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Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Mechanical engineers design, build, and maintain machines, tools, and equipment used in many sectors including automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. Their work can involve developing new products, improving existing systems, and solving complex engineering problems. A mechanical engineer might work on designing engines, optimising heating and cooling systems, or managing large-scale manufacturing processes. This career often involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software and requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineers work both in offices and on-site, collaborating with other engineers and professionals to bring their designs to life.

Mechanical Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Mechanical engineers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £50,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £60,000 or more.

Number of Mechanical Engineers

There are over 120,000 mechanical engineers employed in the UK across various industries.

Job Availability

According to EngineeringUK, there is a consistent demand for mechanical engineers, with around 20,000 job openings annually.

🚀 Careers in this path

Automotive Design Engineer

Specialises in designing and developing vehicles and their components, working with car manufacturers to improve performance, safety, and efficiency.

Aerospace Mechanical Engineer

Focuses on creating and testing aircraft parts and systems, ensuring they meet strict safety and performance standards.

Robotics Engineer

Works on designing, building, and maintaining robots and automated systems for use in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries.

Achieve Key Qualifications

Complete Secondary Education with Relevant Subjects

Focus on GCSEs and A-levels in maths, physics, and other science or technology subjects.

Most mechanical engineering university courses require at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including maths, English and science. For A-levels, taking maths and physics will keep your options open for university applications. Some schools also offer BTEC or T Levels in engineering, which are relevant alternatives.

Gain a Degree or Equivalent Qualification

Apply for a university degree in mechanical engineering, or a related subject such as aeronautical or manufacturing engineering.

A BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) or MEng (Master of Engineering) in mechanical engineering is the most direct route. Accredited courses are preferred as they help with professional registration later. Alternatively, you could consider a higher or degree apprenticeship in engineering, which combines work and study.

Build Work Experience

Complete Placements or Internships

Gain hands on experience through summer placements, sandwich years, or internships during your studies.

Many mechanical engineering degree programmes offer an optional placement year, which gives valuable industry experience and can improve employability. Internships during summer breaks are also a great way to develop your skills and build professional contacts.

Engage in Student Projects or Competitions

Participate in engineering challenges, design projects, or student societies related to engineering.

Getting involved in activities like Formula Student, engineering societies, or design competitions can help you develop teamwork, project management, and technical skills. These experiences are highly regarded by employers and can be included on your CV.

Begin Your Professional Career

Apply for Graduate Mechanical Engineer Roles

Look for entry level positions or graduate schemes with engineering firms.

Mechanical engineering graduates work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Graduate schemes offer structured training and support for career development. Consider applying early, as competition can be strong.

Work Towards Chartered Engineer Status

Pursue professional registration with organisations such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the profession. You will need to gain relevant experience, show evidence of professional development, and complete an assessment process. Chartered status can lead to greater responsibility and higher salaries.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Mechanical Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

Both roles involve designing, analysing, and developing mechanical systems, with a focus on applying engineering principles to complex projects. Aerospace engineering typically requires a strong foundation in mechanical engineering concepts related to aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion systems, making it the closest match among the options.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could do a degree in aerospace engineering, avionics, or a subject like:

  • electrical or electronic engineering
  • mechanical engineering
  • manufacturing or product engineering
  • physics or applied physics
  • software engineering or mathematics

Postgraduate study

You may be able to do a master's degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering if you've studied for a degree in a related subject, such as engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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College

You could do A levels, a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a trainee technician job with an aerospace company.

Subjects include:

  • maths, physics and design and technology
  • mechanical engineering
  • aeronautical engineering
  • electrical engineering

You would then take further training to become a fully qualified engineer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You could do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to begin your career in the aerospace industry. Apprenticeships include:

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Aerospace Software Engineer
  • Electro-Mechanical Engineer
  • Materials Science Technologist

You'll combine workplace learning with study for a degree at university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You might be able to join a company as an aerospace engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

Direct Application

You can apply for aerospace engineering jobs if you've got relevant qualifications and experience. For example, you might have worked in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.

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Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Royal Aeronautical Society for professional development, career resources and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about working in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace.

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