Mechanical Engineer
A mechanical engineer is a professional who designs and develops mechanical equipment and systems used in different industries. The mechanical engineer oversees the whole product life cycle, from design to installation and maintenance.
Salary
The salary of a mechanical engineer can vary depending on work experience and job conditions.
Working hours
Variable, depending on the employer and project.
Remote work possibility
Limited, for some activities, depending on the employer.
Types of employers
In Romania, a mechanical engineer can work in different ways:
Employee in a production or processing company in industries like automotive or food industry
Employee in a public utilities company
Employee in a maintenance and service company for equipment and industrial machines
Employee in a transport company
Employee in a public institution
Employee in another type of public or private organization working in mechanical engineering
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and improve products, equipment, or mechanical systems
Analyze the performance of a product/system and suggest changes to improve it
Work with a diverse team to create technical project specifications and implement them
Test and analyze prototypes to check their performance
Take care of product maintenance after they are finished
Identify possible technical and safety issues and solve them
Transform product ideas from research into technical plans
Sources: (1) + (2) + (3)
Skills
Technical and engineering skills
Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering, technology, and design
Understanding the production process of industrial products and the factors that influence it
Strong math knowledge and ability to apply theory in solving technical problems
Ability to use tools and software programs in the field
Analytical and logical thinking
Ability to analyze client needs and technical options to find the most practical project form
Ability to identify problems in a system/product and find the most effective solution
Analytical thinking in analyzing, planning, evaluating, and improving mechanical products and processes
Interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work in a team and coordinate colleagues
Good verbal and written communication skills
Ability to explain technical information in simple terms
Organizational skills
Ability to plan and manage available resources efficiently
Ability to work under pressure and stay calm in all situations
Sources: (1) + (2) + (3) + (4)
Qualifications
To become a mechanical engineer, a person needs to:
Finish a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field at an accredited university. A bachelor’s degree usually lasts 4 years and ends with a diploma in engineering.
A master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related fields is not mandatory but can be an advantage compared to other candidates. It also offers the chance for specialization. A master’s program usually lasts 2 years.
Sources: (1) + (2)
What else you can do
Take part in practice or internship programs in mechanical or automotive companies
Join career fairs or technical events to connect with possible future employers
Join extracurricular projects at university, such as clubs or competitions
Attend workshops or conferences in mechanical engineering
Read specialized books and stay up to date with new trends and changes in the industry
Join specialization courses or get extra certifications, for example in project management or in software/processes used in mechanical engineering
Sources: (2) + (4)
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