Mechanical engineering hard and soft skills

A career in mechanical engineering is both highly lucrative and intrinsically rewarding.

However, engineers must have a solid educational background and training to get started on their career
path. Therefore, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (or mechanical engineering technology) is
essential. Many mechanical engineers also have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.
Certain jobs in mechanical engineering also require a license.

What Skills Does a Mechanical Engineer Need?

Mechanical engineers design, build, and test mechanical devices such as tools, engines, and machines.
Considered the broadest engineering discipline, mechanical engineers work in engineering services, research
facilities, manufacturing industries, and the federal government.

A mechanical engineer should have specific hard skills, including a solid understanding of industry
standards and excellent computer skills, because much time is spent designing, simulating, and testing. In
addition, mechanical engineers should have soft skills, such as strong analytical thinking and
communication capabilities.

Types of Mechanical Engineering Skills

These are some of the most important skills for mechanical engineers:
 Problem Solving
Mechanical engineers need to be strong analytical thinkers who are capable of solving problems raised by
clients or their employer.
 Analytical thinking
 Analyze test results and adjust design if needed
 Develop and test prototypes
 Design mechanical device projects
 Detail-oriented
 Develop design calculations
 Ensure designs meet legal guidelines and safety requirements
 Identify potential design improvements
 Knowledgeable in the machining and fabrication process
 Perform equipment and system calculations
 Product validation experience
 Provide cost estimates for materials, equipment, and/or labor
 Research materials for future design opportunities and usage
 Sound knowledge of engineering fundamentals
 Test building materials
 Troubleshoot equipment to solve problems
 Work to improve and maintain existing products
A big part of a mechanical engineer’s job involves solving problems using mechanical or thermal devices.

 Creativity
Mechanical engineering entails developing and designing products, which range from batteries to electric
generators to medical devices. Inventing products involves a great deal of creativity, as does figuring out
how to bring projects home within challenging timeframes.
 Work in 3D design (computer-aided design, or “CAD”)
 Devise alternative mechanical structures
 Develop new tools and systems to enhance production

 Complete assigned tasks within time and budget restraints

 Convert basic design information and requirements into working drawings
 Create blueprints using CAD (computer-aided design)
 Develop a scope and timeline for each project
 Draft standards and geometric, dimension, & tolerancing (GD&T) specifications
 Prepare designs and estimates

 Communication and Leadership

Often, mechanical engineers develop a product for a client. They may have to explain complex machines or
devices to people who are not familiar with mechanical engineering. They have to be able to convey their
ideas clearly and effectively, and this takes strong communication skills. They also frequently leverage their
communication talents to take the lead on mechanical design and manufacturing projects.

 Clearly explain design ideas

 Comfortable writing technical reports
 Make regular site visits
 Manage and monitor each stage of a project
 Oversee the project manufacturing process
 Prepare conclusions and analysis reports
 Read and interpret drawings and specifications
 Recommend modifications for design improvements and simplification
 Effectively present proposals, status reports, and final project reports to groups
 Use notes, sketches, and verbal instructions to complete project designs
 Write and maintain operating procedures and standards
 Teamwork
Mechanical engineering involves a lot of teamwork.
Engineers might work with people who are not mechanical engineers, such as computer scientists or
architects. As such, they need to be able to work with a diverse team of people to solve problems. Many
engineers will need the leadership skills necessary to manage or lead groups.
 Assemble project deliverables
 Assist with field and manufacturing problems
 Assist with shipping of equipment before deployment
 Proactive and willing to take on new challenges
 Work effectively under pressure
 Mentor junior staff
 Resolve conflicts between team members
 Motivate team members

 Math and Computer Skills

Mechanical engineers need to be comfortable using math to solve problems. The math skills required in
mechanical engineering include calculus and statistics. They must be adept at applying these skills to analyze
problems and design solutions.
 AutoCAD
 Automated model programming
 CAD (computer-aided design)
 Engineering product data management software (EPDM)
 Microsoft office suite experience
 Understand diagrams, drafts, flowcharts, and other information and documentation
 Use software to design at the level of industry and government standards
 CATIA SolidWorks,
 ANSYS [Finite Element Analysis (FEM), Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Analysis, MATLAB
 CAM Works, Mesh CAM, Master CAM, One CNC
 Programming Languages:
 C++, JAVA, PYTHON