Model engine mechanic vs design engineer

The differences between model engine mechanics and design engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a model engine mechanic and a design engineer. Additionally, a design engineer has an average salary of $77,134, which is higher than the $76,923 average annual salary of a model engine mechanic.

The top three skills for a model engine mechanic include C++, linux and LS-DYNA. The most important skills for a design engineer are C++, UL, and project management.

Model engine mechanic vs design engineer overview

	Model Engine Mechanic	Design Engineer
Yearly salary	$76,923	$77,134
Hourly rate	$36.98	$37.08
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	69,146	138,173
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	6	6

What does a model engine mechanic do?

A model engine mechanic repairs and deals with small engines that power machinery such as lawn mowers, chain saws, or recreational sporting equipment. They are responsible for diagnosing, adjusting and repairing machinery. They are also responsible for performing routine machinery maintenance, lubricating parts, reinstalling parts, and interacting with the client to explain equipment issues. For this position, they need a mechanics certification.

What does a design engineer do?

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.

Model engine mechanic vs design engineer salary

Model engine mechanics and design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Model Engine Mechanic	Design Engineer
Average salary	$76,923	$77,134
Salary range	Between $56,000 And $105,000	Between $57,000 And $102,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	Cornerstone Research	Meta
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between model engine mechanic and design engineer education

There are a few differences between a model engine mechanic and a design engineer in terms of educational background:

	Model Engine Mechanic	Design Engineer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering	Mechanical Engineering
Most common college	Carnegie Mellon University	Michigan Technological University

Model engine mechanic vs design engineer demographics

Here are the differences between model engine mechanics' and design engineers' demographics:

	Model Engine Mechanic	Design Engineer
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4%	Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 16.1% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between model engine mechanic and design engineer duties and responsibilities

Model engine mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage automation projects including purchasing, scheduling fabrication and assembly, debugging, and delivery to customer.
Provide fundamental understanding of thermoacoustic mechanism and assistance to device prototyping design of glass incorporating thermoacoustics.
Develop the flow of the accurate timing model for Verilog simulations for more accurate simulations results using SiliconSmart and PrimeTime.
Develop the flow of the accurate timing model for Verilog simulations for more accurate simulations results using SiliconSmart and PrimeTime.

Design engineer example responsibilities.

Utilize CREO surfacing to achieve stylize toilets and components.
Lead innovative cost reduction activities for MBD which lead to industry wide changes.
Develop software in MATLAB & LabVIEW to post-process data, analyze images, and automate test modules.
Participate in new product design reviews, lead DFM sessions with suppliers, and develop part specifications.
Validate specifications that achieve function requirements and Honda standards using FTA, FMEA, simulation, design logic & team collaboration.
Develop tools using Perl script to automate integration/verification process.

Model engine mechanic vs design engineer skills

Common model engine mechanic skills

C++, 29%
Linux, 14%
LS-DYNA, 9%
Prototyping, 5%
In-House, 5%
CATIA, 4%

Common design engineer skills

C++, 4%
UL, 4%
Project Management, 4%
Work Ethic, 4%
Engineering Design, 4%
RF, 3%

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Model Engine Mechanic
Model Engine Mechanic vs Design Engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

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