Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineer is someone who designs and builds mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They work in a variety of fields, including automotive, aerospace, food processing, and construction. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Mechanical Engineers.
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Main Responsibilities of Mechanical Engineer
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Mechanical Engineer:
Analyze
Analyze and assess mechanical system reliability and troubleshooting for mechanical system.
Analyze test data, communicate results, and documenting findings in technical reports.
Apply
Apply design-for-manufacturing (DFM) , design-for-assembly (DFA) and GD& T principles.
Apply statistical methods for estimating yield, failure, risk, and process capability.
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Assist in
Assist client to define product specifications, schedules and resource planning.
Assist Engineering with drawings.
Assist in lifecycle changes and production release of drawings via ECOs.
Assist in preparing design, drawings and specifications.
Assist in the compilation and delivery of monthly engineering status reports.
Assist in the completion of engineering and material requisition work packages.
Assist in the mechanical architecture of new products.
Assist other departments in preparation of manuals and sales literature on assigned projects.
Assist Sales and NPD as required.
Assist team lead in day to day engineering activities and coordination.
Assist Technical Publications in creation and maintenance of product manuals.
Assist technicians in integrating all components and assemblies onto the spacecraft.
Assist the project manager with client needs by taking part in client meetings or calls, as needed.
Assist the technology program heads by collecting and tracking option requests.
Assist with process improvement.
Assist with process instructions, method sheets, equipment set-up and operating instructions.
Assist with the delivery of project requirements as they relate to scope, cost and schedule.
Assist with the design of small electronic products for sport and militay applications.
Assist with the development of new and innovative product lines and refinement of existing products.
Assure
Assure product and process quality by designing testing methods.
Assure shift coordination and follow-through on daily problems.
Attend
Attend post-award contract meetings, such as post-award kickoff meetings (PAK).
Attend routine site meetings and carry out site surveys.
Author
Author and update technical documentation.
Build
Build and understanding of the construction, commissioning and retro-commissioning processes.
Build an understanding of engineering calculations with accurate, clear design notes.
Build prototypes for feasibility, functionality, and performance assessments.
Build prototypes using Rapid Prototyping.
Calculate
Calculate load capacities of storage systems.
Check
Check project discipline documents for scope, presentation and technical accuracy.
Collaborate
Collaborate and communicate effectively with cross-functional, local and global teams.
Collaborate with different people across a multitude of cultures around our global organisation.
Collaborate with senior staff with execution of projects and orders.
Communicate
Communicate ideas and issues effectively to other team members and management.
Communicate project status through reports, presentations and design reviews.
Complete
Complete 3D assembly of construction projects.
Complete Application Consists of A cover letter addressing your qualifications and assets.
Complete checklists ensuring equipment complies to specifications.
Complete modifications to existing products to customize to fit applications.
Complete the design of complex systems that integrate hardware and software.
Complete transcript of tertiary academic record.
Conceive
Conceive and build prototypes.
Conceive, design, develop and analyze new Mechanical / Electronic door hardware.
Conceptualize
Conceptualize, design, and prototype novel products.
Conceptualize new devices using material knowledge and innovative mechanical design.
Conceptualize and implement product solutions using innovative mechanical design principals.
Conduct
Conduct and participate in lab testing and verification, sometimes in a supervisory role.
Conduct construction field reviews and site meetings.
Conduct experiments methodically, analyse data and interpret results.
Conduct experiments methodically, analyze data and interpret results.
Conduct experiments to validate designs.
Conduct other duties as necessary.
Conduct review, analysis and design of power generation processes.
Conduct site visits and engineering field reviews as required.
Contribute to
Contribute to new product design reviews with Design for Manufacturability input.
Contribute to product development from concept to commercialization.
Contribute to RFPs, RFIs and other contract-related work as assigned.
Control
Control system design and development using appropriate control system theory.
Coordinate
Coordinate and / or perform commissioning of the products line.
Coordinate mechanical designs and documents with other disciplines.
Coordinate the day-to-day activities required to deliver all projects and deliverables on time.
Coordinate the planning, scheduling, procurement and system integration.
Coordinate with engineering leadership and project managers to adequately staff projects.
Coordinate work with other engineers across multiple offices.
Craft
Craft elegant systems that function with efficiency and simplicity.
Create
Create a design from concept to final manufacturing drawings.
Create and drives roadmap for improvement end creates control point for roadmap PAS.
