Mechanical engineer
Design and test all sorts of components, such as wind turbines or water pumps.
About the job
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.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Food and drink Engineering and manufacturing Energy
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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- mechanical engineering
- mechanical design
- mathcad
- asset integrity management systems
- isometric exercise
- pipe stress engineering
- process piping
- modal analysis
- torsional vibration
- simultaneous engineering
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta 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.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Maths (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'd 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. These allow you to develop specific skills and knowledge required by the automotive industry.
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