Following our in-depth look at Mechanical Engineer salaries, a crucial question arises: What specific mechanical engineer skills will make you a top candidate and command those higher salaries? Understanding what mechanical engineering is and what a mechanical engineer does is essential for those considering this career path.
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 Mechanical Engineering job postings to identify the most in-demand mechanical engineer skills and tools employers are actively seeking in 2025. This information is vital for those wondering how to become a mechanical engineer or exploring mechanical engineering careers.
Top 10 Mechanical Engineer Skills
Our analysis of job postings reveals clear patterns in employer requirements. The following mechanical engineering skills and tools were most frequently mentioned across mechanical engineering positions, highlighting the technical skills and engineering principles crucial for success in this field.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) – Mentions: 202
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, showcasing the importance of engineering technology in modern practice.
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. This aligns with the growing demand for innovation and creativity in mechanical engineering.
SOLIDWORKS – Mentions: 135
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, emphasizing the importance of engineering software skills.
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. Proficiency in SOLIDWORKS is a key component of mechanical engineering qualifications sought by employers.
Microsoft Excel – Mentions: 116
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. This trend highlights the growing importance of analytical thinking and attention to detail in mechanical engineering work.
AutoCAD – Mentions: 88
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. This skill is often part of the mechanical engineer job description in various industries.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) – Mentions: 86
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, showcasing the application of physics and mathematics in engineering science.
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. This skill is crucial for research and development roles within mechanical engineering.
Hydraulics – Mentions: 59
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 in mechanical systems.
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. This skill often features prominently in the mechanical engineering job description for roles in certain industries.
Mechanical Maintenance – Mentions: 57
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. Mechanical maintenance is a critical aspect of what a mechanical engineer does in many roles.
Pneumatics – Mentions: 45
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. This skill demonstrates the application of engineering principles in practical, industry-specific contexts.
Autodesk Inventor – Mentions: 43
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. This skill is often listed among the technical skills required for mechanical engineering positions.
Troubleshooting – Mentions: 43
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. This skill is essential across various mechanical engineering careers and is often a key component of the engineer job description.
Developing Your Mechanical Engineering Skills Portfolio for the UK Market
To maximise employability in the UK mechanical engineering sector, consider these strategic approaches:
Certification and Formal Training
Many of the top mechanical engineering skills identified in our research have associated certification programs. UK employers often look favorably upon formal qualifications such as:
- SOLIDWORKS Professional Certification
- Autodesk Certified Professional credentials
- FEA specialist certifications
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems qualifications
These certifications can complement traditional mechanical engineering degree apprenticeships or university programs.
Practical Application and Portfolio Development
Beyond certification, practical demonstration of skills through:
- Personal or open-source engineering projects
- Detailed portfolio of design work
- Documentation of problem-solving achievements
- Quantifiable improvements implemented in previous roles
Gaining mechanical engineering work experience through internships or apprenticeships can significantly boost your career prospects.
Conclusion
Our analysis clearly demonstrates that modern mechanical engineers in the UK need a diverse technical skillset that spans traditional mechanical disciplines and digital technologies. The high demand for CAD proficiency—particularly SOLIDWORKS, alongside analytical tools like FEA, underscores the increasingly digital nature of mechanical engineering practice.
The mechanical engineer career outlook in the UK remains strong, with positive mechanical engineer prospects due to ongoing technological advancements and the need for innovation across various industries. For those wondering “how much do mechanical engineers make,” salaries can vary widely based on experience, location, and industry, but generally offer competitive compensation compared to other professions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better to learn first: SOLIDWORKS or AutoCAD?
For beginners learning mechanical engineering skills, SOLIDWORKS often provides a more intuitive introduction to 3D modelling, while AutoCAD remains valuable for 2D documentation and certain specialised applications.
What is the fastest way to gain mechanical engineering skills in the UK?
Combining formal education with practical experience through internships, apprenticeships, and project-based learning provides the most effective pathway in gaining mechanical engineer skills. This approach allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing both your technical skills and soft skills like teamwork and communication skills.
How are mechanical engineering skills changing with AI and automation?
Modern mechanical engineers increasingly need to understand programming, data analysis, and how to work alongside AI systems that can automate aspects of design optimisation and simulation. This evolution emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the field.
The field of mechanical engineering continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary knowledge and the ability to integrate various engineering principles.
