Mechanical Engineering

A Career in Mechanical Engineering –
what does it entail?
Mechanical Engineering involves the design and development of machines
which range from simple mechanisms to complex machinery such as
motor vehicles, ships or aircraft. The mechanical engineer is responsible
for the design, development, production and marketing of a large variety
of machines and processes. He/She also organises and run industrial
installations and process plants.
The focus of the manufacturing industry in South Africa is slowly shifting
towards automation and robotics has become an important aspect of
modern mechanical engineering. South African mechanical engineers,
technologists and technicians have excelled in the development of
sophisticated machinery and vehicles, the creation of heavy industries
such as Iscor, service industries such as the transport services,
manufacturing industries and mining.
Computer aided design is an important tool for mechanical engineering
and is a key subject in a modern course, alongside mechanics, strength of
materials, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
The mechanical engineering team consists of Engineers, Technologists,
Technicians and Artisans.
So You Want To Be: Mechanical Engineer

A career in mechanical engineering is bound to be interesting as it involves a huge variety of
fields and activities. In South Africa, career opportunities for mechanical engineers are very
good. Chantel Levey-Cilliers manager of Robert Walters engineering & natural resources
recruitment division outlines how you can become a mechanical engineer and what the role
involves.
What Does A Mechanical Engineer Do?
The job of a mechanical engineer is to design, install and evaluate machinery, processes and
products. From robots and microchips to racing cars and power plants, a job as a mechanical
engineer is at the head of modern technology. Most of the moving man-made objects that you
see around you, as well as those in factories and mines, are the work of mechanical engineers.
Mechanical engineers are involved in almost every other discipline of engineering. Mechanical
engineers also focus on research and development because new types of machinery are
continually sought-after.

Which Qualifications Do I Need In Order To Become A Mechanical Engineer?
To become a mechanical engineer in South Africa you will need to complete a four year
Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in the discipline of Mechanical Engineering. You will
then need to embark on a three year training period in industry before you register as a
professional engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.

What Skills Do I Need In Order To Become A Mechanical Engineer?
Your mechanical engineering degree will give you one of the most diverse educations of all the
engineering disciplines. As a result, your skills are in demand across a range of engineering
industries, such as aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceutical and energy. Your
skills and knowledge gained from a mechanical engineering degree will set you up for a
successful career and should include: technical expertise, numeracy skills and data analysis, IT
skills, planning and organisational skills, communication skills, creativity, business acumen as
well as interpersonal skills, particularly team work.

How Much Can I Earn Working As A Mechanical Engineer?
In South Africa a qualified mechanical engineer can expect to earn anything between R650 -
850k per annum depending on experience, location and speciality. For further insight into
engineering salaries and recruitment trends access Robert Walters engineering & natural
resources half-yearly review.