Create and edit operation and service manuals for products.
Create and manage highly detailed and functional 3D models and detail drawings.
Create building designs for HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection system projects.
Create component and assembly drawings for all hardware.
Create Design Compliance Reports (DCR) & Completions Test Requirements (RAG & CTR).
Create detailed designs / documentation to meet project objectives.
Create final detailed part drawings and BOM for release to purchasing and / or manufacture.
Create part numbers, BOM's (Build of Materials) and production / vendor test specifications.
Create test planning documentation and perform execution.
Create validation test plans and execute testing.
Create Work Orders and Purchase Requisitions as applicable.
Define
Define and maintain a library of functional component models within and across business units.
Define and manage mechanical scope requirements including people-hour estimates, schedules.
Define project tasks and responsibilities on new projects.
Design
Design and detail mechanical components using Solidworks.
Design and document components & complex assemblies.
Design and implement cost-effective equipment modifications to help improve safety and reliability.
Design electronic enclosures, contoured housings / products, assembly fixtures, etc..
Design Mechanical Cooling and Ventilation Systems for mission critical data centres.
Design mechanical piping and instrument diagrams (Pamp.
Design new, retro fit and modify equipment to improve safety, quality and production.
Design power plants, machines and equipment.
Design review participation.
Design / size / validate new or modification of existing equipment.
Design products and systems to interface with machines, hardware and software.
Design Team to assist with the development of break-through environmental / "green” technologies.
Develop
Develop all supporting documentation such as assembly, test procedures and facility requirements.
Develop and document engineering specifications and material requirements as required.
Develop and execute on verification and reliability testing protocols for the Treau device.
Develop and maintain positive client relationships.
Develop and maintains relationships and networks with other areas within RI&S.
Develop and maintain standards, guidelines, common systems and best practices.
Develop and recommend alternative design approaches.
Develop concepts and select a solution in collaboration with the team.
Develop feasibility studies.
Develop KPI for plant's maintenance staffs.
Develop manufacturing processes for the assembly and alignment of the products you create.
Develop methods and procedures for testing products or systems.
Develop strategies to Identify and manage project risks and potential liabilities.
Develop, test and evaluate theoretical designs.
Develop the talent pipeline and lead development activities.
Develop the work with focus on user and business requirements, compliance, quality and cost.
Document
Document activities, as required.
Drive
Drive material selection for cost and performance targets.
Drive safety and ensure all employees are adhering to safety procedures and rules.
Engage
Engage clients to identify and collect project specific information.
Engage in project commissioning including in Ingredion field or suppliers' field.
Engage students to create a positive teaching and learning environment.
Ensure
Ensure adherence to company quality program.
Ensure all EHS and quality standards are adhered on assigned shift.
Ensure applicable code, standards and regulatory requirements are met.
Ensure complete and thorough inspections are performed on all equipment scheduled for inspection.
Ensure engineering project execution.
Ensure that final designs can be efficiently assembled in our manufacturing facility.
Ensure that project construction adheres to the drawings, specifications and construction practices.
Ensure the usage and procurement and of up-to-date tools within the department.
Establish
Establish and maintain communication channels.
Establish and monitor programs for critical equipment analysis and condition monitoring techniques.
Establish design tools, software, relevant codes and standards to be used on the project.
Establish requirements and specifications and support DHF development and review.
Estimate
Estimate costs and materials.
Evaluate
Evaluate and analyze the information to understand broad requirements of project.
Evaluate contractor proposals during construction.
Evaluate final products overall performance, reliability and safety.
Evaluate intellectual property and technology development opportunities.
Evaluate manufacturing processes through investigations of issues.
Evaluate new components and robotics solutions on a continuous basis.
Evaluate intellectual property and technology development opportunities.
Evaluate the required documentation before releasing parts and assemblies to production.
Evaluate the rough draft design and decipher all specifications.
Execute
Execute engineering calculations for mechanical related subjects during design.
Execute and / or support commercial and manufacturing support requests.
Facilitate
Facilitate BIM services for various levels of project scopes.
Facilitate changes needed through configuration management and engineering.
Follow
Follow all safety protocols and procedures.
Forecast
Forecast operating costs of department and direct preparation of budget requests.
Formulate
Formulate detailed plans for execution by other less experienced engineers.
Generate
Generate and maintain documents relating to various engineering projects.
Generate detailed plans, schedules, and budgets for project activities.
