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Mechanical research engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Charles Jenckes,

Dr. Yousef Sardahi

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical mechanical research engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for mechanical research engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 16.1% of mechanical research engineer resumes contained cad as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a mechanical research engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 mechanical research engineer skills for your resume and career

1. CAD

Here's how mechanical research engineers use cad:

Completed 3D CAD design and construction of a fully submersible, integrated reactor and buoyancy control system.
Instruct students how to use and implement CAD models for FIRST robotics design.

2. Solidworks

Here's how mechanical research engineers use solidworks:

Performed tolerance stack-up of different assemblies to optimize the design and performed structural finite element analysis using Solidworks.
Utilized skills in three-dimensional computer-aided design software (SolidWorks) to facilitate completion of computer models and drawing packages for manufacture.

3. Mechanical Design

Here's how mechanical research engineers use mechanical design:

Performed the mechanical design, electrical IC driver design, embedded control, and assembly of the valve.
Detailed studies of the mechanical design of IGNITOR, a tokomak plasma fusion reactor core.

4. CFD

CFD is the study and analysis of liquid flows by the use of numbers solution methods. The various fields involved include hydrodynamics and aerodynamics.

Here's how mechanical research engineers use cfd:

Performed CFD evaluation of customer data center facilities.
Designed thermal management for Computed Tomography detector circuitry and conducted experiments to validate design empirically, and using CFD.

5. Prototyping

Here's how mechanical research engineers use prototyping:

Recruited into Lead Engineering role to support technical design, prototyping and process manufacturing needs for emerging battery manufacturing process.
Initiated and led development of in-house rapid prototyping and machine shop facilities, and prepared and instituted associated training.

6. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how mechanical research engineers use data collection:

Contributed to the writing of research paper and data collection, which was published to Journal of Science and Cycling.
Managed multiple research and development projects involving human subject data collection, requiring compliance with HIPPA and Institutional Review Board regulations.

7. FEA

The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is software that can simulate physical phenomenon with the help of numerical procedures. FEA helps companies in developing better and cost-effective products by reducing the number of physical prototypes.

Here's how mechanical research engineers use fea:

Performed stress analysis (FEA) on machine components for optimal design.
Performed FEA analysis, modeled and detailed design, supervised manufacturing and testing.

8. Fluid Dynamics

Here's how mechanical research engineers use fluid dynamics:

Specialized in modeling of fluid dynamics and thermal transfer.

9. LabVIEW

Here's how mechanical research engineers use labview:

Modified LabVIEW control system to accommodate system changes during the system redesign.
Developed software for research purposes using C/C++ and LabView.

10. GD

GD refers to Grade Delay and is often mentioned on report cards or academic records when the instructor of a particular subject decides to hold the grade of a student. This is usually done if the instructor wants the student to improve their grade by retaking the exam or doing something for extra credit that will ultimately enhance their overall grade. Eventually, when the grade is assigned, the GD is then replaced with the original grade.

Here's how mechanical research engineers use gd:

Improved reliability and cleanliness of the drive system through GD & T and material selection.
Performed GD & T and tolerance analysis for vendor parts preventing future issues.

11. Data Acquisition

Data acquisition involves getting real-time values and digital, numerical representations of everyday activities and physical conditions. These values can be altered and manipulated by a computer to get accurate results that can be used to solve problems, answer questions, or reapplied into everyday activities.

Here's how mechanical research engineers use data acquisition:

Designed complete data acquisition and control system using DAQFactory.
Programmed data acquisition and control system using DAQFactory.

12. Mechanical Properties

The properties that determine the mechanical strength, aptitude, and potential of materials that are used to manufacture a piece of mechanical machinery. Mechanical properties of materials that need to be kept in mind are; strength of the material that keeps it from breaking down, the toughness of the material that enables it to absorb energy without fracturing, and hardness that keeps the material from deforming despite external pressure.

Here's how mechanical research engineers use mechanical properties:

Measured the mechanical properties mechanical properties for testing and analyses.

