mechanical engineer.

Some of the tasks of mechanical engineers include:

• designing mechanical equipment, tools and machines: as a mechanical engineer, you create the machines, tools and equipment used in production processes. You need to read and interpret blueprints, schematics and technical drawings that provide machine specifications. After designing and developing the equipment, you test it to ensure it achieves the desired functions.
• implementing operating procedures: since you are involved in designing complex equipment, you should provide technical information on the functionality of the machines. Your instructions should provide guidelines for resolving system malfunctions. You also confer with engineers and other workers in the production teams to implement operating procedures.
• researching customer design proposals: as a mechanical engineer, you design machines based on customer specifications. That involves researching and analysing customer design proposals and evaluating their feasibility. It is essential to analyse the designs' production costs and maintenance requirements and their applications. You should also recommend modifications to ensure engineering design and performance specifications compliance.
• maintaining mechanical products: as a mechanical engineer, you are in charge of maintenance tasks on clients' equipment, machines and tools. Your job is to check the systems for efficiency and adherence to the performance specifications. If there are modifications to the current machines, you install the updates to improve efficiency and performance.
• establishing standards and policies: as a mechanical engineer, you set standards and procedures for designing and developing machines. The standards should be based on engineering principles and safety regulations. The policies guide the production team in designing the machines and tools. You also perform safety and quality inspections to ensure the equipment meets the desired standards.
• preparing cost estimates: as a mechanical engineer, you prepare a budget for developing each piece of machinery. You calculate the cost of the materials and labour. You also regulate the costs during production to ensure you remain within budget.

A mechanical engineer works in various business sectors, so your work environments will vary depending on the industry. Most mechanical engineers work in manufacturing and spend most of the day in climate-controlled factory settings and buildings. When you work in healthcare, you design medical equipment and machines. Working in the mining industry involves maintaining machines in an often outdoors industrial setting. Due to safety requirements, you should wear personal protective equipment like gloves and protective clothing.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include civil, chemical, structural engineers and project engineers. You might also be working close to project managers and industrial engineers, industrial designers, as well as other specialists that could include, but are not limited to, electrical engineers, mechanical fitters and data engineers.

A mechanical engineer works over 40 hours weekly, depending on the project. Most mechanical engineers work standard business hours with occasional overtime to meet deadlines. You may also meet clients during weekends and evenings. As a mechanical engineer, you are likely to work full-time. Still, part-time roles and short-term contracts are also available.

Mechanical engineering is a promising career with job growth of 0.2% in the next five years. Since you are involved in all aspects of machinery development, you are invaluable in the machine manufacturing industry. You address critical challenges in people's lives like supply chain issues and environmental pollution by improving the machinery used to produce various products. As a mechanical engineer, you have opportunities for career progression in the biomedical, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, mining and aerospace industries. Some mechanical engineers progress in their careers to become production managers.

Finding your mechanical engineer job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a mechanical engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

Becoming a mechanical engineer is an exciting career with numerous growth opportunities. You can work in various industries, from healthcare to production, mining, and aeronautical companies.

Mechanical engineers earn an average salary of $105,000 per year. The remuneration package depends on the experience, and senior mechanical engineers take home high-end salaries.

Mechanical engineering is one of the sought-after engineering fields after civil engineering due to the versatility of the role. The increasing demand for mechanical engineers is due to improved technology leading to mechanisation.

A mechanical engineer designs mechanical products, including equipment, machines and tools. You also maintain the mechanical systems to ensure efficiency and improve performance.

A mechanical engineer requires creativity to improve design concepts. Problem-solving skills are also vital for discovering solutions to any problems arising from machines.

Applying for a mechanical engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our mechanical engineer job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.