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| Careers: Mechanical engineer |
| Driving into the future |
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| Job description |
| Engineering has been described as the process of 'applying
science to practical use'. Mechanical engineering is the branch of
engineering that deals with the design, construction and use of
machines. The mechanical engineers' job has become increasingly
varied as it embraces more diverse technologies; mechanical
systems are seldom purely mechanical and as such an engineer's
knowledge of more recent developments in the computing, IT
and electrical engineering fields is of the utmost importance.
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| Experienced mechanical engineers usually hold either incorporated
or chartered status. Incorporated engineers specialise
in developing and applying modern technology whereas
chartered engineers are more concerned with theory. Chartered
engineers generally achieve full professional recognition.
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| Study routes |
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| Pre-degree level |
| If you are coming to the UK to gain pre-university qualifications
before moving on to higher education it is recommended that
you achieve at least five GCSEs grade A to C, including both
science and mathematics. This should be followed by three
A-levels, again including science and mathematics. Most
universities and colleges of higher education will recognise the
International and European Baccalaureate as suitable entrance
requirements. An HND (Higher National Diploma) will only
allow you to enter employment as a technician, but further
advancement through a mature entry scheme is possible.
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| Degree level |
| A three-to four-year undergraduate degree (BEng) is the initial
engineering qualification. In order to become recognised as an
incorporated mechanical engineer you should have an accredited
three-year engineering degree, completed a period of initial
professional development including practical training and
professional engineering experience, successfully passed a
professional review and finally gained corporate membership of
The Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE).
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| To qualify as a chartered mechanical engineer you must have
an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification in a
relevant engineering subject, complete a period of initial
professional development which includes formal and informal
training and professional engineering experience, successfully
pass a professional review and gain corporate membership of
the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
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| Further study |
| The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) oversees the
monitored Professional Development Scheme that leads to
chartered status. They also accredit degrees that offer the most
direct route to chartered status. After graduation you must
undertake a programme of Initial Professional Development
(IPD) with a mentor assigned to guide you through the early
stages of your career. It is possible to achieve chartered
status within four years of graduation. Continued professional
development is essential.
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| Working environment |
| Mechanical engineers have always enjoyed a fairly traditional
working week of 37 to 40 hours. Overtime is occasionally
required if there are project deadlines looming.
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| Working environments can vary from quiet, modern open-plan
offices to factory floors and outdoor environments, depending
on the type of work. There has been a marked increase in contract
work, offering increased salaries but fewer benefits such as job
security. Around 14 per cent of all engineering graduates are
female and that number is continually rising.
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| Career options |
| Mechanical engineers can find work in a vast range of industries
including the automotive, aerospace, marine, agricultural,
chemical, civil, energy and medical industries. Employers
include local and central government, the armed services, all
manufacturing industries and research and development
companies. There are also extensive opportunities to work
overseas with UK firms who are contracting to overseas
governments or oil/mining companies. Short-term consultancy
work is becoming more popular.
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| Skills required |
| Due to the varied nature of the position, a mechanical engineer
requires a broad range of skills. Creative and original thinking
is necessary at the design stage, coupled with a high level of
computer literacy and computer-aided design. Designs rarely
work first time and a methodical approach coupled with
good communication skills, judgement and reasoning are
required to recommend modifications and solve problems
with manufacturing departments and contractors. Analytical,
conceptual and research skills are also vital to the engineer to
create and fine-tune working designs.
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| Student Profile |
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Name Pierre Genon
Age 29
Home country Belgium
Course MSc Mechanical Engineering
Institution Cranfield University
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| 'I was very interested in working in motor sports and there was an arrangement
between my university and Cranfield, under the ERASMUS European exchange
programme. It allowed me to substitute my last year at Liege for a year at
Cranfield. ERASMUS paid the difference in fees between Liege and Cranfield -
I just paid the normal fee.
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| While I was working at Cranfield I made a lot of motor sport connections especially
with Formula One teams. They have strong links with Williams. They have a
crash test installation which is one of the few that Formula One teams can use.
My research project was done in collaboration with Williams and looked into
crash impact tests.'
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| Web links |
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Education UK
www.educationuk.org
Features links to UK institutions offering mechanical
engineering study options.
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Engineering Council (UK)
www.engc.org.uk
The Engineering Council (UK) was created to promote and
regulate the engineering profession in the UK. The website
contains the latest news from the world of engineering and
information on accredited establishments, careers and jobs. |
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Engineering and Physical Sciences
Research Council www.epsrc.ac.uk
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is
the UK Government's funding agency for research and training in
engineering and the physical sciences. The site has the latest news
on engineering funding in the UK. |
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Royal Academy of Engineering
www.raeng.org.uk
The Royal Academy brings together over 1,200 distinguished
engineers with the aim of promoting excellence in engineering.
Information is available on everything from becoming an
engineer to career progression. |
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Institution of Mechanical Engineers
www.imeche.org.uk
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is the UK's
qualifying body for mechanical engineers. Around 80,000
engineers worldwide are members. |
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The Institution of Incorporated Engineers
www.iie.org.uk
The Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE) provides professional
recognition and career development support, representing the
interests of about 40,000 Incorporated Engineers (IEng) and
Engineering Technicians (EngTech).
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