Mechanical Design Engineer
Career information and advice on being a Mechanical Design Engineer

As part of their responsibilities, mechanical engineers research, develop, design, manufacture and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices.  Mechanical engineering is central to the production process of most manufactured goods; it is concerned with the design, construction and operation of machines, the generation and utilisation of power, and the layout and maintenance of industrial plant.  Mechanical engineers take into consideration efficiency, effectiveness, safety, environment, and energy conservation in their design work.

Mechanical Design Engineers can also be involved in the management of people and resources, as well as the development and use of new materials and technologies.

Typically a Mechanical Design Engineer will work with internal or external clients as part of a team.  The Mechanical Design Engineer will be involved in all aspects of project management.  

Formal duties will include maintenance of  product design documentation, generation and  maintenance of design requirement specifications,  engineering prints, material specifications and bills-of-materials.  Change management of alterations to a product design, specification, constituent materials and manufacturing or assembly processes is a key role.

In some industries and applications a formal fully documented trail of design, specification and manufacturing and assembly changes is a legal requirement.

Mechanical Design Engineers are usually employed by the company that has been commissioned to complete the job. They could, however, also be employed by a client if the company is big enough to handle the task itself.

Other opportunities for Mechanical Design Engineers are specialised fields within Mechanical Design Engineering, usually on very large or highly specialised jobs,  for example Electro-Mechanical Design Engineers, Water and Power Design Engineers, Petroleum Production Design Engineers.

Closely related careers include Project  Managers. 

Working under a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer , a Mechanical Design Engineer could work closely with Accountants, Other Engineers and Planners, Buyers, Safety Engineers and the client.  The exact team will depend on the technical area of the job to be carried out.

Your Functions May include

• Providing engineering design and guidance, along with existing team members, to advance product definition
• Solving complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of multiple factors and tradeoffs
• Providing hands-on skills to help produce necessary prototypes
• Working with engineering and production personnel to develop and maintain critical manufacturing processes, tooling, test fixtures, and documentation
• Assisting in component sourcing and vendor management
• Preparing and presenting  technical status reviews