Generate detailed solid models and engineering drawings.
Generate drawings using MTpro.
Generate mechanical product specifications.
Guide
Guide and mentor junior / mid level engineers in support of your projects.
Guide teams through the product development process, with a focus on quality and execution.
Help
Help and assist with technical development of junior staff.
Help Captures end-user and market-based requirements.
Identify
Identify and mitigate project risks.
Identify any deviations and liaise with owner and contactor to resolve issues in a timely manner.
Identify, communicate and manage risks, address issues constructively and with maturity.
Identify complex technical issues and provide necessary solutions to eliminate root cause.
Identify deficiencies in maintenance processes and develop sustainable improvements.
Identify, formulate and produce effective solutions to emerging problem.
Identify improvement opportunities, develop solutions and review with Senior Engineering Lead.
Identify, plan, and execute continuous product improvement projects.
Identify scope of design / drafting support needs requested by engineering teams.
Identify technology solutions to meet customer needs.
Improve
Improve processes, manufacturing engineering.
Incorporate
Incorporate Engineering Changes into existing designs.
Integrate
Integrate existing components into your designs or build them from scratch when required.
Interface with
Interface with external vendors, experts and design agencies.
Interface with other engineering disciplines as required.
Interface with suppliers or outside engineering groups when needed to assure successful integration.
Interface with vendors / suppliers regarding parts deviation.
Interpret
Interpret and validate simulation results.
Investigate
Investigate and implement cost reductions through process improvements.
Investigate mechanical failures or unexpected maintenance problems in the BMT Facility.
Keep
Keep apprised of industry and technical trends.
Keep equipment operational by coordinating maintenance and repair services.
Lead
Lead asset / equipment modernization efforts.
Lead a team of engineers and designers.
Lead component or part level development efforts.
Lead or participate in team development of Preventive and Corrective Actions.
Lead small teams to develop concepts and mentors junior engineers.
Lead technical reviews and design reviews or acts as an independent reviewer.
Lead the preparation and coordination of the project specifications with related documents.
Lead the transfer of new or improved products from research and development to manufacturing.
Liaise with
Liaise with and coordinate with the other engineering disciplines and procurement team.
Liaise with production and supply chain on product improvement initiatives.
Maintain
Maintain all automated systems including robots, CNC, conveyor, etc..
Maintain an outside-in approach for the designs created.
Maintain a working relationship with other staff.
Maintain client satisfaction and personal professionalism.
Maintain drawings in order to improve department efficiencies.
Maintain engineering master data completeness and accuracy (item data, BOM, routings).
Maintain system and product data base by writing computer programs and entering data.
Manage
Manage and lead mechanical design projects, direct and mentor the design team.
Manage and take ownership of all engineering change orders and equipment upgrades.
Manage a project development with stakeholders.
Manage equipment list and equipment delivery requests and schedule from warehouse to jobsite.
Manage mechanical component QA / QC.
Manage multiple project assignments, executing them on time and within budget.
Manage multiple, simultaneous, high-priority projects.
Manage project activities from conception to completion.
Manage the validation of design changes through testing, simulation, and calculation.
Mentor
Mentor less experienced engineers.
Mentor the professional development of departmental personnel.
Monitor
Monitor project budgets and identify inefficiencies and offer cost effective solutions.
Orchestrate
Orchestrate and execute proof of concept validation tests to ensure vehicle specifications are met.
Oversee
Oversee development of documentation necessary for manufacturing release of the prototype.
Participate
Participate and lead in the team interface with the client.
Participate, as a resource, in continuous improvement events, and green belt & black belt projects.
Participate in Client meetings including value engineering, 3D model reviews, and HAZOPs.
Participate in continuous improvement activities to ensure production of high quality products.
Participate in design reviews as assigned.
Participate in design reviews for new parts and products when required.
Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, root cause investigations, and HAZOPS as required.
Participate in engineering testing operations, analyze results, and write reports.
Participate in facility evaluations and assist in technical report writing.
Participate in field teams.
Participate in project timeline & budget building.
Participate in prototype builds, system level characterization, validation and compliance test work.
Participate in reliability networks.
Participate in risk reviews to ensure consistency with goals.
Participate in risk reviews to ensure consistency with standards.
Participate in selection of chillers, boilers and other central plant equipment.
Participate in site evaluations and data collection.
Participate in the commissioning of systems.
Participate in the development of improvement projects.
