Mechanical Engineers

What They Do

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.

Typical 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.
• Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
• Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
• Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.

Key Skills

Work Activities

• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
• Working with Computers
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Thinking Creatively
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards