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Mechanical engineer

Design and test components and machines like wind turbines, water pumps and medical prosthetics to help people who have mobility difficulties.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£500

Entry level

£1,000

Experienced

Monthly

£2,167

Entry level

£4,333

Experienced

Yearly

£26,000

Entry level

£52,000

Experienced

9,600

people are currently employed

High growth

200 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

A day in the life – Mechanical engineer

What it's like

You'd design and test components and machines. It'd be your job to oversee the set-up of machines and check they work correctly.

You could work on different projects in many industries including:

  • manufacturing

  • construction

  • water

  • power

  • health

  • transport

  • space

For example, you could work in renewable energy to install off-shore wind turbines. Design and test improvements to prosthetic implants to help people with limited mobility. Or work on the life support systems needed to keep people alive and comfortable in orbit.

What you might do

  • turn research ideas into technical plans

  • use computer aided design/modelling (CAD/CAM) programs

  • survey mechanical systems and equipment to check they're working

  • research new products and innovations

  • present design plans and data to managers and clients

  • produce technical documents for projects

  • oversee maintenance programmes and quality control

You’d support the contract team in your company when they bid for new projects.

You'd manage and lead a project team of technicians, designers and craftspeople. They'd carry out installation and maintenance work on the machines you design.

Hours

You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, although this could increase depending on projects and deadlines. You may be on a shift system, which could include evenings and weekends, depending on your job.

Environment

Your working environment could vary from a modern, open-plan office to factory production areas and outdoor sites.

Travel

Depending on the contract, you may have to travel abroad at times.

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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • delegating
  • coaching
  • managing resources
  • developing a plan
  • attention to detail
  • researching
  • observation
  • problem solving
  • working with technology
  • cooperating

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Design and Manufacture

  • Engineering Science

  • Mathematics

  • Physics

  • Practical Craft Skills

  • Practical Electronics

  • Practical Metalwork

  • Skills for Work: Automotive Skills

  • Skills for Work: Engineering Skills

  • Applications of Mathematics

  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive

You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.

Discover what's on offer at your school on  Apprenticeships.scot.

You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) or postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or Applied Physics.

You can enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.

Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and Highers at BBBB with Advanced Higher preferred, or a relevant HNC/HND. 

Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ level 4).

Employers value work experience so finding courses with work placements or an internship, or working for a year in industry can be especially useful.

Once in a job it could benefit your career if you worked towards incorporated or chartered status with a relevant industry body and apply to the Engineering Council. You can also improve your career prospects by completing the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) continuing professional development (CPD) courses that allow you to develop specific skills and knowledge required by the automotive industry. 

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