Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Mechanical Designer
A Mechanical Designer is a professional who specializes in creating and designing mechanical systems and components for various industries. They utilize their technical knowledge and engineering expertise to develop detailed drawings, models, and specifications for mechanical products and systems. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Mechanical Designers.
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Main Responsibilities of a Mechanical Designer
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Mechanical Designer:
Adhere to
Adhere to corporate design standards.
Analyze
Analyze specifications and technical requirements to satisfy clients.
Assign
Assign part numbers and engineering release notice numbers.
Assist in
Assist in interpreting the plant PFDs, P&IDs, and plant battery limits and constraints.
Assist in the overall coordination with other Engineering Disciplines.
Assist manufacturing by cooperating in design of fixtures and fabrication drawings.
Assist with fabrication cost estimation efforts for new and existing products.
Assist with peer review for other Mechanical Design group members.
Assist with Plumbing and Fire Protection design, as needed, based on ability and experience.
Assist with the development of job specific discipline specifications.
Attend
Attend field reviews / meetings with clients.
Attend project coordination meetings with internal team members and / or external consultants.
Build
Build bill of materials and assembly drawings.
Build the product, test the product and then take product through to production.
Calculate
Calculate and dimension both flat pattern and formed view detailed production drawings.
Carry out
Carry out technical investigations and engineering support activities to support design validations.
Check
Check basic models and prints for proper use of modeling techniques and design standards.
Choose
Choose materials, surface treatments, specify thermal processes.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with engineers to understand project requirements.
Collaborate with other design disciplines, such as electrical or structural engineering.
Collaborate with other designers for peer reviews.
Collaborate with project teams to ensure design integration and compatibility.
Communicate
Communicate project status regularly with PM & Manufacturing Manager.
Communicate with suppliers to discuss component specifications, pricing, and lead time.
Conduct
Conduct constructability review and HAZOPs.
Conduct design reviews and incorporate feedback and revisions.
Conduct design validation and verification activities.
Conduct feasibility studies and evaluate design alternatives.
Conduct operability and maintainability reviews, walk-throughs and HAZOPs.
Conduct peer / senior review of other team members designs.
Conduct research and gather information for design concepts.
Conduct risk assessments on prospective projects and designs (FMEA).
Conduct tolerance analysis and ensure design fit and functionality.
Consider
Consider factors such as structural integrity, inspection, replacement and repair.
Construct
Construct prototype of new projects.
Contribute to
Contribute to design calculations.
Coordinate with
Coordinate tasks to ensure successful completion of designs.
Coordinate the design with outside consultants involved with the project.
Coordinate the use of vendor drawings and information sheets to develop the 3D model.
Coordinate with client / architect / contractor for design input.
Coordinate with necessary project consultants to review equipment.
Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturers to obtain necessary components.
Coordinate with testing and analysis teams for design validation.
Create
Create and develop original mechanical designs.
Create and maintain engineering 3D models and drawings for manufactured and purchased products.
Create and maintain solid models to engineering specifications.
Create and update engineering drawings.
Create Design Change Proposals (DCP).
Create Design Compliance Reports (DCR) & Completions Test Requirements (RAG & CTR).
Create designs and estimates in line with company procedure, regulations and client standards.
Create detailed designs and drawings for mechanical systems.
Create detailed robot simulations to OLP level and prepares supporting documentation.
Create new fabrication drawings as required to support custom orders.
Create plan drawings and details for deliverables.
Create supporting documentation for controls line ups, weld engineering and systems layout.
Define
Define subsystem architecture under considerations of platform constraints.
Define system and subsystem architecture under considerations of platform constraints.
Design
Design and detail the mechanical aspect of a hydraulic system and / or hydraulic manifold.
Design and layout engineering drawings.
Design solutions for tillage machines based on product requirements.
Design support work for instrumentation products for opto - mechanical elements.
Determine
Determine best engineering / design practices and communicate with peers.
Determine primary time table for deliverables.
Determine the Unit interfaces (HW / SW) , in close consultation with relevant disciplines.
Develop
Develop 2D and 3D models using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Develop and maintain design standards and guidelines.
Develop Bills of Material for assemblies and sub-assemblies.
Develop workarounds to overcome obstacles in the critical path.
Diagnose
Diagnose tolerance or interface problems encountered in the manufacturing process.
