Mechanical Engineer
By: Juan Serrano
Description of a Mechanical Engineer
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems
Daily Task and Responsibilities of a Mechanical Engineer
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products using drafting tools or computer-assisted design (CAD) or drafting equipment and software.
Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, and maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements, applying knowledge of engineering principles.
Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems.
Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, or repair to ensure that machines or equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications.
Provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs.
Investigate equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation, and to make recommendations to maintenance crew.
Develop and test models of alternate designs and processing methods to assess feasibility, operating condition effects, possible new applications and necessity of modification.
Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
Perform personnel functions such as supervision of production workers, technicians, technologists and other engineers, or design of evaluation programs.
Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications.
Solicit new business and provide technical customer service.
Apply engineering principles or practices to emerging fields, such as robotics, waste management, or bio medical engineering.
Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, or other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, or maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
Write performance requirements for product development or engineering projects.
Estimate costs and submit bids for engineering, construction, or extraction projects, and prepare contract documents.
Establish or coordinate the maintenance or safety procedures, service schedule, or supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition.
Study industrial processes to determine where and how application of equipment can be made.
Design test control apparatus or equipment or develop procedures for testing products.