Mechanical engineer

Career path and progression

You'll be able to use your skills in industries, like:

• manufacturing
• construction
• energy and utilities
• transport

With experience, you could move into senior project management roles, specialise in research and development or become an engineering consultant.

You could work towards chartered engineer status through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. This would give you industry recognition of your skills and knowledge and open up more opportunities for career development.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with others
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of physics
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - Mechanical engineers use maths constantly – from calculating forces, stresses, and thermal loads to analysing data from tests and simulations. Algebra, calculus, and trigonometry are essential tools for designing components and solving engineering problems.
• Physics - Mechanical engineers apply principles like mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and material properties every day. Understanding how forces, energy, and motion work is fundamental to designing machinery that operates safely and efficiently.
• Engineering - Mechanical engineers work at the heart of engineering – designing, building, and maintaining machinery across industries like power, transport, and manufacturing. Studying engineering gives a direct foundation in the design processes, systems thinking, and problem-solving methods they rely on.
• Design and Technology - Mechanical engineers turn ideas into technical plans and physical products, using skills like sketching, prototyping, and computer-aided design (CAD). Understanding materials, manufacturing processes, and how to refine a design through testing is central to the role.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Mechanical engineers use computational tools for simulations, finite element analysis, and writing scripts to automate repetitive calculations. Understanding programming logic and how software processes data helps them get more out of these powerful engineering tools.
• Chemistry - Mechanical engineers need to understand material properties, corrosion, and how substances behave under heat and pressure. Knowledge of chemistry helps when selecting the right materials for components or working with fuels and chemical processes in power and manufacturing.
• Electronics - Mechanical engineers increasingly work with electromechanical systems that combine mechanical parts with sensors, motors, and control circuits. Understanding basic electronics is useful when designing or maintaining machinery that relies on automated or smart control systems.
• Business - Mechanical engineers often manage project budgets, coordinate teams, and make decisions about cost-effective design solutions. Understanding project management, resource planning, and how engineering fits within a business context helps them lead projects successfully.