Mechanical engineering is a diverse and dynamic field that encompasses the design, testing, and construction of mechanical systems. In the UK, this broad mechanical engineer job profile spans industries like automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. The role of a machine engineer involves creating computer-aided design (CAD) models, developing prototypes, and overseeing the production of machines and components. They analyse data from tests, solve technical problems, and work on all stages of a product’s life cycle, applying engineering principles and technical knowledge throughout the process.
But what is mechanical engineering exactly, and what does a mechanical engineer do?
Mechanical Engineer Responsibilities
Our analysis of hundreds of UK mechanical engineering job postings reveals the following as key mechanical engineer responsibilities:
- Design and develop mechanical systems, components, and products using computer-aided design software
- Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
- Perform stress analysis, thermal analysis, and other engineering analysis calculations
- Test, evaluate, and modify product designs for improved performance through prototype testing
- Troubleshoot mechanical failures and implement cost-effective solutions
- Ensure designs comply with British and international standards and regulations
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (electrical, manufacturing, materials)
- Manage projects from concept through design, testing, and production
- Select appropriate engineering materials and manufacturing processes
- Develop and implement quality control procedures and maintenance programs
- Support installation, commissioning, and maintenance of mechanical systems
- Optimise designs for cost, manufacturability, and sustainability
Most In-demand Technical Skills
Our comprehensive analysis of job postings identifies these critical mechanical engineering skills for UK engineers:
The single most demanded skill across UK mechanical engineering positions is proficiency with computer-aided design software, appearing in 59% of all job postings. SOLIDWORKS leads as the preferred platform (mentioned in 40% of listings), followed by AutoCAD (29%) and Autodesk Inventor (13%). More details about required skills are detailed in the article Essential Mechanical Engineer Skills required in the UK.
Educational Requirements
| Qualification | Mentions |
|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree | 118 |
| Master Degree | 30 |
| PhD | 9 |
| Vocational | 3 |
The overwhelming majority of Mechanical Engineer job descriptions in the UK (73.8%) require a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related disciplines such as:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
These mechanical engineering qualifications provide a strong foundation in engineering science and technology. Higher-paying and more specialized roles often prefer candidates with postgraduate qualifications and a chartered status through IMechE, with 18.8% of positions specifically mentioning master’s degrees. Our salary analysis reveals that mechanical engineers with master’s degrees earn approximately £36,141 annually compared to £34,582 for those with bachelor’s degrees—a premium of around 4.5%.
Experience Requirement
Nearly half (48.5%) of all UK mechanical engineering positions require exactly 3 years of experience, suggesting this is a critical threshold in career development. This aligns with our salary analysis showing significant compensation increases during the first three years of career progression, after which salary growth tends to plateau unless accompanied by promotion to senior roles. Mechanical engineering work experience is crucial for developing practical skills and applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
| Years of Experience | Number of Jobs | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 113 | 48.50% |
| 2 | 40 | 17.17% |
| 5 | 37 | 15.88% |
| 0 | 26 | 11.16% |
| 1 | 13 | 5.58% |
| 10 | 4 | 1.72% |
Mechanical Engineering Salary by Seniority Level
The median mechanical engineering salary across all experience levels in the UK is £39,600 per year (£19.04 per hour). This represents a premium of approximately 20% over the UK’s median full-time salary.
How much does a mechanical engineer make? Our data shows a substantial 157% increase in compensation from internship to management level, with the most significant jumps occurring between internship and entry-level positions (+60%) and between entry-level and mid-level roles (+34%).
| Seniority Level | Average Hourly Salary(£) | Average Annual Salary(£) |
|---|---|---|
| Internship | £9.04 | £18,796 |
| Entry-Level | £14.48 | £30,126 |
| Mid-Level | £19.36 | £40,263 |
| Lead | £20.27 | £42,164 |
| Senior | £20.92 | £43,518 |
| Manager | £23.20 | £48,260 |
You can check out the article Mechanical Engineers Salary for more details about Engineers Salary in the UK.
Top Locations for Mechanical Engineers
Our geographical analysis reveals significant regional variations in mechanical engineering compensation:
| Top UK Cities | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Leatherhead | £31.50 | £65,532 |
| Milton Keynes | £29.30 | £60,960 |
| New Forest | £29.30 | £60,960 |
| Runcorn | £29.18 | £60,692 |
| Runcorn United | £29.18 | £60,692 |
| East Kilbride | £28.74 | £59,764 |
| West London | £27.84 | £57,912 |
| Cowes | £26.86 | £55,880 |
| Loughton | £26.86 | £55,880 |
| York | £26.86 | £55,880 |
The highest-paying location (Leatherhead) offers salaries that exceed the national median by approximately 65%, highlighting the significant impact location can have on compensation for mechanical engineers in the UK.
Top Paying Companies
Our comprehensive job market analysis identifies these organizations as top employers for mechanical engineers in the UK:
- MHR
- Avarafoods
- Metroworth Consulting
- Hamdan Global
- Insignis Talent (Part of STR Group)
- Howdens Joinery Co
- Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
- RATP Dev London
- Huxons Recruitment
- Woodford Heating and Energy
- EDF UK
- Ishida Europe
These companies often offer competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement in various industry sectors.
Common Job Titles in Mechanical Engineering
Our analysis of the UK job market reveals these frequently advertised mechanical engineering positions:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Mechanical Design Engineer
- Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
- Shift Engineer
- Workshop Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Production Engineer
- Field Service Engineer
- Junior Assembly Engineer
- Lead Pump Engineer
- Mechanical Project Engineer
These titles reflect the diverse roles and specializations available within the field of mechanical engineering.
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer and Stand Out in the Engineering Job Market
Education and Certification
- Pursue Chartered Engineer status through IMechE
- Consider specialized master’s degrees in high-growth areas
- Obtain software certifications in CAD and FEA platforms
- Develop cross-disciplinary skills (particularly in electronics and programming)
Technical Skill Development
Master the top technical skills identified for mechanical engineer responsibilities outlined by our research, particularly:
- Advanced computer-aided design (SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD)
- Finite Element Analysis
- Microsoft Excel for engineering applications
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Mathematical modeling and analytical thinking
Conclusion
The mechanical engineering profession in the UK offers robust opportunities across diverse industry sectors, with median compensation of £39,600 annually and potential for significantly higher earnings with specialization and career advancement. Our comprehensive analysis reveals that success in this field requires a strategic combination of technical expertise, professional qualifications, and awareness of industry trends.
With the increasing integration of digital technologies, sustainability requirements, and cross-disciplinary approaches, UK mechanical engineers must continuously evolve their skillsets to keep up with the growing mechanical engineer job profile. Those who develop expertise in high-demand areas such as computer-aided design, FEA, and specialized industry knowledge can command premium salaries that may exceed £65,000 in top-paying locations.
For mechanical engineers looking to maximize their career potential in the UK, we recommend focusing on continuous professional development, pursuing chartered status, and strategically targeting high-growth sectors and locations identified in our research. Engineering consultancy and research and development roles often offer exciting opportunities for those with strong analytical skills and innovative mindsets.
This comprehensive profile was developed through analysis of 966 mechanical engineering positions across the UK, with data collected and analyzed in May 2025.
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