Senior mechanical engineers supervise the teams that develop and design different mechanical items such as tools, engines and machines. They supervise teams of scientists, researchers and other engineers, so they must be good leaders. In developing mechanical items, senior mechanical engineers must also determine what the impact will be on the environment of using the item; a product won't be allowed for legal use if it creates too much pollution. Senior mechanical engineers must also manage and fix any problems that might occur during development, manufacturing, testing and production. They must follow an item from its inception to through production and know everything about that item through every step. Another major duty of theirs is in creating timelines and budgets for products.
The work environment for senior mechanical engineers varies and depends on what kind of company they work for. Some may work in offices, conference rooms, laboratories and production and manufacturing rooms. The tools they work with are normal office supplies such as computers, telephones, diagrams, blueprints, pens and paper, and other usual office supplies. They may also wear protective gear depending on the machines they use and the product they make.
Senior mechanical engineers report to the supervisor of operations or general manager. The base requirement to work as a mechanical engineer is a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. However, many may need a master's degree. Several years of experience in mechanical engineering and leadership ability is also require.
Senior Mechanical Engineer Tasks
- Performs engineering duties; develops, designs, and tests mechanical devices.
- Writes technical reports, handbooks, and bulletins for use by staff or customers.
- Estimates time and cost to complete projects.
- Researches designs and makes recommendations based on appearance, safety, budget, and function.