what is a mechanical engineer?
As a mechanical engineer, you are tasked with designing, building and testing mechanical devices. You construct and modify a variety of machines and systems. You also install and maintain motors, equipment and industrial systems based on their desired uses. Since you develop specifications for designing and creating tools and systems, you assess the project's requirements and develop mechanical designs for the new products. You also ascertain the performance of mechanical components by creating and conducting testing processes.
Mechanical engineers work in various industries. They use their knowledge of engineering concepts to develop machines used in the healthcare, energy, transport and manufacturing sectors. Some also work in research facilities to develop and test advanced technologies like nanotechnology and biotechnology. The roles of mechanical engineers vary as different industries apply unique engineering concepts to create products and mechanical components. Since mechanical engineering is needed in all sectors, you can secure a job in your desired industry.
It requires technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to modify existing machine designs. You should also demonstrate the scientific and numerical ability to solve complex mechanical issues. As a mechanical engineer, you continuously find new ways to develop systems and products, which requires adaptability to the changing requirements.
Would working as a mechanical engineer suit your problem-solving skills and numerical ability? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a mechanical engineer role.
mechanical engineer jobsaverage mechanical engineer salary
According to the Economic Research Institute, mechanical engineers in Greece receive a median salary of €44,000 per year. When you are new to the role, you start with a salary of €30,000 annually, but with experience, your earnings increase gradually. You can improve your compensation package by boosting your educational qualifications and gaining additional expertise. The highest-paid mechanical engineers take home a salary of over €54,000 yearly.
Your earnings depend on your employer and the projects you handle. When you work for a large company, you are likely to earn a higher salary since they have unlimited resources. In addition, you handle more complex projects since large organisations are usually involved in bigger projects.
The location also influences your earnings. Some cities have higher salary packages due to the demand for mechanical engineers and the high cost of living.
types of mechanical engineers
Some of the mechanical engineering fields and specialisation options include:
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manufacturing engineering
As a mechanical engineer, you play a vital role in manufacturing industries as you design the machines and technology used to create various products. Some mechanical engineers design the equipment for food production or medical devices for diagnosis and medicine production. You also design specifications for manufacturing automobiles and household appliances like air conditioning systems.
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process engineering
As a mechanical engineer, you assess mechanical processes and develop modifications to improve efficiency and safety. You investigate the functions of machines and develop modifications to improve the systems. After testing, you install the systems to improve industrial processes.
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robotics engineering
As a mechanical engineer, you can specialise in building and maintaining robots. Your job is to develop the robot designs based on their functions and technology. You determine their performance, such as how the robots react to stimuli. You also create modifications and perform regular maintenance on the robots.
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automotive engineering
As a mechanical engineer working in the automotive industry, you play a role in designing and manufacturing vehicles. You also participate in auto research to develop modifications that improve the performance of vehicles. For instance, you develop alternatives for powering and fuelling mechanisms.
working as a mechanical engineer
As a mechanical engineer, you design technical plans and perform the research required to create new machine systems and products. If you want to join this exciting career, explore the role's duties, work schedule and work environment.
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what does a mechanical engineer do?
The specific tasks of mechanical engineers vary depending on the industry. However, some typical duties include:
- Analysing problems: your job is to solve problems or respond to industrial requirements. For instance, if an industrial process consumes a lot of energy, you find a mechanical solution for optimising production. You can create a new mechanical device or modify the existing equipment.
- Producing mechanical designs and drawings: you design mechanical components and equipment by creating the blueprints and designs for the machines. Since all mechanical parts require technical drawings, you use a computer-aided design (CAD) system to make the drawings.
- Developing prototypes: you create prototypes from the design drawings and blueprints developed to solve mechanical problems. You test the design and validate product hypotheses from the prototype. If the design prototype solves the issues, the product moves to the production phase, or you adjust the features to suit the desired functions.
- Supervising manufacturing: when a product prototype passes the testing phase, it goes to full production. As a mechanical engineer, you supervise its production to ensure successful outcomes. You double-check that the machine contains all the features and performs optimally.
- Creating technical documentation: every machine or equipment has technical information on its components and uses. The documentation also highlights how the equipment meets industry standards and complies with the regulations. As a mechanical engineer, you create the technical documentation for every product you design.
- Budgeting and pricing products: before starting a mechanical engineering project, you discuss the cost implications with the relevant parties. After production, you assist the company in pricing the equipment based on cost implications like features, time and expenses.