Participate in the hiring process to on-board new team member.
Participate to engineering studies.
Perform
Perform capital justification and budget support.
Perform design analyses and simulation as required.
Perform empirical studies (including Design of Experiments) to understand design robustness.
Perform failure analysis on parts, products and perform corrective actions.
Perform full range of standard work for the professional field.
Perform mechanical design of leading edge and differentiated fanless computer systems.
Perform project management functions, maintaining project schedule, scope and profitability.
Perform selection and sizing of mechanical equipment to meet the Client specifications.
Perform simulations of materials and properties and behaviors in dynamic systems.
Perform site measurements.
Perform site take offs to determine existing conditions in buildings.
Perform stress and thermal analysis and experiments to quantify and minimize error sources.
Perform structural analyses of components and assemblies using finite element analysis methods.
Perform thermal and structural analysis.
Perform tolerance analysis.
Perform tolerance testing of mechanical parts and assemblies.
Perform various duties dependent upon the projects in which the candidate is assigned.
Prepare
Prepare and / or review Engineering Change packages.
Prepare and review AutoCAD drawings.
Prepare and verify designs on site including creation of tie-in drawings.
Prepare calculations for building loads using load programs.
Prepare contract drawings and specifications in conjunction with project team for delivery to client.
Prepare cost and material estimates, project schedules, reports, and procurement specifications.
Prepare detailed design, supply, construction, and installation specifications.
Prepare engineering calculations.
Prepare Equipment specifications, datasheets, calculations, drawings, material take-offs.
Prepare or provide input to 3D models and 2D mechanical drawings.
Prepare product reports and documentation.
Prepare report / documentation to communicate results to technical community.
Prepare, review and contribute to technical memos and reports.
Prepare, review, verify technical documents, specifications, presentations and reports.
Procure
Procure materials & mechanisms, develop designs, and refine systems involving process improvements.
Procure prototypes and services as needed to support product development.
Produce
Produce complete assembly and detail drawings.
Produce cybersecurity assessment reports linked to each test event.
Produce engineering drawings for assembly and manufacture, and define integration procedures.
Produce and review design drawings and specification documents.
Produce drawings that are accurate and toleranced for mating parts fit and function.
Produce technical data sheets.
Propose
Propose which ones to work on Develop concept or prototype.
Provide
Provide advice to other Designers and Engineers regarding complex design and installation details.
Provide assistance and direction to other team members as needed.
Provide cost estimates (labor, material) for new product.
Provide design advice and support to designers and AutoCAD operators.
Provide engineering information by answering questions and requests as well as running calculations.
Provide engineering support to production, maintenance, and management.
Provide equipment recommendations to Company dealers and customers.
Provide equipment sizing and application support to project development or process.
Provide initial screening for in-person requests to meet with the program heads and associate dean.
Provide input to engineering, operating and capital cost estimates.
Provide input to or independently generates schedules for related to assigned projects.
Provide leadership, by acting as an example, to promote a culture of safe and reliable equipment.
Provide leadership in advancing standards, protocols, procedures, etc..
Provide maintenance and / or quality assurance on equipment.
Provide mentorship in the advancement and application of professional development of interns.
Provide post-release technical support.
Provide Project Engineering function to manage, and monitor completion dates and budget guidelines.
Provide purchased part documentation and BOM structural support in product development.
Provide review and oversight to procurement of mechanical related detailed design documents.
Provide support to maintenance of as-builts and quality assurance binders.
Provide technical advice on safe designs and construction.
Provide technical guidance and leadership and may serve as department lead.
Provide technical knowledge and assistance to other engineers and support personnel.
Provide technical leadership on engineering projects and own critical design tasks.
Provide technical oversight and management for mechanical design deliverables.
Provide technical phone support to customers.
Provide technical support to sales, manufacturing and service teams.
Recommend
Recommend modifications following prototype test results.
Recommend alterations to development and design to improve quality of products and / or procedures.
Recommend and implement improvements and optimizations for products and processes.
Recommend suggestions for department improvements.
Refine
Refine and direct the refinement of design options and develop engineering details.
Release
Release temporary engineering to resolve build issues in a timely manner.
Research
Research and communicate features, timelines, and costs during the design process.
Researching, evaluating, and recommending solutions and technologies based on customer needs.
Review
Review and approve design packages and specifications.
Review and approve PPWI, FAT and FEA documents.
Review and approve shop drawings.
Review and approve technical deliverables.
