Following our in-depth look at Mechanical Engineer salaries in UK, a crucial question arises: What specific Mechanical Engineer skills will make you a top candidate and command those higher salaries?
We understand that knowing what to learn is as important as knowing what you’ll earn. That’s why we’ve conducted a follow-up analysis of hundreds of UK Mechanical Engineering job postings to identify the most in-demand technical skills and tools employers are actively seeking in 2025.
Top 10 Mechanical Engineer Skills Required in UK
Our analysis of job postings reveals clear patterns in employer requirements. The following skills and tools were most frequently mentioned across mechanical engineering positions.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) - Mentions: 113
CAD technology appears in nearly 60% of all mechanical engineering job postings analyzed, making it the most essential technical skill in the field. This umbrella term encompasses various software platforms that enable engineers to create precise digital representations of physical components and systems.
UK employers particularly value CAD proficiency because it enables:
- Reduced development time and costs through digital prototyping
- Enhanced collaboration between distributed teams
- Improved design accuracy and reduced manufacturing errors
- Integration with modern manufacturing methods including CNC and additive manufacturing
Engineers with advanced CAD skills who can implement design automation and parameterization are especially valued in British aerospace, automotive, and consumer product industries.
SOLIDWORKS - Mentions: 77
As the most requested specific CAD platform, SOLIDWORKS proficiency is mentioned in approximately 40% of job listings. This parametric 3D modeling software has become the industry standard across numerous sectors in the UK market.
SOLIDWORKS is particularly valued for:
- Its comprehensive suite of design validation tools
- Simulation capabilities for stress, thermal, and flow analysis
- Established presence in manufacturing and product development workflows
- Widespread adoption that facilitates collaboration with clients and suppliers
The high number of mentions reflects the software's dominant market position, especially in the UK's robust manufacturing, medical device, and consumer products sectors.
AutoCAD - Mentions: 55
Despite the growing prevalence of 3D modeling, AutoCAD remains highly relevant in the UK engineering landscape, appearing in nearly 30% of job postings. Its enduring importance stems from its utility in:
- Creating standardized technical drawings and documentation
- Developing 2D manufacturing plans and facility layouts
- Retrofitting and maintaining legacy systems
- Coordinating with construction and civil engineering teams
AutoCAD knowledge remains particularly important in facility engineering, equipment installation, and manufacturing sectors where 2D documentation standards are still prevalent.
Microsoft Excel - Mentions: 54
The high ranking of Excel—appearing in nearly as many job listings as AutoCAD—might surprise some, but underscores how essential data analysis has become to modern engineering roles. UK employers specifically value Excel proficiency for:
- Engineering calculations and parameter studies
- Project management and scheduling
- Cost estimation and budgeting
- Data analysis and visualization
- BOM (Bill of Materials) management
Advanced Excel skills, including macro programming and database functionality, are increasingly requested as mechanical engineers take on more cross-functional responsibilities in British companies.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) - Mentions: 46
Appearing in approximately 24% of job listings, FEA represents the growing importance of simulation and analysis in the mechanical engineering workflow. This computational technique allows engineers to predict how products will respond to real-world forces and conditions.
UK employers value FEA expertise for:
- Reducing physical prototyping costs and development time
- Optimizing material usage and product weight
- Enhancing product reliability and safety
- Meeting stringent regulatory requirements in highly regulated industries
FEA proficiency is particularly sought after in the UK's aerospace, automotive, energy, and defense sectors, where performance optimization and safety standards are paramount.
Hydraulics - Mentions: 35
Hydraulic system knowledge remains a core mechanical engineering competency, appearing in approximately 18% of analyzed job postings. The UK's strong manufacturing, construction equipment, and offshore industries drive sustained demand for this expertise.
Engineers with hydraulic systems skills are valued for their ability to:
- Design and optimize power transmission systems
- Troubleshoot complex hydraulic circuits
- Select appropriate components for specific applications
- Implement energy-efficient hydraulic solutions
With the UK's commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable engineering, expertise in modern, efficient hydraulic system design is increasingly valued.
Mechanical Maintenance - Mentions: 31
The importance of mechanical maintenance skills highlights the ongoing need for engineers who can ensure operational reliability. This appears in approximately 16% of job listings and encompasses:
- Preventative maintenance program development
- Root cause failure analysis
- Equipment lifetime optimization
- Maintenance cost reduction strategies
This skill set is particularly valued in the UK's manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure sectors where equipment downtime carries significant financial implications.
Pneumatics - Mentions: 26
Mentioned in approximately 14% of job listings, pneumatic system expertise remains important in the UK's automation, manufacturing, and packaging industries. Engineers with pneumatic skills are sought for their ability to:
- Design compressed air systems for manufacturing applications
- Implement control solutions for automated processes
- Integrate pneumatic components with electronic control systems
- Optimize energy usage in air-powered systems
With rising energy costs in the UK, engineers who can design energy-efficient pneumatic systems are increasingly valued.
Autodesk Inventor - Mentions: 24
As another prominent 3D CAD platform, Autodesk Inventor appears in approximately 13% of job listings. Its specific strengths in certain industries make it a valuable skill for UK mechanical engineers:
- Strong integration with broader Autodesk ecosystem
- Advanced assembly modeling capabilities
- Sheet metal design specialization
- Integration with Product Lifecycle Management systems
Inventor proficiency is particularly valued in the UK's sheet metal fabrication, industrial equipment, and specialised manufacturing sectors.
Troubleshooting - Mentions: 24
Tied with Autodesk Inventor at 24 mentions, troubleshooting represents the critical analytical and problem-solving capabilities that define successful mechanical engineers. This skill encompasses:
- Systematic problem identification
- Root cause analysis methodology
- Testing and verification procedures
- Implementation of corrective actions
UK employers particularly value engineers who can effectively troubleshoot complex systems, minimise downtime, and implement permanent solutions rather than temporary fixes.
