Mechanical engineer
Design and test machinery and its components, from wind turbines to water pumps.
About the job
A day in the life – Mechanical engineer
What it's like
In this job, you'll spend your days working with machines big and small, as well as the moving parts that make them work. You'll be an expert in all aspects of the design, testing, installation and maintenance of machinery.
It's a career that can open doors into a wide range of industries, including:
manufacturing
construction
water
power
health
transport
space
For example, you could work in renewable energy to install off-shore wind turbines. Design and test improvements to prosthetic implants to help people with limited mobility. Or work on the life support systems needed to keep people alive and comfortable in orbit.
You'll need leadership skills to manage a project team of technicians, designers and craftspeople. It's a role for problem solvers who can think creatively as well as getting hands-on to fix things.
Your tasks might include:
turning ideas into technical plans
using computer aided design/modelling (CAD/CAM) programs
checking mechanical systems and equipment for faults
researching new products and innovations
presenting design plans and data to managers and clients
overseeing maintenance programmes and quality control
Green jobÂ
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'll likely work standard office hours, Monday to Friday.
Your hours may increase depending on projects and deadlines.
You may be on a shift system, which could include evenings and weekends, depending on your job.
Environment
Your working environment could vary from a modern, open-plan office to factory production areas and outdoor sites.
At times, you'll spend long periods on computers, working on designs.
Travel
In some roles, you may get to see more of the world and travel abroad for projects.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Food and drink Engineering and manufacturing Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- mechanical engineering
- mechanical design
- mathcad
- asset integrity management systems
- isometric exercise
- pipe stress engineering
- process piping
- modal analysis
- torsional vibration
- simultaneous engineering
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- delegating
- coaching
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Practical Metalwork
Skills for Work: Automotive Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are lots of ways into this career, however many employers ask for a degree in a relevant engineering subject.
Browse a list of courses in Scotland accredited by The Engineering Council.
Here are some routes to consider.
University
A degree in Mechanical Engineering will be helpful for getting into this job. Other useful subjects include:
Mechatronics
Applied Physics
other engineering courses
You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study.
You can study Mechanical Engineering at college.
Other useful subjects include:
Mechatronics
Applied Physics
other engineering courses
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. MAs which may be useful for this career include:
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You could do a GA in Engineering: Design and Manufacturing.
Discover Graduate Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Work
You could get into a mechanical engineering technician role first and work your way up. You'll likely need to study towards relevant qualifications while you work to progress.
You can use the My World of Work job search to look for job vacancies.
It's useful to have qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work: Engineering Skills.
Employers value work experience so finding courses with work placements or an internship, or working for a year in industry can be especially useful.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Mechanical engineer'