Review and prepare hydraulic calculations for pump selections.
Review and provide comments on Terms of Reference (ToR).
Review and Understand LEED requirements and incorporate them into the design / construction.
Review / approves other vendor equipment mechanical shop drawings and production packages.
Review designs for manufacture.
Review design work against design requirements.
Review engineering studies for equipment repair prepared by junior engineers.
Review information from reports and published documents.
Review lessons learned from past projects and incorporate recommendations into future designs.
Review project design basis and specifications to ensure integrity in-line with project requirement.
Review shop drawings and design details by analyzing for continuity and viability.
Review technical proposals for future projects execution.
Review the work of other engineers, including calculations, drawings, and reports.
Suggest
Suggest ideas, tools and systems used in the design team.
Support
Support all design centers worldwide.
Support business development activities as required.
Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization.
Support experiments to advance the science of robot cleaning.
Support external audits done at VIA Rail.
Support hardware prototype assembly and evaluation.
Support in setting up for mass manufacturing.
Support in supply chain management and vendor selection for mechanical components.
Support Project Engineering team, Maintenance, and / or Operations.
Support quality with investigations and quality decision making process.
Support selection and installation of manufacturing equipment.
Support senior engineers and scientists in R&D team with their projects.
Support statement of work and bids for new customer requests.
Support test rig design and test data analysis and reporting.
Support the Maintenance FLL with driving the completion of mechanical work orders.
Support the manufacturing dept as a new product moves to the production stages.
Take
Take a leading role in project execution.
Take responsibility for station electronic assembly documentation.
Take responsibility for station sub-assemblies and mechanisms.
Test
Test and evaluate prototypes, tooling and first articles.
Train
Train and assist plant Personnel in carrying out safety and QC Procedures and compliance.
Train others to perform servicing activities on NGS Sequencing systems.
Translate
Translate product requirements into design specifications and drawings.
Understand
Understand and apply design for reliability principles.
Understand and direct work within Stantec's quality control guidelines.
Understand and work with teams to implement defined thermal, EMC / EMI, product assembly solutions.
Update
Update mechanical drawings in regards to the snags, CN and NCR.
Update the site-wide deficiency lists to be issued at weekly construction meetings.
Utilize
Utilize Leader Imperatives and success drivers to support individual development plan.
Utilize Solidworks to create mechanical drawings for equipment and develop prototype designs.
Validate
Validate hardware according to plan while keeping a thorough procedural record.
Validate initial designs through simulation, lab testing, and user testing.
Verify
Verify and implement the correct use of design and drafting standards.
Verify machinery and process are safe and up to standards.
Work with
Work on projects under Project Lead.
Work on projects using the latest technology in the nuclear sector.
Work on very complex technological issues and develops new solutions using innovative approaches.
Work with a team of professionals, positioned to leverage a market niche.
Work with clients to identify requirements.
Work within a cross disciplinary team to design robotics platforms.
Work with industry leaders and best-in-class project teams.
Work with in-house production and international manufacturing teams to create and test prototypes.
Work with internal departments and outside vendors to obtain prototype parts.
Work with other disciplines and offices within Mott MacDonald.
Work with physicians and other medical personnel to obtain feedback on concepts.
Work with senior design staff to create designs for new products according to design requirements.
Work with station and B&V personnel to determine cause and resolution.
Work with vendors to procure prototypes.
Write
Write basis of design documents.
Write technical manuals for new equipment.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Mechanical Engineer:
Mechanical Design
Manufacturing
Product Development
MS Excel
Project Management
CAD
MS Word
Machining
CREO
Ansys
Manufacturing Processes
Revit
Injection Molding
Sheet Metal
Industry Standards
Construction
Materials
FEA
Powerpoint
Gd&T
Microsoft Office
Python
Security Clearance
Welding
Analysis
HVAC
Finite Element Analysis
Matlab
DFM
Project Engineering
Outlook
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Mechanical Engineer:
Written and oral communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Organizational capacity
Problem-solving attitude
Analytical ability
Attention to detail
Leadership
Team player
Creative
Flexible
Time-management
Planning
Self-motivated
Presentation
Positive attitude
Bilingualism
Work independently with little direction
Multi-task
Collaborative
Organized
Self-starter
Detail-oriented
Teamwork
Initiative
Autonomous
Critical thinker
Proactive
Adaptable to changes
Function with minimal supervision
Listening
