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From Concept to Creation: The Career Journey of a Mechanical Design Engineer

mechanical design engineer using CAD software

In the dynamic world of engineering, mechanical design engineers stand as the architects of innovation, turning abstract concepts into tangible realities. Their career journeys are marked by the ability to blend technical and engineering skills with creativity and problem-solving. From drafting product blueprints to overseeing the new product introduction to manufacturing , they provide a vital role in every phase of a project. Throughout this article, you’ll learn about the unique career path of a mechanical design engineer and explore the opportunities that lie within.

Mechanical Engineering Vs. Mechanical Design Engineering: Is there a difference?

Mechanical design engineers share many of the same principles as mechanical engineers, however there are also a few distinctions that set these two careers apart. Letʼs dive into the similarities and differences between them.

Both engineering disciplines play important roles in the development of new products, however mechanical engineers work with design professionals to bring product ideas to life. Mechanical design engineers are typically skilled themselves in using 2D and 3D CAD software. This allows them to create very precise designs to model products. Mechanical engineers can play a part in any phase of the manufacturing process including design, construction, and final testing.

Mechanical design engineers are design specialists who use engineering knowledge to create technical illustrations for products and machinery. Mechanical design engineers need to be proficient in CAD / EDA tools to create specific designs for different products. These employees work closely with mechanical engineers to ensure all machine designs are detailed and functional. They serve as an integral part of the development process. 

What steps should be taken to pursue a career in mechanical design engineering?

Typically, a career in mechanical design engineering starts with a degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. You should have foundational knowledge in physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer-aided design (CAD), such as Solidworks, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, CATIA, etc after his or her schooling is completed.

The early career stages for an aspiring mechanical design engineer usually focus on entry-level roles where CAD is a part of the day-to-day job. This will allow for hands-on experience in mechanical design engineering.

Over time, you will gain more experience in creating and analysing mechanical systems while working in end-to-end design. Eventually you may be offered a role in a more senior design position, or a project manager role. Mechanical design project managers also play a key role in the mechanical design process. Having a solid background in mechanical design engineering allows you to understand the complexity of the projects you manage. This path may not be for everyone, but it is certainly an option. 

Throughout your career as a mechanical design engineer, you can further your knowledge by obtaining different certifications, advanced degrees, or specialised training in different CAD tools. With hard work and perseverance, successful mechanical design engineers can move into management, project management roles or other related fields where research and development are the focus. The
opportunities are endless!

Making Movements: Can Mechanical Engineers Become Mechanical Design Engineers?

The short answer is yes! Because mechanical engineersʼ education covers several elements of mechanical designing, mechanical engineers can certainly switch focus and shift into more of a design-centric role. Mechanical design engineering is the perfect career path for mechanical engineers who enjoy working with 3D modeling software and focusing on that specific segment of a project.

Sometimes, the lines are blurred between these two career paths, and depending on the organisation you work for, you may wear many different hats in either career path. In sum, mechanical engineering is very similar to mechanical design engineering, and the paths often cross in more ways than one. Therefore, it is relatively possible to specialise in mechanical design engineering after getting experience in general mechanical engineering and vice versa.

Mechanical design engineering: The career path for you! 

Are you a mechanical engineer ready to take the next step in your engineering career? Does mechanical design sound intriguing to you? If so, browse open mechanical design engineering jobs with Redline today. We can help you secure your next career move today. Call us on 01582 450054 or email info@redlinegroup.com for more information.

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