Mechanical engineer

Mechanical engineers design, build and install machinery used in industries like power, engineering, transport and manufacturing.

Potential salary: £28,000 starter to £60,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 37 to 40 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends on shifts.
Career area: Engineering
Where they might work: You could work in an office, in a factory or visit sites. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
A typical task: turn research ideas into technical plans, using computer-aided design software
Subjects that may help: 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
Typical route: You could do a higher national diploma or degree in: mechanical engineering; electromechanical engineering; mechatronics; engineering manufacturing.
Interest area used here: Making, fixing and working outdoors

Career actions

What you might do

turn research ideas into technical plans, using computer-aided design software
test mechanical systems and analyse data to make improvements
assess the safety of mechanical machinery and equipment
oversee maintenance programmes in buildings, power stations and production plants
manage a project team of technicians, designers and other engineering professionals
use low-carbon materials like bioplastics and recycled metals

More tasks (2)

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

More skills

You could do a higher national diploma or degree in: mechanical engineering; electromechanical engineering; mechatronics; engineering manufacturing.
The Engineering Council has information on accredited courses.
You should try to get some work experience during your course through: internships; a placement year in industry; a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) ambassador scheme.
This will help you to make contacts and pick up work skills that will be useful when you start applying for graduate jobs.
Your university careers service can help you find suitable opportunities.

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Aerospace engineering
Alternative route. The skills overlap. Employers of general mechanical roles may still prefer a broader degree.
Biomedical Engineering
Alternative route. Some device roles sit closer to mechanical or electronic engineering.
Building Services Engineering
Alternative route. Building services is a branch of engineering, not every mechanical engineering job.
Materials Science
Alternative route. Materials knowledge supports engineering design. It is not the same as a mechanical engineering degree.
Mechanical engineering
Direct qualifying route. The standard degree route. Chartership is later professional development.
Mechatronics
Common route. Mechanical content is substantial, but it is not identical to a mechanical engineering degree.
Product Design
Related, but not enough on its own. Product design does not replace a mechanical engineering degree.

You could complete a college course before going on to do a higher level engineering qualification or an apprenticeship.
Courses include: mechanical engineering; mechanical engineering technology; mechanical engineering - machine operations; T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering.
Before you finish your course, you could apply for a paid work placement through the Engineering Development Trust, which offers a chance to use your engineering skills and improve your career prospects.
You could apply to do an apprenticeship to become a mechanical engineer. These include: Manufacturing Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship; Electro-Mechanical Engineer Level 6 Apprenticeship - leading to a professional qualification.
You could start as a mechanical engineering technician and do further training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

Career progression

You'll be able to use your skills in industries, like: manufacturing; construction; energy and utilities; transport.
With experience, you could move into senior project management roles, specialise in research and development or become an engineering consultant.
You could work towards Chartered Engineer status through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. This would give you industry recognition of your skills and knowledge and open up more opportunities for career development.

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship