Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineers will design, produce, maintain and develop machines. Whether building components, engines or entire systems, Mechanical Engineers are bound only by the limits of their imaginations and the laws of physics.

Examples of the kind of projects specialist mechanical engineers would work upon include automated assembly line robots, defense systems, railway maintenance vehicles, machine tools, and F1 racing cars.

Mechanical Engineers are also involved with the conversion of energy to other forms for example internal combustion engines and large power-generating stations.

The field is varied and Mechanical Engineers can work in different areas including: design, testing, manufacturing/plant engineering, sales or teaching.

Computers have become an integral part of the mechanical engineer's role. Using CAD systems they can create realistic geometric models of objects and view these models from any angle they choose. Particularly exciting is that engineers can now output these 3D designs to a solid object printer which outputs a plastic/wax prototype in 3D.

During the testing process if problems arise the test engineers may recommend design changes, perhaps changes to materials, particular components or manufacturing procedures.

Mechanical Engineers design, install and operate complex manufacturing systems comprised of people, materials, robotics and other automated equipment. Working in teams with design and test engineers, they develop the product and the production process concurrently.

Sales of sophisticated technical products frequently require knowledge of how the device or system operates. Therefore, Mechanical Engineers are sometimes employed as sales representatives. They solicit new business and furnish technical assistance to customers; they also provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems and needs.

Entry level Qualifications
Mechanical Engineers have to be good team players and often need flexibility in terms of hours and location. The role may involve visits to outlying sites therefore a full driving license and access to their own vehicle may be needed.