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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers are involved with almost every aspect of our lives, by inventing and designing machines such as computers, power generators and medical equipment.

Mechanical engineering offers graduates a huge variety of career paths across a wide range of industries including aeronautics, motor car and engine development, entertainment, electronics, medical and information technology.

If you are interested in a career as a mechanical engineer, visit Qualifax (www.qualifax.ie) to search for relevant courses at all levels and entry points.

Some alternative job titles for this role

  • Automotive Engineer
  • Transport Engineer
  • Aviation or Aerospace Engineer
  • Mining Engineer
  • Mechatronics (Mechanical and Electronics Engineer)
  • Mechanical Technician

What the job involves

  • Determine project requirements
  • Agree budgets, timescales and needs with clients and managers
  • Communicate with suppliers
  • Solve challenges
  • Undertake relevant research
  • Produce new designs and carry out test procedures
  • Measure performance of mechanical components, devices and engines
  • Test, evaluate, modify and retest products
  • Write reports and documentation
  • Provide technical advice
  • Analyse data

How your career can develop

Career prospects are extremely bright for dedicated professionals. The mechanical engineers' versatility allows them to work in a range of roles including research, design, project management, technical sales, computer-aided engineering, process control, manufacturing engineering, aeronautics, materials engineering and product development. In these roles they serve nearly every industry, including the rapidly evolving energy sector.

Why it matters?

Two brothers from Perth Australia, who are both mechanical engineers are the founders behind Bombora Wavepower, which produces a wave energy converter device. The brothers say each device will generate enough electricity to power 500 homes, on a par with the energy produced by an average onshore wind turbine, which could truly change the world through renewable energy. 

Skills

  • Strong technical skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Commercial awareness
  • Team working skills
  • Strong maths skills
  • Strong problem solving skills
  • IT skills

Typical employers

  • Engineering, transport, manufacturing, construction and process companies
  • Research and development organisations
  • Consultancies
  • Utilities
  • The civil service
  • Aviation components sector
  • Mining and oil and gas companies
  • Energy companies and utilities

Typical salary 

Graduate/Starting      €30,000
Senior/Potential        €55,000+

Typical qualifications

Engineers who graduate after 2013 and wish to become chartered engineers will need to hold an accredited masters degree (level 9), or equivalent. Level 8 bachelor degrees will satisfy the requirements for Institution of Engineers Ireland membership only. Gateway degrees for the profession include:

  • Electrical engineering
  • Communications engineering
  • Telecommunications engineering

Alternative routes to a bachelor’s degree in this area may apply to students that have a PLC qualification in a related course or general engineering certification or diploma. For further details on eligibility requirements for third level entry following a PLC qualification, students should visit the CAO course search at Careersportal.ie. 

Further information