Responsibilities of a Mechanical Engineer

When you think of mechanical engineering, getting your hands dirty as a mechanic probably comes to mind. What often falls under the radar is the work that mechanical engineers do in professional office settings; visiting work sites intermittently whenever a problem occurs or some equipment needs their attention.  

Mechanical engineering can be extremely rewarding. Look at the work of the Serbian American inventor and engineer, Nikola Tesla, where he discovered and patented the rotating magnetic field; something which turned into the basis of most alternating-current machinery.  

Want to find out more about the day in the life of a mechanical engineer? Keep reading and find out how a mechanical engineering degree can help you get started in this dynamic and lucrative industry. 

Mechanic vs. Mechanical Engineer  

A mechanic would conduct your car MOT and fix any issues, right? Well, this is where the distinction between a mechanic and a mechanical engineer becomes clear. Although both involve working with machines, the biggest difference is that mechanics focus on repairing machines, whereas mechanical engineers design and create them.  

Mechanical engineers are the masterminds that keep mechanics in business; without them, mechanics wouldn’t have the machinery they need to repair things.  

A Day in the Life of a Mechanical Engineer 

Mechanical engineering is often seen in areas such as composites, mechatronics, and nanotechnology. Due to advancing technology, the way in which mechanical engineering jobs are conducted today has hugely evolved, with complex analyses being completed within seconds rather than taking days or weeks to work out the hand calculations. Let’s explore some of the daily responsibilities of mechanical engineers: 

- Analysing problems to see how a mechanical device could solve it  

- Designing mechanical devices, including creating blueprints so it can be built 

- Developing and testing device prototypes 

- Analysing and testing results so they can alter the design if needed 

- Overseeing the manufacturing process 

What Makes a Good Mechanical Engineer?  

- Are you a creative problem-solver?  

- Analytical thinker?  

- Have good attention to detail?  

- Proactive?  

- Have great teamwork, communication, and leadership skills?  

- Passionate about numbers and technology?  

Yes? Mechanical engineering could be an ideal option for you. To be a good mechanical engineer, you need to be an innovator at heart, with an eye for spotting problems and having a creative solution to solve them. It’s a great path to take if you are excited about working with modern, cutting-edge technology, and using it to learn how to make things fit more effectively.  

Why Choose Bolton?  

Decided that a mechanical engineering degree is for you? You might be wondering which UK universities are best to support your career ambitions. Let’s look at some of the core highlights of the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Bolton:  

- You will study an industry-accredited course, recognised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) 

- The course uses UK-SPEC learning outcomes that are designed to partially meet the academic requirements for a Chartered Engineer status  

- You will study in a positive and supportive learning environment where there is a focus on both the theories and principles of mechanical engineering and their application in a work context 

- You will get the opportunity to work on live engineering projects, both individually and as part of a group 

- Students get to participate in inter-university student competitions, including IMechE’s annual undergraduate design challenge; including every university in the Northwest 

- Industry professionals are regularly invited to deliver guest lectures about the current sector and job opportunities. Students also get the chance to go on industry visits and work placements 

- Students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities inside our School of Engineering; including software such as SolidWorks, Ansys, and MATLAB for analysis and design, prototyping, and control 

You can learn more about what the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree can offer our students by viewing our full course details.  

If you want to see what a supportive, friendly, and inclusive university looks like then register for our next Open Day on the 18 March and see why our students love #UniAsItShouldBe.  

For more information, please contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call on 01204 903807.