Mechanical Engineer
Also advertised as: Design Engineer, Graduate Mechanical Engineer, materials engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, mechanical engineer, Mechanical Engineer
Designs, tests and improves mechanical components, machines and systems.
What the job involves
Mechanical engineers turn concepts into working parts and machines, using calculations and simulation to check they will perform safely. You might design a pump, a gearbox or a production line fixture, then oversee prototyping and testing. The role spans desk-based design work and time on the shop floor solving real build problems.
Typical responsibilities
- Design mechanical parts and assemblies using CAD
- Run stress, thermal and fatigue calculations
- Specify materials and manufacturing methods
- Support prototype build and testing
- Investigate and resolve in-service failures
Common employers
- Manufacturing companies
- Automotive suppliers
- Rail and defence contractors
- Engineering consultancies
- Energy firms
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£26,000 – £32,000 a year
With experience
£40,000 – £58,000 a year
Typical hours
37-40 hours, occasional site visits
Working environment
Office and design studio, with time on factory floors
Remote working
hybrid
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- CAD modelling
- Engineering mathematics
- Materials knowledge
- Root cause analysis
- Technical report writing
Transferable skills you may already have
- Practical problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Working with technical drawings
Requirements employers ask for
- CAD modelling
- Engineering mathematics
- Materials knowledge
- Root cause analysis
- Technical report writing
- BEng or BSc in mechanical engineering, or a relevant HNC/HND with experience
- engineering processes
- quality standards
- types of paper
- plan engineering activities
- check paper quality
- monitor production developments
- optimise production
- manufacturing processes
- types of pulp
- engineering principles
- sizes of paper
- paper production processes
Useful but not essential
- Practical problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Working with technical drawings
- Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status (IMechE)
- Master's degree for design-heavy roles
- types of wood
- use CAD software
- sales strategies
- dispose of hazardous waste
- business management principles
- use a computer
- ensure compliance with environmental legislation
- communication
Helpful qualifications
- Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status (IMechE)
- Master's degree for design-heavy roles
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Mechanical Engineer (Degree, Level 6)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Mathematics
- Related subject: Physics
- Related subject: Design and technology
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Mechanical Engineer
next
Principal Engineer
next
Engineering Manager
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Wide range of industries to work in
- Chartership brings strong long-term pay
- Tangible outputs you can see built
What people find hard
- Degree entry is competitive
- Project deadlines can mean crunch periods
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a mechanical engineer?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. required
- How much does a mechanical engineer earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £26,000 to £32,000 a year, rising towards £58,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Practical problem solving, Attention to detail, Working with technical drawings.
Related careers
Electrical Engineer
Designs and tests electrical systems, circuits and power distribution.
Aerospace Engineer
Designs, tests and certifies components and systems for aircraft or spacecraft.
CAD Technician
Produces detailed technical drawings and models from engineers' designs.
Structural Engineer
Calculates and designs the structural frame that keeps buildings and bridges standing.
Building Services Engineer
Designs the heating, ventilation, lighting and power systems inside buildings.
Automotive Engineer
Designs and tests vehicle systems from engines to electric powertrains.
Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 16 September 2026.
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