activities that mechanical engineers engage in regularly:

• Design and Analysis: Mechanical engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed designs and simulations of mechanical components and systems. They perform calculations, analyse data, and test prototypes to ensure the functionality and safety of their designs.
• Research and Development: Mechanical engineers are often involved in researching new technologies and materials to improve the performance and efficiency of mechanical systems. They stay updated with the latest advancements in the field and incorporate them into their designs.
• Project Management: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to plan, organise, and execute projects. They must coordinate with other engineers, technicians, and stakeholders to meet project deadlines and objectives.
• Testing and Troubleshooting: Conduct tests and experiments to assess the performance and reliability of mechanical systems. They analyse test data, identify problems, and implement solutions to optimise performance and ensure safety.

What jobs can mechanical engineers do?

Mechanical engineers work on a wide range of projects across various industries. Depending on your area of interest and specialism, you can have a very varied career. Here are some examples of jobs mechanical engineers do:

• Automotive Engineering: Mechanical engineers contribute to the design and development of vehicles and their components. They work on improving fuel efficiency, safety features, and overall performance.
• Aerospace Engineering: Designing aircraft, propulsion systems, and spacecraft. They ensure aerodynamic efficiency, structural integrity, and safety standards compliance.
• Energy Systems: Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in developing renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines and solar panels. They aim to maximise energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Manufacturing: Mechanical engineers design and optimise manufacturing processes and equipment to improve productivity and quality. They may develop automated systems and robotics to streamline production.
• Biomedical Engineer: Mechanical engineers also work in the biomedical field. Here, they are responsible for designing and managing the production of life-saving medical equipment, including artificial limbs, pacemakers and even robotic surgical assistants.
• Construction Engineer - As a mechanical engineer, you could be responsible for the fine details of a construction project whether that’s a new residential building or office space. Engineers look at how to make the building more efficient, improving safety features etc.

What do I need to be a mechanical engineer?

To become a mechanical engineer, you will need a combination of technical knowledge and understanding, some experience if possible, and key skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership and problem solving.

If you choose to study your degree at Universidad Europea, you will have the opportunity to complete internships and work placements at leading engineering firms, getting the experience and know how before you even graduate. We place great importance on learning by doing, and as well as those opportunities, you will also be able to benefit from some of the finest facilities on campus to study engineering, such as our FABLab or Industry 4.0 Laboratory.