Everything you need to know about mechanical engineers and what they do.
A mechanical engineer plays vital roles in different sectors of the engineering field. From computers, electronics, aerospace, manufacturing, and biotech industries, they have a hand designing, developing, and constructing all types of tools, devices, engine parts, and machines.
As such, mechanical engineers have a big part to play in solving current problems and coming up with future solutions in all types of sectors, including; health care, transport, energy, climate, and space exploration. But just what does mechanical engineering involves?
Here is everything you need to know about the mechanical engineering profession.
What is a mechanical engineer?
Mechanical engineering involves designing, creating, fixing and operating parts, tools, devices, and machinery by applying mathematics, material science, physics, and engineering principles. It is a broad field that allows learners to develop diverse skills valuable to various industries. Unlike other engineering disciplines, mechanical engineers are valuable across the board, including in the construction, automotive, biomedical, and manufacturing sectors.
With technological advancements, mechanical engineering adopts new processes and programs to solve current and future problems. This is why mechanical engineers work or jobs are in-demand professionals in the face of technological dynamics.
What does a mechanical engineer do?
Mechanical engineers employ a combination of creativity, knowledge, and analytical tools to transform an idea into something real and tangible and improve systems, repair and maintenance. To conceive and create mechanical systems, they must be deeply conversant with dynamics, mechanics, thermodynamics, structural analysis, and electricity.
They should also have the knowledge to work with computers to produce designs and analyse them while ensuring quality control. As such, mechanical engineers have a wide range of skill that exposes them to diverse opportunities in different sectors of the economy.
- In a nutshell, mechanical engineers design or do the following:
- Examine problems to come up with mechanical devices that can solve them
- Design and create blueprints for the construction of mechanical devices
- Develop and test a prototype of systems and devices
- Analyse the performance of the prototype and make suitable changes
- Oversee the device manufacturing process
- Computer-aided design
What tools does a mechanical engineer use?
Mechanical engineers typically utilise a broad range of tools and machines in their line of work. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Power machines like air conditioners and refrigerators
- Electric generators, steam/gas turbines, internal combustion engines
- Material-handling systems
- Industrial equipment like robots for manufacturing
- Escalators and elevators
What careers are there in mechanical engineering?
Society has a high demand for most mechanical engineers, and their expertise only heightens their ceiling in the job market. From the automotive, electronics, aerospace, and energy industries, here are some notable mechanical engineering jobs:
Robotics engineers
Help design and create robots and robotic systems that can replace human performance in completing various tasks. They spend their time designing the blueprint to build the robot and the processes to run the machine appropriately. By creating robots, robotics engineers help to make jobs easier, safer, and more efficient across different sectors, especially in manufacturing.
Manufacturing engineers
Design products and machines that help to run different things. Anything that depends on parts produced by a machine relies on the knowledge of a mechanical engineer specialising in manufacturing, whether it is a home appliance or medical equipment. Knowledge of electrical engineering disciplines can be a great help for a mechanical engineer.
Heating and cooling system engineers
Heating engineering
Is also a section of mechanical engineering that involves the development of environmental systems to regulate temperature and humidity for machines such as cars, planes, and trains or buildings like schools and computer rooms. They test equipment, apparatus, and products to calculate energy losses using tools such as pressure gauges, computers, and combustion analysers to develop solutions that maximize heating and cooling efficiency.
Automotive research engineers
Auto research engineers are responsible for upgrading the performance of cars by analysing the traditional features and parts of a vehicle, such as suspension and braking systems, and proposing suitable changes to make them more efficient. The focus of automotive research engineers is generally on buses, trucks, passenger cars, and off-road vehicles. They
troubleshoot dysfunctionalities, create new parts and products, and modify existing ones to solve engineering challenges.
Materials engineers
Help solve problems across various engineering fields, including chemical, nuclear, mechanical, electrical, civil, etc. They are responsible for developing and testing materials used in these fields to develop new products that meet certain thresholds for the best performance. These engineers study the structure, chemical properties, and mechanical uses of materials such as metals, plastics, ceramics, nanomaterials, composites, etc., depending on their field of use.
Process engineers
Focus on the way things happen and get completed. They apply logic and critical thinking to eliminate faults in different processes, making them safer and more efficient. Generally, you will find process engineers working in fields such as water and power supply and the pharmaceutical industry.
What skills does a successful mechanical engineer need?
The whole field of engineering lies on the premise of solving problems. Unsurprisingly, a good mechanical engineer must possess applied creativity and a deep understanding of the work involved to come up with the right solutions. Mechanical engineers should also have leadership, networking, conflict resolution, and good interpersonal skills to work with a team successfully through product design, development, and building processes. They should also have good written and oral communication skills to be team players and enjoy working with others.
How much does a mechanical engineer earn?
According to UK statistics, the average yearly salary of a mechanical engineer is approximately 37,500 pounds, which translates to 19.23 pounds per hour. While entry-level positions in the field fetch around 32,000 pounds annually, experienced professionals command about 52,000 pounds. Mechanical engineers are highly qualified trades that have the qualifications and experience to ensure your business or commercial property runs efficiently and smoothly.
Mechanical Engineer Summary
The mechanical engineering field is broad and often not understood. This also makes mechanical engineers an integral part of society, with their footprint in almost every sector of the economy. As the world changes and new technology emerges, we will need the skills and expertise of mechanical engineers even more to solve future problems.
About BPS Mechanical Engineering
BPS have a team of mechanical engineers who are experts in all types, makes and manufacturers of systems that ensure commercial properties and businesses can operate effectively and efficiently.
Our team will take the time to understand the needs of your business to ensure they provide you with the services you need. Ranging from improving systems to installation, maintenance and repair.
BPS mechanical engineers plan, implement, maintain, and optimise the infrastructure and equipment used in your business property and other facilities. Our mechanical engineers may work alone or as part of our larger team of facilities management professionals, keeping your infrastructure and business running smoothly.
All business and commercial facilities require mechanical engineers to manage their day-to-day technical operations & critical systems and BPS ensure you have them on-site when you need them rather than having to employ someone or a team full-time.
Some of the responsibilities of our mechanical engineers include:
Project Management (MEP Engineer) – Most business projects and improvements require MEP Engineers (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) to ensure implementation and management of the design in the areas of mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing systems for existing or new site requirements.
Most businesses require a qualified specialist to design all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and our MEP design engineers ensure the design is fulfilled and will manage it from start to sign-off. Our MEP mechanical engineers can be on-site when you need them and have an understanding of your business operation and needs.
Our mechanical engineer auditing is a key function in place to review the operations, design and functioning of a particular system or property and they provide solutions for rectification of any issues or improvement in efficiency.
If you need a Mechanical Engineer or any facilities property management in Wales or the South West for your commercial property or business contact us today at 029 20 484114.