How to Become a Mechanical Designer
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Mechanical Designer
What does a Mechanical Designer do?
A Mechanical Designer designs and creates layouts and documentation for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and other mechanical building systems that meet project and technical specifications. Uses computer-aided design (CAD) and other specialized software tools to generate detailed layout plans, schematics, and drawings for mechanical systems. Being a Mechanical Designer maintains accurate and complete change and version control on all design files, documents, and drawings. Incorporates best practices to address design space constraints and ensure compliance with industry standards, safety requirements, and building codes. Additionally, Mechanical Designer collaborates with engineers and other project members. May conduct or participate in site visits to inspect installations or troubleshoot problems. May require an associate degree in mechanical design, drafting or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. The Mechanical Designer works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Mechanical Designer typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Mechanical designers create designs for machines and mechanical devices.
They combine drafting skills with mechanical engineering knowledge to assist product development engineers in the manufacture of new mechanical devices.
They are usually involved in all manufacturing phases of a machine or mechanical implement, from the initial sketches of the machine through the testing of the finished product.
A career as a mechanical designer requires an aptitude for drawing and good drafting skills.
These skills must be combined with an understanding of mechanical physics and how machines work.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Mechanical Designer
Best tips for those who want to become a Mechanical Designer
Here are some tips to become a Mechanical Designer.
To select proper materials and best suited shapes.
To calculate the dimensions based on the loads on machines and strength of the material.
Specify the manufacturing process for the manufacture of the designed component of the machine or the whole machine.
Complete detailed drawings/solid models of parts and assemblies in Solidworks.
Complete, route and ensure completion of ECOs.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Mechanical Designer
Best colleges and universities for Mechanical Designer
- Cooper Union
- Princeton University
- Columbia University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Wellesley College
- Yale University
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Mechanical Designer
Is being a Mechanical Designer Worth it?
Minimum of six years of experience in the layout and design of mechanical systems in an industrial or hydronics application.
A complete mid-market configuration solution that contains the CATIA 3DMaster, Mechanical Designer, and Sheetmetal designer products.
A complete mid-market configuration solution that contains the CATIA Mechanical & Shape Design and Sheetmetal designer.
The Mechanical Designer will select and specify off the shelf components, such as those typically used in the chemical process industry.
This course is for those students who are looking for Mechanical or Product Design Jobs so the only requisite is that your background should be from either of these two domains.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Mechanical Designer
What skills do you need to be a Mechanical Designer?
There are skills required to succeed in every role, and this one is no different. Strategic knowledge of the follow skills will be required: Circuit Design, Mechanical Drawing, Schematic Capture, Layout Design. Your ability to stand out from the competition depends on these skills, as well as your resume, interview, and other factors.
A mechanical designer has a good understanding of how machines work.
Mechanical designers must have expert knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering, computer drafting programs, and physical construction techniques.
They combine drafting skills with mechanical engineering knowledge to assist product development engineers in the manufacture of new mechanical devices.
A career as a mechanical designer requires an aptitude for drawing and good drafting skills.
These skills must be combined with an understanding of mechanical physics and how machines work.
Step 6: View average salary for Mechanical Designer
How much does a Mechanical Designer make?
The average salary range for a Mechanical Designer is from $59,513 to $80,319. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Mechanical Designer jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Mechanical Designer jobs, and apply.
Looking for Mechanical Designer jobs?
Here are some Mechanical Designer jobs in the United States.