Mechanical engineers develop and design components and machinery used in industry.
What does a mechanical engineer do?
The daily duties of a mechanical engineer might include creating technical plans using computer aided design; researching and assessing new products and innovations; presenting design plans and data to managers; overseeing maintenance programmes and quality control, as well as managing and leading a project team.
What do I need to do to become a mechanical engineer?
You will need to be technically minded, good at maths and science, and like solving problems. You will usually need a foundation degree, HNC/HND or degree in an engineering subject.
Academic route
- Five GCSEs (grades A-C)
- Two or three A levels, often including maths and physics
Desirable qualifications
- Foundation degree
- HNC/HND
- A degree in an engineering subject
Where to find out more
Where could I be working?
You could find work with local and central government, the armed services, manufacturers in all industries, research and development companies, and public utilities.