Role

Mechanical Engineer

Designs and tests machines, tools, and mechanical systems to solve real-world problems.

13 chaptersAbout 5–6 months15–30 min a day14 skills2 projects
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Chapter 1 is free. No card needed.

Day 1 on the Mechanical Engineer path.

What a Mechanical Engineer does

Design and test mechanical parts and systems so products and equipment work safely, efficiently, and reliably.

  • Design mechanical parts and assemblies using CAD models and drawings
  • Analyze loads, motion, heat, and vibration to meet performance targets
  • Build prototypes and run lab or field tests to validate designs
  • Select materials and manufacturing methods based on cost and durability
  • Troubleshoot failures and improve designs using test and production data
  • Work with manufacturing, suppliers, and quality teams to release designs
  • Write clear documentation such as specs, test plans, and reports

A day in the life

  1. Review priorities, safety issues, and test results with the team
  2. Model a part in CAD, then check stresses or fit with quick calculations
  3. Meet with manufacturing to confirm tolerances, tooling, and assembly steps
  4. Run or observe a test, log data, and compare results to requirements
  5. Update drawings, write notes, and plan next experiments or design changes

Tools you will use

CAD: SolidWorks, CATIA, Autodesk InventorSimulation: ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOLDrafting standards: GD&T, engineering drawingsPrototyping: 3D printing, CNC machiningTest equipment: calipers, strain gauges, data loggersData analysis: Excel, MATLABPLM: Teamcenter, Windchill

Your plan

Chapter by chapter.

1~2 wks

See the work of a Mechanical Engineer

StartFree
2~2 wks

Design and CAD

Skills
3~2 wks

Validate the design

Skills
4~2 wks

Design write-up: explain one of your own CAD assemblies

Proof
5~2 wks

Analysis and Calculations

Skills
61–2 wks

Meet people doing the work

People
7~2 wks

Manufacturing and Production

Skills
8~2 wks

Technical Communication

Skills
9~2 wks

Working with People

Skills
10~2 wks

FEA simulation of a loaded beam, validated against hand calculations

Proof
111–2 wks

Prepare for Mechanical Engineer interviews

Interview
121–2 wks

Choose your route into Mechanical Engineer work

Decide
13on your timeline

Apply for Mechanical Engineer roles

Apply

By the last chapter

This is what you can show.

Things you've made

Design write-up: explain one of your own CAD assemblies and FEA simulation of a loaded beam, validated against hand calculations

Skills you can prove

14 skills, each rated on work you actually did.

People you've talked to

3 people who do the job, with a message ready for each.

Questions you can answer

20 interview questions and a mock interview, with feedback.

Credentials

14 credentials compared, so you can pick one, or decide you don't need one. None is required.

Ways in

There is more than one route.

Ways to study

  • Bachelor degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering field
  • Diploma or higher national diploma in mechanical engineering technology
  • Apprenticeship style training plus part-time engineering study
  • Online courses and projects in CAD, mechanics, and manufacturing basics

How people get their first job

  • Apply for mechanical engineering internships or industrial placements
  • Start in CAD drafting or engineering technician roles and build a portfolio
  • Join a student design team and document your design and test work
  • Earn a CAD certification and complete 2 to 3 portfolio assemblies
  • Build a small test report showing requirements, method, results, and fixes

Life skills on this path: Networking · Job interviews · Job search

How the work is changing

What AI is doing to this role

How AI is changing this role · one of 6 tasks we track

Size components and run engineering calculations

Sped up a lot

What AI does

MATLAB and Python copilots draft load and heat calculations fast.

Still yours

You set the assumptions the whole calculation rests on.

Reviewed September 2026

In the app · Premium

The rest is in the app

  • How AI affects the other 5 tasks
  • Whether this job is growing or shrinking
  • How hard the first job is to get
  • Similar roles that are easier to get into
  • Updated every month, with sources
See it in the app →

How we rate a job →

Already working

Already a Mechanical Engineer?

Plan your move to Senior Mechanical Engineer: 12 chapters that end with a strong case for your next review.

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Questions

Questions about this path

How long does it take to become a mechanical engineer with Welica?

The path is 13 chapters, 5–6 months at 15 to 30 minutes a day. You can go faster or slower; the plan moves with you.

Do I need a degree?

Not always. Common routes are bachelor degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering field, diploma or higher national diploma in mechanical engineering technology, apprenticeship style training plus part-time engineering study, or online courses and projects in CAD, mechanics, and manufacturing basics.

What is free?

Chapter 1, See the work of a Mechanical Engineer, is free for good. Premium unlocks the rest of the path.

Start the Mechanical Engineer path.

Chapter 1 free. About 15 to 30 minutes a day.

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