How to become a mechanical engineer

Interested in how things work? Do you love coming up with ideas for things to make daily life easier? Mechanical Engineering could be the perfect profession for you. So how do you become a Mechanical Engineer? Read on as we break it down for you and answer your questions.

How to become a mechanical engineer

Everything we use on a daily basis is mechanically engineered. In fact, any design you could dream of can be brought to reality by a mechanical engineer. If you’re interested in a career turning ideas and concepts into working machines and technology, then you might just be a mechanical engineer in waiting. To help you on your way, let’s take a look at how to become a mechanical engineer, what a mechanical engineer does, and what graduates can expect from a career in mechanical engineering.

What does a mechanical engineer do?

Mechanical engineers apply scientific and engineering knowledge to develop, manufacture and operate machines and tools, which can then be used to develop things. It can range from the small-scale mechanical drawings for the design of machine elements to the large-scale mechanical design of industrial and mechanical processing plants.

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

To meet the qualifications for a Mechanical engineer, typically, you'll need to complete a degree in engineering with a major in mechanical engineering. If you’d like to study a mechanical engineering degree at UNSW you can undertake a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering). You’ll be part of an ecosystem that develops hands-on problem solving and empowers entrepreneurship.

Master of Mechanical Engineering

There are no requirements for a diploma in mechanical engineering although you may choose to undertake a postgraduate degree in mechanical engineering to improve your career prospects. At UNSW you can study a Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) or a Master of Engineering Science (Mechanical Engineering)

Qualifications of a mechanical engineer

Interested in how to become a mechanical engineer and the qualifications needed for mechanical engineering? UNSW offers pathways to becoming a qualified mechanical engineer through our range of degrees including Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Mechanical, Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) and Master of Engineering Science (Mechanical Engineering) 

Responsibilities of a mechanical engineer

A mechanical engineer helps optimise production processes and process innovations to improve complex industrial, manufacturing and infrastructure systems. This can involve research and development, developing prototypes, improving manufacturing processes, production planning and control.

Mechanical engineers are responsible for the design of products and bringing these products to life.

As a Mechanical engineer you’ll have the skills and knowledge required to design and manage the construction, operation and maintenance of machines used in many industries

• Computer-aided design and manufacture
• Machine condition monitoring
• Acoustics and noise
• Composite materials and mechanics
• Solar thermal energy design
• Automobile engine technology

Mechanical engineering skills

In addition to the on-the-job technical capabilities, key skills for a mechanical engineers include creativity, communication, strategy, problem solving, time management, attention to detail, organisational skills, planning and organising, and being detail oriented.

In addition to the on-the-job technical capabilities, key skills for a mechanical engineers include critical and creative thinking, communication, project management, leadership, effective teamwork, and innovation.

Professional Engineer License

To work independently as a mechanical engineer, most states also require you to have accreditation that recognises your qualification and competency as an engineer. The UNSW Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering) and the UNSW Master of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) are accredited with Engineers Australia and recognised globally by the Washington Accord.

Careers in mechanical engineering

What can you do with a mechanical engineering degree? There are many types of mechanical engineer jobs in Australia. Mechanical engineering jobs are available in almost every sector, from aerospace to mining, transport and automotive or power to medical technology. Career opportunities are endless and include construction, defence, automobiles and new products and industries. No wonder mechanical engineering is the most employable field of engineering.

Career options include:

● designing vehicles from cars to spacecraft

● analysing acoustics for planning a building

● designing a suitable power system

● designing and developing next generation machines that aid people with disabilities

● designing and manufacturing industrial robots

● using computer integration to automate a chemical manufacturing facility

● developing processes to fabricate nano-devices

● finding a cost-effective facility layout alternative for an aerospace manufacturing company