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Occupation Details

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Mechanical Engineer

Job Zone

Education
Most of these occupations require qualifications at NFQ Levels 7 or 8 (Ordinary / Honours Degrees) but some do not.

Related Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an engineer must complete four years of college and work for several years in engineering to be considered qualified.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Job Zone Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, computer programmers, teachers, chemists, environmental engineers, criminal investigators, and financial analysts.

€25k > 65
Mechanical Engineer
Salary Range
(thousands per year)*
€25 - 65
Related Information:
Mechanical Design Engineer: 25 - 60
Mechanical Engineer: 25 - 65
Mechanical Engineer - Construction 35-65
HVAC Engineer 30-65
Data Source(s):
Sigmar / CPL / Hudson / Lincoln

Last Updated: July, 2017
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
Shortage Indicator

The National Skills Bulletin 2016 reports a shortage of skills for:

Mechanical engineers: with skills and experience in polymer engineering and injection moulding

1%
Occupational Category

Engineering Professionals N.EC.
Also included in this category:

Mechanical engineers; aeronautical enginners; automotive engineers; marine engineers; metallurgists; technical engineers; traffic engineers

Number Employed:

4,600
Part time workers: 8%
Aged over 55: 5%
Male / Female: 83 / 17%
Non-Nationals: 22%
With Third Level: 96%
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Saves this course to your Career File if you are registered.

At a Glance... header image

Performs engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment.


Videos & Interviews header image

1Total Records:10

Gillian Cagney
Mechanical Engineer
Gillian Cagney explains how her engineering career journey has brought her from mastering hands-on skills to team building, management and problem solving in major engineering projects often in challenging wilderness environments. Don’t fear the unknown and you will discover who you are.
Go to Interview
Peter LaComber
Consulting Engineer

Peter LaComber graduated from UCD as a Mechanical Engineer and is working as a Senior Consulting Engineer for Irish Cement. He has held a variety of roles over the last 11 years in the company and is now Plant Liaison Manager for the Kiln 3 construction project in Drogheda.
Go to Interview
Chloe Kinsella
Engineer - Carbon

Chloe Kinsella is a Carbon Specialist with ESBI.  She studied Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering in Trinity College Dublin, where she was awarded a Gold Medal for coming first in her year.  She joined ESB International on their Graduate Training Programme and started work in the Carbon Solutions Team. 
Go to Interview
Natasha Ibanez
Mechanical Engineer
Natasha Ibanez has a Bachelors of Engineering from UCD, where she specialised in Mechanical Engineering. She is currently working on a project in the Ukraine with Irish Cement, building a new cement line.
Go to Interview
John Harding
Mechanical Engineer
After his Leaving Cert, John attended Cork IT where he completed a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. He then went on to complete the Degree in University of Limerick. He applied for a position of graduate engineer with ESBI just before his final year ended and got the job shortly afterwards.
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Elaine McGarrigle
Mechanical Engineer

Elaine McGarrigle works as a Graduate Engineer for Irish Cement. Studying Physics in second level gave her a basic understanding of mechanics, which she found very enjoyable and influenced her decision to study mechanical engineering. She graduated from NUI Galway with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. 
Go to Interview
Afra Ronayne
Mechanical Engineer
Afra enjoyed Physics and Maths in her Leaving cert and went on to do Mechanical Engineering in University College Dublin. She followed up on an advertisement for jobs on the College noticeboard and was successful in getting a job with ESBI.
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Elva Bannon
Mechatronic Engineer

Elva talks here about her role as a Mechatronic Engineer at ocean energy company Wavebob.
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Brendan Cavanagh
Ships Engineer
Brendan is currently a second engineer operating out of Killybegs in Donegal. He completed his Leaving Cert in Carndonagh Community School in 2001. He has studied several courses at the National Fisheries College and expects to complete his Class 1 Certificate next year.
Go to Interview
Damien Mason
Mechanical Engineer
Damien Mason studied Mechanical Engineering in the University of Limerick. He is now working as a Mechanical Engineer for Irish Cement and is based in Drogheda.
Go to Interview

Follow the links below to watch videos related to this occupation:

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Go..Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering - from: Aer Lingus [Video]
Go..Central Engineering & Mechanisms - from: icould [UK] Video
Go..Mechanical Engineer - from: icould [UK] Video
Go..Mechanical Engineer - from: iCould [UK] Video

Go..Search YouTube for Mechanical Engineer videos

Tasks & Activitiesheader image

The following is a list of the most commonly reported tasks and activities for this occupation

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 Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.

bullet

 Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products using drafting tools or computer-assisted design (CAD) or drafting equipment and software.

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 Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, and maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements, applying knowledge of engineering principles.

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 Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.

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 Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.

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 Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems.

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 Investigate equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation, and to make recommendations to maintenance crew.

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 Develop and test models of alternate designs and processing methods to assess feasibility, operating condition effects, possible new applications and necessity of modification.

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 Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.

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 Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications.

Work Activities header image

The following is a list of the most commonly reported work activities in this occupation.

bullet

 Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

bullet

 Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

bullet

 Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

bullet

 Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

bullet

 Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

bullet

 Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

bullet

 Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

bullet

 Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

bullet

 Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

bullet

 Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.


Knowledge header image

The following is a list of the five most commonly reported knowledge areas for this occupation.

bullet

 Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

bullet

 Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

bullet

 Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

bullet

 Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

bullet

 Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.


Skillsheader image

The following is a list of the most commonly reported skills used in this occupation.

bullet

 Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

bullet

 Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

bullet

 Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

bullet

 Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

bullet

 Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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 Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

bullet

 Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

bullet

 Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

bullet

 Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

bullet

 Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Entry Routesheader image

Mechanical Engineers typically complete an appropriate engineering degree or equivalent qualification.

It is essential to explore course details to make sure the engineering course you chose is appropriate to the branch of engineering you want to follow.

Depending on level of entry, Mechanical Engineers can gain Chartered Engineer or Associate Engineer status. You can apply for these professional titles through Engineers Ireland after first gaining an accredited degree, diploma or certificate, followed  by three or four years experience in the workplace. A list of accredted  programmes is available here. All professional titles are highly regarded by employers throughout industry.

Last Updated: October, 2014


Further Informationheader image

A detailed description of this occupation can be found on a number of online databases. Follow the link(s) below to access this information:

Note: you will be leaving the CareersPortal Site

Go..Mechanical Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
Go..Mechanical engineer - from: GradIreland
Go..Mechanical Engineering - from: STEPS

Related Occupationsheader image

Contactsheader image

bullet

 Organisation: Engineers Ireland
Address: 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
Tel: (01) 665 1300
Email: Click here
Url Click here

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Career Guidance

This occupation is popular with people who have the following Career Interests...


...and for people who like working in the following Career Sectors:

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