What does a junior mechanical engineer do?
A junior mechanical engineer is responsible for designing tools and equipment under the supervision of a senior mechanical engineer. Junior mechanical engineers assist in building project plans with the whole team from its conceptualization to final deliverables, following client specifications and business requirements according to budget limitations and deadlines. They also submit precise measurements, including the cost of materials and schematics. A junior mechanical engineer must have excellent technical, mechanical, and analytical skills, especially on writing detailed progress reports and adjust design plans as needed.
Junior mechanical engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real junior mechanical engineer resumes:
- Use of PLM software tools such as WindChill to manage data, revisions, iterations and approvals.
- Design HVAC systems and plumbing layouts for various large and small-scale projects at different stages right from conceptual to implementation stage.
- Implement ductwork into AutoCAD or REVIT models.
- Review product drawings and program CNC machines according to the part designs.
- Develop CNC programs for sheet metal flat patterns for a Mazak CNC laser.
- Modify engineering documentations (BOM) to correlate with assembly methods and update issues.
- Interface with production managers, engineers and project managers in designing, prototyping and testing new equipment.
- Design plumbing systems for new construction evaluating elevation change, pressure losses, and require GPM flow.
- Interface with production managers, engineers, and project managers in designing, prototyping, and testing equipment.
- Organize and prepare other documentation relate to GIS.
- Set? up LabView data acquisition software and calibrate all electronic instrumentation.
- Used LabVIEW to simulate a machine-vision assist part inspection and classification system.
- Utilize SolidWorks to design an expeditionary flooring system to be manufacture and test.
- Coordinate with procurement and engineering to troubleshoot bill of materials for first production units.
- Design semiconductor package testing stack ups/tools, perform engineering analysis and validate designs using SolidWorks.
Junior mechanical engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Junior Mechanical Engineers are proficient in Mechanical Engineering, Solidworks, and Mechanical Systems. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Listening skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Junior Mechanical Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Mechanical Engineering, 16%
Provided mechanical engineering support to the product-development team for one of the country's fastest-growing underwater LED lighting manufacturers.
- Solidworks, 14%
Designed semiconductor package testing stack ups/tools, performed engineering analysis and validated designs using SolidWorks.
- Mechanical Systems, 7%
Obtained extensive operational understanding of all production and experimental electromechanical systems.
- HVAC, 4%
Prepared HVAC energy schedules in AutoCad and Microsoft Excel to display performance and efficiency comparisons through a mechanical system.
- Mechanical Design, 4%
Experience in basic machining practices and fabrication methods and how it influences the mechanical design process.
- Prototype, 3%
Consulted with UROV companies to create a prototype rover as a base model for future competition and learning.
Common skills that a junior mechanical engineer uses to do their job include "mechanical engineering," "solidworks," and "mechanical systems." You can find details on the most important junior mechanical engineer responsibilities below.
Creativity. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a junior mechanical engineer to have is creativity. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." Junior mechanical engineers often use creativity in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "implemented lean manufacturing in reducing inventory, cycle time and created efficient layout and standardized work. "
Listening skills. Many junior mechanical engineer duties rely on listening skills. "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists," so a junior mechanical engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways junior mechanical engineer responsibilities rely on listening skills: "performed stress analysis for the design and optimization of twin-screw press machines communicated with the costumers and salesmen to provide techanical supports"
Math skills. junior mechanical engineers are also known for math skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to junior mechanical engineer responsibilities, because "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." A junior mechanical engineer resume example shows how math skills is used in the workplace: "performed numerous quantitative takeoffs of blueprints in lighting, power, panels and feeders, fire alarm, and hvac. "
Mechanical skills. A big part of what junior mechanical engineers do relies on "mechanical skills." You can see how essential it is to junior mechanical engineer responsibilities because "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical junior mechanical engineer tasks: "create and update mechanical part and assembly drawings using gd&t; standards. "
Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for junior mechanical engineer responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of junior mechanical engineers all the time, as "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." An excerpt from a real junior mechanical engineer resume shows how this skill is central to what a junior mechanical engineer does: "provided technical support by suggestion and implementation of feasible design solution to clients. "
The three companies that hire the most junior mechanical engineers are:
- Teledyne Technologies Incorporated3 junior mechanical engineers jobs
- Rite-Solutions3 junior mechanical engineers jobs
- Amphenol2 junior mechanical engineers jobs
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Compare different junior mechanical engineers
Junior mechanical engineer vs. Engineer
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, junior mechanical engineer responsibilities require skills like "mechanical engineering," "mechanical systems," "mechanical design," and "prototype." Meanwhile a typical engineer has skills in areas such as "python," "cloud," "c++," and "c #." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $97,672. On the other hand, junior mechanical engineers are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $70,537.On average, engineers reach similar levels of education than junior mechanical engineers. Engineers are 3.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Junior mechanical engineer vs. Design engineer
A design engineer is responsible for creating systems and applications based on their expertise. Design engineers work through client specifications based on business needs. A design engineer also provides recommendations on improving existing systems to boost its performance and increase efficiency. Design engineers must have an excellent command of computer systems, programming codes, and technical data to ensure the system's stability and high-quality processes. A design engineer should also have strong analytical and time-management skills to perform tasks and meet deadlines.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that junior mechanical engineer responsibilities requires skills like "mechanical engineering," "solidworks," "mechanical systems," and "prototype." But a design engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "c++," "ul," "project management," and "work ethic."
Design engineers may earn a higher salary than junior mechanical engineers, but design engineers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $86,213. On the other hand, junior mechanical engineers receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $70,537.design engineers earn similar levels of education than junior mechanical engineers in general. They're 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for junior mechanical engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Richard Onyancha
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Department Head, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Junior mechanical engineer vs. Staff engineer
Staff engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and inspecting various products, equipment, or structures. These professionals may perform varied duties depending on their specialization that includes overseeing the design and construction of buildings, bridges, sewer systems, and other infrastructure, estimating the financial costs of construction projects, and ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and regulations. Other duties include designing and developing machinery, tools, and engines, solving design problems, and building the manufacturing equipment needed to create their products.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from junior mechanical engineer resumes include skills like "mechanical engineering," "solidworks," "mechanical systems," and "mechanical design," whereas a staff engineer is more likely to list skills in "java," "python," "architecture," and "software development. "
Staff engineers earn the highest salary when working in the telecommunication industry, where they receive an average salary of $119,079. Comparatively, junior mechanical engineers have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $70,537.staff engineers typically earn higher educational levels compared to junior mechanical engineers. Specifically, they're 6.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Junior mechanical engineer vs. Equipment engineer
The duties of an equipment engineer depend on one's organization or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around designing and developing mechanical and electronic equipment, analyzing and improving existing systems, performing customization according to customers' preferences, installing and removing attachments, and conducting regular maintenance procedures. An equipment engineer must also address issues and complaints, providing corrective measures promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with team members and other specialists, inspect and test new systems, and adhere to the company's policies and regulations.
Types of junior mechanical engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
