Mechanical engineering is a broad field that encompasses various sub-disciplines and skills. Here is a list of some of the most important skills in mechanical engineering that you can assess using WeCP. You can also add questions your own on mechanical engineering skills to your test and identify your best candidates.
Here’s a comprehensive list of mechanical skills employers assess across different industries:
1. Manufacturing Industry
Computer-Aided Design (CAD): SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, Creo
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): CNC programming, Mastercam, G-code
Mechanical Assembly: Precision fitting, alignment, and fastening techniques
Lean Manufacturing: Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S methodology
Quality Control: Statistical Process Control (SPC), GD&T, non-destructive testing (NDT)
Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Predictive and preventive maintenance, root cause analysis
2. Automotive Industry
Vehicle Dynamics: Suspension systems, braking, and steering dynamics
Automotive Systems: Engine design, powertrain, transmission systems
Diagnostics and Repair: OBD-II systems, CAN bus diagnostics
Thermal and Fluid Systems: Cooling systems, HVAC, and fuel injection
Mechatronics in Automotive: Integration of electronics with mechanical components
Additive Manufacturing: 3D printing of auto parts and prototypes
3. Aerospace and Aviation Industry
Structural Analysis: Finite Element Analysis (FEA), load calculations
Aerodynamics: Wind tunnel testing, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Material Science: Composite materials, fatigue analysis, corrosion testing
Aircraft Maintenance: Avionics troubleshooting, aircraft assembly
Flight Mechanics: Control surfaces, propulsion systems
System Integration: Hydraulic and pneumatic system design
4. Energy and Utilities Industry
Power Plant Operations: Turbine mechanics, boiler systems, generators
Piping Systems: Pressure vessels, pipeline design, and maintenance
HVAC Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems troubleshooting
Renewable Energy Systems: Wind turbine mechanics, solar panel installation
Fluid Dynamics: Pump design, flow control, and fluid handling
Structural Integrity: Stress testing of power structures
5. Oil and Gas Industry
Rotating Equipment Maintenance: Pumps, compressors, and turbines
Pipeline Inspection and Repair: NDT techniques, corrosion protection
Rig Equipment Handling: Hydraulic systems, drilling tools, and motors
Process Plant Design: P&ID diagrams, heat exchangers, pressure vessels
Safety Systems: Hazard analysis, failure mode, and effects analysis (FMEA)
Offshore Operations: Subsea structures and equipment handling
6. Robotics and Automation Industry
Robot Programming: FANUC, KUKA, ABB robotics programming
Mechatronics Systems: Integration of mechanical, electrical, and computer systems
Automation Controls: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), SCADA systems
Kinematics and Dynamics: Robotic arm motion and path planning
Sensors and Actuators: Position, force, and proximity sensors integration
Assembly Automation: End-of-arm tooling (EOAT) setup and maintenance
7. Construction and Civil Engineering Industry
Structural Mechanics: Load-bearing analysis, foundation design
HVAC Design: Ductwork, ventilation systems
Project Management: Construction planning, budgeting, scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera)
Welding and Fabrication: MIG, TIG, and arc welding techniques
Heavy Machinery Operations: Excavators, bulldozers, and cranes
Building Materials Science: Concrete, steel, and composite material properties
8. Medical Devices Industry
Medical Device Design: Precision mechanical components, CAD modeling
Biomechanics: Prosthetics, orthopedics, and wearable devices
Cleanroom Operations: Equipment assembly under sterile conditions
Microfabrication: MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems) development
Failure Analysis: Fatigue, wear testing of implants and devices
Regulatory Compliance: ISO 13485, FDA validation processes
9. Consumer Products Industry
Product Design and Development: Ergonomics, aesthetics, and prototyping
Injection Molding: Mold design, plastics processing
Packaging Equipment: Assembly line setup, labeling systems
Material Selection: Plastic, metal, and composite materials for consumer goods
Testing and Validation: Drop tests, life cycle testing, and vibration analysis
3D Printing for Prototyping: Rapid prototyping of consumer products
10. Marine and Offshore Industry
Marine Propulsion Systems: Engine maintenance, propeller design
Structural Mechanics: Hull integrity, corrosion resistance
Fluid Dynamics in Marine Systems: Wave interactions, buoyancy analysis
Underwater Robotics: Remotely operated vehicles (ROV) maintenance
Piping and Fluid Control Systems: Ballast systems, pump operation
Safety and Compliance: Maritime safety regulations and inspections