Document
Document all changes with project lifecycle management system Windchill PDMLink 10.1.
Document design decisions, assumptions, and rationale.
Document process improvements as part of standard Engineering work.
Engage
Engage in formal engineering review processes.
Ensure
Ensure coordination with designers and engineers of other disciplines.
Ensure designs comply with industry standards and regulations.
Ensure designs meet project timelines and deliverables.
Ensure Integral design checklist is being followed.
Escalate
Escalate resource issues to the appropriate Project Manager.
Evaluate
Evaluate and analyze design prototypes for performance and functionality.
Evaluate impact on running projects.
Exhibit
Exhibit professional, respectful interaction with customers and other team members.
Find
Find technical solutions to meet the requirements of the projects.
Follow
Follow industry codes and standards, production guidelines and project standards.
Generate
Generate 2D drawings from the 3D model as required by the project.
Generate ECOs to release completed drawings into document control system.
Generate technical specifications and documentation for designs.
Guide
Guide junior staff in the preparations of CAD drawings and BIM models.
Improve
Improve timeliness of delivery without compromising quality of solutions and services.
Incorporate
Incorporate calculations into technical drawings.
Initiate
Initiate and collaborate work with interdepartmental Improvements.
Integrate
Integrate multiple models into overall assemblies.
Interface with
Interface with customers, suppliers and company's own sales representatives on technical aspects.
Interpret
Interpret and incorporate design codes and specifications related to design requirements.
Investigate
Investigate client requirements from the Applications Engineering team.
Keep
Keep the PLM up to date by documenting their drawings in Windchill.
Liaise with
Liaise and attend meetings with relevant parties to a specific project.
Maintain
Maintain and update Engineering Release Notification process.
Maintain Design files and OQM checklists.
Maintain product and company reputation by complying with country specific regulations.
Make
Make manufacturing, modification and retail drawings and Engineering Instructions.
Mentor
Mentor other members in CMS.
Model
Model building skills helpful, as well as the ability to operate machine tools for prototyping.
Modify
Modify and edit existing drawings from markups or verbal discussions.
Participate in
Participate in design activities between different engineering groups and manufacturing.
Participate in design presentations and client meetings.
Participate in design reviews and project update meetings.
Participate in formal engineering reviews.
Participate in local Professional Development Programs, and more to develop your skills.
Participate in prototype development and testing.
Participate with floor assembly personnel to answer questions / assembly detail.
Perform
Perform calculations and simulations to validate design concepts.
Perform checks of 3D models and drawings developed by others.
Perform conceptual layout work under the supervision of the Lead Mechanical & Piping Engineer.
Perform design calculations and trade-off studies as required.
Perform detailed mechanical on-site surveys of existing systems, as required.
Perform detailed mechanical part and integration assembly design of high power.
Perform field observations of construction where appropriate.
Perform field-observations of existing conditions in preliminary design phase.
Perform general drafting duties and detail engineering work.
Perform in all stages of the design and development of machine technology.
Perform mechanical design and drafting.
Perform mechanical engineering work (design & drafting) related to.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested by the Engineering Department Management.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager, Opto-Mechanical Design.
Perform other tasks assigned by the Mechanical Team Lead.
Perform quality checks and inspections on completed designs.
Perform service, repair and calibration of instruments.
Prepare
Prepare 3D equipment modeling and 3D design.
Prepare and review 3D equipment modelling to meet company quality standards.
Prepare and review drawings and designs to ensure standards of quality and accuracy are met.
Prepare assembly drawings and related documentation of new products.
Prepare bills of materials (BOMs) and cost estimates for designs.
Prepare calculations to size ductwork, gas, HVAC, piping, plumbing and drainage.
Prepare discipline estimates by calculating complete takeoff of scope of work.
Prepare drawings for packaging of existing assemblies and parts.
Prepare or confirm all equipment selections using Integral selection procedures.
Prepare working mechanical drawings and specifications for Review, Permit, Tender and Construction.
Present
Present concept designs to the internal team and with customer.
Process
Process equipment supervision (suppliers, inspection, implementation).
Produce
Produce 3D piping & equipment design models using a range of design software.
Produce and maintain technical and engineering drawings using CAD software as required.
Produce construction drawings and documents from sketches.
Produce design documentation in accordance with team standards.
Product
Product development process ownership including documentation, preparation for development gates.
