A Mechanical Designer is a professional responsible for designing and developing mechanical products, systems and processes. Typically, they work to solve problems that arise in the production, operation, or maintenance of machines or equipment. To do so, most mechanical designers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Mechanical Designers also typically have several years of experience in the field and some employers may prefer candidates who hold a master’s degree or higher.
The job responsibilities of a mechanical designer include:
- Creating detailed drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, tools, and products
- Conducting research to investigate new technologies and designs
- Overseeing the production of prototypes and products
- Ensuring that projects meet safety, quality, and cost standards
- Collaborating with other engineers and technicians to solve problems
Requirements:
- five-year combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs in mechanical engineering
- at least 2-5 years of experience working in the field
- certification from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- excellent communication, problem solving, and technical skills
- able to work well within a team, as well as independently
- able to handle multiple projects at once and be able to meet deadlines
- strong computer-aided design (CAD) skills
There are three main types of mechanical designers: product, process, and quality.
1) Product mechanical designers focus on the design of individual parts or products. They create blueprints and models that show how a product should be assembled and how it will function. They also test prototypes to make sure they meet performance requirements.
2) Process mechanical designers focus on the systems and equipment used to manufacture products. They develop plans that show how raw materials will be transformed into finished goods. They also select the best methods and machines for each manufacturing step.
3) Quality mechanical designers focus on ensuring that products meet customer expectations. They develop testing procedures and conduct inspections at various stages of production. They may also be responsible for investigating customer complaints and identifying root causes.