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Between 2006 and 2009, 1.0% of employed doctoral graduates, or 135 employed doctoral graduates, are known to have been working as mechanical engineers six months after graduation.

Job description

Doctoral level mechanical engineers are most commonly found in research roles outside the HE sector, although some are involved in HE research.

Mechanical engineers use engineering principles to provide efficient solutions to the development of processes and products, ranging from small component designs to extremely large plant, machinery or vehicles. They can work on all stages of a product, from research and development to design and manufacture, through to installation and final commissioning. Most industries rely on mechanical systems and mechanical engineering is thought to be one of the most diverse of all engineering disciplines, with employment opportunities available in a wide range of sectors, such as the manufacturing, power, construction and medical industries. Mechanical engineers can also be involved in the management of people and resources, as well as the development and use of new materials and technologies.

Academic mechanical engineers are involved in research that is very similar in nature to the research work the new entrant carried out as a doctoral student, with an increased level of responsibility. As a result, most entrants into mechanical engineer research roles should have a good idea of the basic nature of the job and many of the key responsibilities.

Typical work activities

Mechanical engineers work on a project from the initial brief, through the design and development stage, to the testing of one or more prototypes, right through to final manufacture and implementation. Projects can vary significantly, from researching and developing medical products (such as mechanical hearts) to improving production processes in large oil refineries or designing services within buildings.

Typical work activities include:

  • Developing a project specification with colleagues, often including those from other engineering disciplines
  • Using research, analytical, conceptual and planning skills, particularly mathematical modelling and computer-aided design
  • Developing, testing and evaluating theoretical designs
  • Discussing and solving complex problems with manufacturing departments, sub-contractors, suppliers and customers
  • Designing and implementing cost-effective equipment modifications to help improve safety, reliability and throughput
  • Making sure a product can be made reliably andwill perform consistently in specified operating environments
  • Managing projects using engineering principles and techniques
  • Recommending modifications following prototype test results
  • Considering the implications of issues such as cost, safety and time constraints
  • Working with other professionals, within and outside the engineering specialism
  • Monitoring and commissioning plant and systems

Entry requirements

This area of work is open to the following engineering disciplines:

  • Aeronautical engineering
  • Agricultural engineering
  • Computer-aided engineering
  • Engineering science
  • Manufacturing engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Nuclear engineering

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

  • A high level of technical and scientific knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to practical problems
  • Good oral communication skills and confidence in dealing with a wide range of people (clients, contractors, designers, directors or plant operators)
  • Precise and concise written communication skills
  • The ability to work well within a team
  • IT skills, particularly computer-aided design
  • Creative ability and the ability to work under pressure
  • Organisational skills, such as time and resource planning

To progress in the profession, it is becoming increasingly important to achieve professional status as a chartered engineer (CEng). The Engineering Council UK (ECUK) , in collaboration with the main engineering institutions, has introduced regulations known as UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) .These affect all graduates aspiring to achieve CEng status. As companies operate in an increasingly international market, the European engineer (Eur Ing) status and additional language skills will become a distinct advantage if you wish to progress further in the profession. All chartered engineers are eligible to apply for Eur Ing status.

For chartered status (CEng) however, an accredited MEng degree or an acceptable combination of other academic awards (usually postgraduate,  an engineering doctorate will usually be sufficient) is necessary. A relevant sandwich placement or similar appropriate experience can also be used to meet some CEng requirements

Employers may also look for fluency in a second language. For full information and guidance on entry requirements and training routes, contact the relevant professional body (either the IMechE or the IET).

Salary

  • Range of typical starting salaries is £19,000 - £28,000, with the average around £22,000 (salary data collected February 2009).
  • Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (e.g. after 10 - 15 years in the role) is £40,000 - £55,000 plus (salary data collected February 2009).
  • Salaries vary from company to company and some sectors attract higher salaries, according to demand. Final salaries may be affected by hours of work.

Sector and disciplinary information

Sector information

Doctoral graduates from 2006-9 working in this occupation were known to be employed in the following profiled sectors six months after graduation:

Disciplinary background

The most common disciplinary backgrounds for doctoral graduates (2006-2009) entering mechanical engineering were:

Career stories

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE, Space scientist, Astrium Limited

Maggie's first role was with the Ministry of Defence combining knowledge from her first degree in physics with her doctorate in mechanical engineering. She is currently working in both industry and academia as a space scientist and science communicator.

"An opportunity came up to work on the Gemini telescope in South America... this is an eight metre telescope and I did that role at UCL in the basement... it was a fantastic day when we packed it all up and shipped it out to Chile. I spent about six months working in South America. And then from I got to my dream of actually working in space science and that's why I transferred from actually making ground based space telescopes to space based telescopes and space based instrumentation."

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