Mechanical Engineer / Capital Machinery Design

Mechanical engineers build and design mechanical devices, equipment and instruments. These professionals work closely with clients to understand what type of equipment the customer wants and then works with various computer programs including computer aided drafting programs like AutoCAD to design the equipment, part or mechanism. After completing the drawing the mechanical engineer then consults with the client, makes necessary modifications, and works with a service company to create a physical prototype of the design. The mechanical engineer then tests the prototype, makes necessary adjustments, and returns it to the builder. Working closely with the builder or production team the mechanical engineer troubleshoots the mechanism or piece of equipment and sends it to the customer.

Mechanical engineers have formal training in engineering, design or manufacturing as well as a good background in how things work. Often engineers use existing types of equipment or mechanisms and simply modify them to meet the client's needs. Creativity and an ability to "think outside the box" are important for a mechanical engineer. The ability to work with various computer programs, complete cost analysis and cost projections as well as an ability to communicate well with others in a team environment is equally essential.

Some mechanical engineers work less on the design aspect of the job and more on the troubleshooting end. Mechanical engineers may be called in to address problems with specific equipment or instruments that are experiencing problems and glitches. Mechanical engineers that specialize in correcting problems must be able to think logically as well as understand how equipment and systems work.

Common work activities include:

• Discussing projects with clients to determine what the client is needing, wanting modified or changed or requires in the project.
• Drafting designs of proposals for the new piece of equipment, machinery, instrument or mechanism.
• Developing cost analysis and cost projections for the production and manufacturing of the new equipment.
• Meeting with sub-contractors and production teams to address any concerns, issues or problems with the development of the project.
• Testing, monitoring and supervising the use of the prototype developed, making modifications if necessary.
• Troubleshooting problems or difficulty with new or existing equipment, machines or mechanisms.

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