Promote
Promote active, continuous learning and improvement within the team.
Prove
Prove and understand comments made.
Provide
Provide guidance to supporting Designers.
Provide production support with equipment related issues.
Provide support during the building and installation process.
Provide support for Polaris Aircraft Operations and Maintenance.
Provide support to analysis team.
Provide technical support and guidance during the manufacturing process.
Redesign
Redesign components for functional improvements or cost reductions.
Research
Research and implement best practices for mechanical design.
Research applicable industry / customer standards and apply to design.
Resolve
Resolve checked drawings.
Review
Review and process orders for production.
Review and process shop drawings with senior staff.
Review and update existing design documentation and drawings.
Review parts for production based on inspection reports.
Review specifications and other data to develop mechanical layouts.
Select
Select appropriate materials and components for mechanical designs.
Solve
Solve problems using sound professional judgment, creativity, and innovation.
Source
Source and evaluate new mechanical components and fabrication processes.
Stay updated on
Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends.
Strive
Strive to ensure quality and timely delivery of finished products to clients.
Support
Support and mentor junior and intermediate designers.
Support concepts and designs for prototype builds with, at times, limited definition.
Support design team with R&D prototyping of new designs and current product improvements.
Support manufacturing department with system development, fabrication and troubleshooting.
Support operations during manufacture / installation.
Support pre-production build activities as required.
Support production and manufacturing teams with tooling requests and needs.
Support project kick off and attend site visits as required.
Support project managers in project planning and execution.
Support team operations and contribute to the promotion of our health and safety culture.
Support the Manufacturing Group for production and assurance of quality standards.
Support the manufacturing group in all aspects of the product quality and manufacturing process.
Take
Take initiative on tasks and in coordinating with other members of the team.
Transfer
Transfer design output to manufacturing line.
Understand
Understand and communicate consequences of his / her design on the architecture.
Understand and draws screwed and socket weld piping.
Understand and uses labeling, dimensioning, and callout standards.
Understand inter-relationship of drawings.
Use
Use AutoCAD to sketch and draw designs using input from engineers and architects.
Validate
Validate on-site installation following construction and produce as-built drawings.
Verify
Verify machine times, transfer times, system cycle time and robot interference zones.
Work with
Work as a contributing team member within a multi-discipline team.
Work closely with the Senior Project Manager in product development for product development.
Work directly with fabrication vendors during fabrication or inspection to improve standard designs.
Work directly with fabrication vendors during fabrication to resolve project specific issues.
Work from schematics, sketches and verbal instructions.
Work in conjunction with the engineers, working from the engineer's directions.
Work with and co-ordinate extended (i.e. not necessarily co-located) multi-disciplinary teams.
Work with Design and Quality teams to update quality requirements on fabrication drawings.
Work with engineers to gather mechanical & electrical designs outsourced manufacturing.
Work with others on large complex projects.
Work with outside vendors on new part specifications.
Work with product test group to test and improve design concepts.
Write
Write various reports as directed by senior staff.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Mechanical Designer:
Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
Knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and concepts.
Experience with 2D and 3D modeling and drafting.
Understanding of design standards and industry regulations.
Familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
Proficiency in design analysis and simulation software, such as ANSYS or MATLAB.
Knowledge of material properties and selection for mechanical designs.
Experience with rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing techniques.
Understanding of manufacturing processes and capabilities.
Proficiency in technical documentation and drawing standards.
Knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.
Familiarity with mechanical testing and validation methods.
Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) and stress analysis.
Understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
Knowledge of electrical and control systems integration in mechanical design.
Proficiency in using product lifecycle management (PLM) software.
Experience with mechanical assembly and fabrication processes.
Understanding of mechanical design optimization techniques.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and certifications for mechanical products.
Proficiency in using software for design automation and parametric modeling.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Mechanical Designer:
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in design work.
Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
Creativity and innovative thinking in design solutions.
Time management and organization skills.
Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic design environment.
Strong mathematical and technical aptitude.
Attention to design aesthetics and user experience.
Teamwork and ability to work in cross-functional project teams.
Continuous learning mindset and willingness to stay updated on industry advancements.
Conclusion
Mechanical Designers play a vital role in developing efficient and functional mechanical systems and components. By possessing a combination of technical expertise, design proficiency, and effective communication skills, these professionals contribute to the success and innovation of various industries.