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work environment of a mechanical engineer
Mechanical engineers work in diverse environments based on the project or industry. Some mechanical engineers work in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or transport industries. As a mechanical engineer, your work is office-based during the design phase. You complete the technical drawings and create prototypes in office environments. You also make regular visits to factories, plants, and workshops. Factory production areas can be noisy, especially in automobile industries. Sometimes, you visit factories to repair or maintain the equipment, which requires you to wear protective gear. The role involves traveling, especially if the office is far from the factory production areas. You can also work from home or remotely during the design stage.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry you work in, your colleagues may include electrical engineers, industrial designers and industrial electricians. You also work with factory managers and cost planners, as well as other specialists that could include project engineers, project managers and maintenance engineers. These professionals provide technical support in executing your duties to ensure the project is successful.
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mechanical engineer work schedule
The typical work hours of mechanical engineers are 36 to 40 hours a week in full-time positions. That means you work regular office hours with occasional evening and weekend overtime. During the design stage, you may work overtime to complete the prototypes on time. Part-time roles usually involve working a few hours daily. Mechanical engineers can also work on short-term contracts or as consultants via an agency. Freelance work and self-employment options are available for mechanical engineers with a good track record and extensive experience.
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career opportunities as a mechanical engineer
As a mechanical engineer, you start your career in a junior role and gain experience to become a lead mechanical engineer or another senior-level position. For instance, if you are interested in management, you can become a project manager or production manager. Some mechanical engineers specialise in specific industries to become robotics, mechatronics or process engineers. Others work in aerospace, defence or automotive engineering roles. When you gain expertise, you can become a consultant.
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advantages of finding a job as a mechanical engineer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help
- a range of jobs in your area
mechanical engineer skills and education
If you want to become a mechanical engineer in Greece, you require the following academic qualifications and professional certifications:
- University degree: you require a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineering technology programmes focus on the practical application of engineering principles and prepare you for the industry.
- Professional licence: you require a licence to practise as a certified engineer. Pursue a diploma certificate or a bachelor's degree from a Greek Higher Education Institution (HEI) to receive the licence. Registering as a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece is also important.
competencies and characteristics of mechanical engineers
Some of the transferable skills that a mechanical engineer requires include:
- Problem-solving skills: as a mechanical engineer, you should be good at analysing and solving real-world problems. Problem-solving skills help you develop solutions and product modifications.
- Creativity: your creative powers enable you to invent and design products and solutions for different industrial processes. Artfully-designed mechanical components usually rely on your creativity.
- Maths skills: becoming a mechanical engineer requires a strong aptitude for mathematics and numerical skills. Maths skills are useful for analysing data and applying mathematical concepts to design.
- Adaptability: engineering concepts and methods change from time to time. Hence, it is important to be adaptable to changing industry standards and requirements. Your adaptability helps you find innovative ways to improve client success.
- Attention to detail: you require attention to detail to ensure the components of mechanical systems function as expected. Your detail-oriented skills also help you create systems that meet specifications or conduct quality inspections to identify possible malfunctions.
- Critical thinking skills: since you are expected to make effective decisions, you require critical thinking skills. During the design stage, you choose the best methods for the company and get cost-effective options. You use your critical thinking skills to analyse the mechanical systems and determine the next course of action.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a mechanical engineer.
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what is the main job of a mechanical engineer?
As a mechanical engineer, you design power-producing machines and other equipment to simplify business processes. You research, design and develop mechanical engines and machines. Aside from designing new mechanical systems, you analyse problems and investigate equipment failures and difficulties.
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how much does a junior mechanical engineer earn in greece?
As a junior mechanical engineer, you have minimal experience. That means you handle less complex problems as you gain expertise. When new to the role, junior mechanical engineers in Greece take home €30,000 per year.
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how do you become a mechanical engineer in greece?
You require a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering to work as a mechanical engineer in Greece. A master's degree makes you competitive in the job market and improves your expertise. Remember to get a licence from the relevant authority.
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what are the qualities of a mechanical engineer?
As a mechanical engineer, you require creativity to design and build complex machinery and equipment. Your mathematical skills help you apply basic engineering concepts to design new mechanical systems.
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is mechanical engineering a good career?
Mechanical engineering allows you to develop new mechanical systems and machines. It is a great career with promising prospects and career opportunities. You also enjoy a good salary that increases gradually with experience.
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how do I find a job as a mechanical engineer?
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