Mechanical Engineers

17-2141.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
• Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
• Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
• Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
• Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
• Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.
• Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
• Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
• Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products, using drafting tools or computer-assisted drafting equipment or software.
• Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, or repair to ensure that machines or equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications.
• Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems.
• Design test control apparatus or equipment or develop procedures for testing products.
• Provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs.
• Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, or other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, or maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
• Estimate costs or submit bids for engineering, construction, or extraction projects.
• Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.
• Evaluate mechanical designs or prototypes for energy performance or environmental impact.
• Direct the installation, operation, maintenance, or repair of renewable energy equipment, such as heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or water systems.
• Design integrated mechanical or alternative systems, such as mechanical cooling systems with natural ventilation systems, to improve energy efficiency.
• Apply engineering principles or practices to emerging fields, such as robotics, waste management, or biomedical engineering.
• Write performance requirements for product development or engineering projects.
• Perform personnel functions, such as supervision of production workers, technicians, technologists, or other engineers.
• Calculate energy losses for buildings, using equipment such as computers, combustion analyzers, or pressure gauges.
• Solicit new business.
• Provide technical customer service.
• Study industrial processes to maximize the efficiency of equipment applications, including equipment placement.
• Establish or coordinate the maintenance or safety procedures, service schedule, or supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition.
• Select or install combined heat units, power units, cogeneration equipment, or trigeneration equipment that reduces energy use or pollution.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Accelerated life testing software; ANSYS simulation software; Blue Ridge Numerics CFDesign; Computational fluid dynamics CFD software; Data acquisition software; Design of experiments DOE software; Failure mode and effects analysis FMEA software; Finite element method FEM software; Grid generation software; Life cycle cost software; MAYA Nastran; Mesh generation software; Minitab; Modal analysis software; Motion analysis software; Reliability analysis software; ReliaSoft Alta 6 Pro; ReliaSoft BlockSim; ReliaSoft Weibull++ 6; Sigmetrix CETOL 6 Sigma; Statistical energy analysis SEA software; Statistical software; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; Video analysis software
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD ; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D 🔥; Autodesk Revit ; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Computer aided design and drafting software CADD; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks ; Failure assessment software; InnovMetric PolyWorks; Intergraph Plant Design System PDS; Lambda Research OSLO; Mathsoft Mathcad; Metrix Imageware Surfacer; Optical analysis software; PTC Creo Parametric; Reverse engineering software; SolidWorks COSMOSWorks; UGS I-DEAS; Zemax
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software - 1CadCam Unigraphics; Computer aided manufacturing CAM software; Rapid prototyping software
• Configuration management software - Chef 🔥; Perforce Helix software; Puppet 🔥
• Customer relationship management CRM software - Microsoft Dynamics 🔥
• Data base management system software - Teradata Database 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥; Microsoft SQL Server 🔥
• Development environment software - Adobe ActionScript; C 🔥; Hewlett-Packard HP Graphics Language HPGL; Ladder Logic; Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA 🔥; MUMPS M; National Instruments LabVIEW; Rockwell Automation software; Verilog
• Electronic mail software - IBM Notes; Microsoft Exchange
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne; SAP software 🔥
• Financial analysis software - Cost estimating software
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥; Geographic information system GIS software
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Illustrator 🔥; SmugMug Flickr; Trimble SketchUp Pro 🔥
• Industrial control software - Computer numerical control CNC software; Human machine interface HMI software; Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
• Instant messaging software - Blink
• Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software - Bill of materials software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; G-code; Perl 🔥; Python 🔥; R 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Shell script 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Review technical documents to plan work.
• Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
• Design industrial processing systems.
• Design industrial equipment.
• Confer with other personnel to resolve design or operational problems.
• Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
• Direct industrial production activities.
• Investigate system, equipment, or product failures.
• Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
• Create models of engineering designs or methods.
• Implement design or process improvements.
• Direct installation activities.
• Direct equipment maintenance or repair activities.
• Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
• Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems.
• Estimate operational costs.
• Prepare proposal documents.
• Advise others regarding green practices or environmental concerns.
• Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications.
• Identify new applications for existing technologies.
• Document technical design details.
• Supervise production or support personnel.
• Perform marketing activities.
• Advise customers on the use of products or services.
• Research industrial processes or operations.
• Determine operational methods.
• Coordinate safety or regulatory compliance activities.
• Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
• Install production equipment or systems.