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...