The Mechanical Design Engineer’s role – what does it actually involve?
The engineering sector is one that we know lots about at Dovetail Recruitment, we’ve worked with local design and manufacturing companies across Dorset and Hampshire for the last 8 years.
So if you’re thinking about studying to become a Mechanical Design Engineer, or want to move your current career in this direction – this is what you need to know.
Wise Geek give a great overview of the role:
“A mechanical design engineer uses the newest technology to design and build mechanical devices, equipment, and tools that are used in the manufacturing and production processes of various industries. They also analyze mechanical systems, components, and equipment for signs of structural fatigue, thermal stress, or vibration. Even though these engineers acquire a lot of knowledge and skill through on-the-job experience, proper education and training are necessary to get hired. These engineers may work in many different industries and collaborate with engineers from other disciplines. The various duties of an engineer include everything from initial design to building a working prototype.
Degrees available in this field range from an associate’s degree in applied science to a doctoral degree necessary to teach mechanical design engineering. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field is typically required by most employers. Formal training is important, however, the design engineers also get a lot of knowledge and experience from actually working on various types of projects. Some design engineers may have worked in more than one industry over several years and often acquire related experience and knowledge in those particular industries. For example, an engineer with knowledge of designing space suits, acquired in the aerospace industry, may use that knowledge to produce lighter equipment for firefighters while working in another industry.
Mechanical design engineers begin the process of creating something by producing a sketch or drawing. This drawing may be created on one of several types of computer aided design and drafting (CADD) systems. They may also supervise or direct other engineers in the creation of these initial design drawings. Another part of the overall design process is the analysis and troubleshooting of the mechanical processes, components, or equipment to ensure reliability. In some cases, a mechanical design engineer may be required to produce a fully functioning prototype of a design before it goes into final production.” (2)
Obviously salary depends on experience, so the average pay scale ranges from £21,008, right up to £38,949 and beyond – depending on which point in your career you’re at.
What does the career path look like?
Source: Payscale.com
Who are the 10 greatest Mechanical Engineers of our time?
If you’re still unsure if mechnical engineering is for you – this is a must read for inspiration! If these names aren’t familiar – find out what they’re famous for…and who no.1 is if you haven’t already guessed! Fazlur Rahman Khan, Steve Wozniak, Burt Rutan, Elon Musk, Henry Ford. (3)
A typical job description for a Mechanical Design Engineer
Dovetail Recruitment are working with a design and manufacturing company who are looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team. As a Mechanical Design Engineer you will be tasked with designing, detailing and creating bills of materials and generating technical proposals using software including 3D CAD, Solidworks 3D and Radan 2D.
Responsibilities and Duties include:
- Generating technical proposals, planning and estimation of mechanical work packages
- Adapting existing designs to suit customer requirements
- Delivering projects with a customer focus
- Detailing, designing and developing products using 3D CAD
- Using stress and thermal calculations
- Preparing and reviewing manufacturing documentation packages
- Developing test plans
- Using Radan 2D for legacy work and Solidworks 3D for design work
Knowledge and Experience:
- Experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer
- Relevant qualifications
- Highly proficient in the use of 2D and 3D CAD, Solidworks or similar
- Experience of writing design specifications
- Good technical understanding and understanding of engineering principles
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- This role can be adapted to suit a Senior candidate who has experience leading an engineering team and deliver NPI projects from concept to manufacture.
Useful Resources:
- Theengineer.co.uk (UK), A UK website for the centaur publication – for all things Engineering in the UK.
Digital Edition also available: TheEngineer – digital format - Engineering.com – (US) ENGINEERING.com brings the most influential voices in engineering to a worldwide audience of engineers. Our stories are informative, inspiring and entertaining.
References:
(1) https://www.glassdoor.co.uk
(2) Wisegeek.com