Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Working Life

Mechanical engineers work with machines. They are involved at all stages of a machines lifecycle, designing, manufacturing and maintaining them as well as guiding their operation. The scale of machinery worked with can range from small, such as phones or watches, all the way up the to large complex networks of robots that operate factory assembly lines.

Mechanical engineering interacts with many other engineering disciplines, including agricultural machinery, precision engineering, tool-making, metal fabrication and processing. Essentially any sector that makes use of heavy machinery will involve mechanical engineers. This variety means mechanical engineers work on anything from racing cars to major power generation plants. They can be found designing the air conditioning systems in new buildings or in car companies, working on extracting more fuel efficiency from an engine.

This means that the workday of an engineer can vary greatly, depending on the sector they are working in and the type of product they are working on. But no matter what they will be using their engineering know how to apply mathematical and scientific knowledge to practical problems, they will almost always be coordinating with teams of engineers and technicians, they will often work especially closely with Electrical and Electronic engineers and depending on the sector, Building or Manufacturing Engineers.

While the work is practical, they will need good research skills and will spend a lot of time working on project documentation and with design software.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
• Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
• Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
• Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
• Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
• Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.
• Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
• Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
• Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products, using drafting tools or computer-assisted drafting equipment or software.
• Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, or repair to ensure that machines or equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications.

Further Information

• Mechanical Engineer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Mechanical engineer- from: GradIreland
• Mechanical Engineering- from: STEPS

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Mechanical engineers typically complete an appropriate engineering degree or equivalent qualification. There are several programmes available, some are specific mechanical engineering programs while others are general entry engineering with a mechanical engineering stream. These programs are offered from certificate through to degree and postgraduate level, to prepare graduates for both technician grade and engineer grade job roles.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: CNC, computer numeric control operator, engineering, OEM, computer-aided design, architectural technology, computer-aided design.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: prelim engineering, pre-university engineering, civil, mechanical, electronics engineering, CAD, computer aided draughting and design, construction technology, draughting.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Surveying, Engineering.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: engineering, agricultural, biomedical, energy, manufacturing, mechanical, engineering, automation engineering, polymer, sustainability engineering, renewable energy.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: engineering, mechanical, manufacturing, research, process, automation systems, biomedical, engineering research.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Engineers Ireland depending on level of entry, Mechanical Engineers can gain Chartered Engineer or Associate Engineer status. You can apply for these professional titles through Engineers Ireland after first gaining an accredited degree, diploma or certificate, followed  by three or four years experience in the workplace.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €100k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, location, and experience

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / CPL /Morgan McKinley/ Collins McNicholas/ Azon/ WEI

Last Updated: July, 2024

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Mechanical engineers, Electrical engineers, Electronics engineers, Engineering professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment levels have declined annually for this occupation since 2021, resulting in an average growth rate only slightly above zero. Employment is primarily divided between industry and the professional activities sector. Over a quarter (27%) of those employed were non-Irish citizens and 87% were male. Despite the fall in employment, demand remains evident.

This occupation accounted for the highest share of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) in 2023. Vacancies advertised through DSP related mainly to mechanical and electrical engineers. A high volume of employment permits were issued for electrical, mechanical and automation engineers amongst others, and these were mentioned in the Recruitment Agency Survey results as difficult-to-fill vacancies and also in the Spotlight on Skills data. Skills in demand for these roles included project management, interpersonal, analytics and mathematical skills (based on Skills for Growth data).

Demand persists for some specific roles within this occupation, namely mechanical, electrical and automation engineers, despite the decline in overall employment levels. While employment for each of these individual occupations is small, these skills play a critical role in industry, particularly in the life sciences, and in the transition to a digital and green economy.

• Engineers Ireland

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  • (01) 665 1300
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• Wind Energy Ireland

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  • 045 899341
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