13. R

R is a free software environment and a language used by programmers for statistical computing. The R programming language is famously used for data analysis by data scientists.

Here's how mechanical research engineers use r:

Developed a data extract validation application utilizing R that incorporates XML files to dynamically generate SQL statements for data reconciliation.
Prepare the data sheet, Purchasing R package and equipment specification

14. PI

PI is the execution of all research's components such as preparation, conduction, and administration.

Here's how mechanical research engineers use pi:

Analyzed and coded research articles according to their relevance, and met the deadlines of the PI.
Tracked specific behavioral indicators and reported data to the PI.

15. Research Projects

Here's how mechanical research engineers use research projects:

Utilize Microsoft Project for management of applied research projects and statistical Design of Experiments for product design and process optimization.
Participate in vehicle safety related research projects including pedestrian safety, vehicle compatibility, and side impact vehicle crashes.

What skills help Mechanical Research Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on mechanical research engineer resumes?

Charles Jenckes

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

For new graduates
1.Where the candidate went to school and what was studied
2.GPA
3.Any successful internships
4.Projects completed by the student

What mechanical research engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Yousef Sardahi

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Marshall University

In the next 3-5 years, several skills are expected to become increasingly important in the mechanical engineering field:

Advanced Computational Skills: Proficiency in simulation and modeling software (like ANSYS, SolidWorks, or MATLAB) will be crucial as these tools become more integral in designing and testing complex systems.
Robotics and Automation: With industries moving towards automation, skills in robotics, automated systems, and knowledge of AI integration will be highly sought after.
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing: Expertise in 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques will be valuable as these technologies revolutionize product development and manufacturing processes.
Renewable Energy Technologies: As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, mechanical engineers with knowledge in solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies will be in high demand.
Data Analysis and IoT: Skills in data analytics and understanding the Internet of Things (IoT) will be important as more mechanical systems are connected and produce large amounts of data.
Materials Science: Knowledge in advanced materials, such as composites or smart materials, will be crucial for developing more efficient and sustainable products and systems.
Systems Engineering and Integration: The ability to understand and integrate various subsystems within a larger system will be key, especially in complex projects.
Project Management and Leadership: As projects become more complex, skills in project management and leadership will be essential for overseeing projects and leading teams effectively.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The ability to work effectively across disciplines, understanding aspects of electrical engineering, computer science, and even business, will be increasingly important.
Communication and Soft Skills: Strong communication skills, both for technical and non-technical audiences, along with teamwork and problem-solving skills, will always be invaluable in the engineering field.

What hard/technical skills are most important for mechanical research engineers?

Song Choi Ph.D.

Assistant Dean, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Fundamental competence and understanding of the mathematics (calculus), (physics), and fundamental engineering courses, generally the 2nd year and 3rd year courses. If the position requires more development/research type work, a higher competence, and understanding in the 4th year, more specific topic courses would be required. Project descriptions would be extremely important to assess these details.

For general engineering work, overall competence in all facets of mechanical engineering would be preferred - mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, and materials/manufacturing.

As more and more mechanical engineering projects require the use of computer software and packages, a fundamental understanding of programming and the use of specific software - AutoCad, SolidWorks, MatLab, Simulink, computer languages, etc. would be assets.

If critical thinking is categorized as a technical skill involving logical thinking, it should also be considered...

Documentation of all aspects of engineering.

Do you want to know more?

List of mechanical research engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a mechanical research engineer resume and required skills for a mechanical research engineer to have include:

CAD
Solidworks
Mechanical Design
CFD
Prototyping
Data Collection
FEA
Fluid Dynamics
LabVIEW
GD
Data Acquisition

Mechanical Properties
R
PI
Research Projects
Mechanical Systems
MATLAB
Simulink
Field Testing
CNC
Technical Reports
NASA

Heat Transfer
Modal Analysis
Design Process
Data Analysis
Electrical Systems
Dynamic Systems
Thermal Analysis
Engineering Support
Autocad

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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