A fantastic manufacturing team needs a wide variety of people.
From the maintenance technicians who keep your organisation running smoothly to the quality engineers who protect your reputation, everyone plays a role. A mechanical design engineer drives innovation and creativity in your business.
Mechanical engineers research, develop and design mechanical devices for a range of markets/industries. Their careful combination of analytical and out-of-the-box thinking often drives growth opportunities for companies. So, how do you hire the right one? Our mechanical design engineer recruitment guide covers qualifications, key skills and how to structure the interview.
As a specialist in manufacturing recruitment, Sigma has networked with many mechanical design engineers over the years. Here’s our list of the top qualities to look for.
Engineering and Design Skills
Any mechanical design engineer will need a solid grounding in mechanical engineering. Ideally, look for someone with a degree in mechanical engineering. However, candidates with strong experience can also be viable options, depending on their track record.
Along with a proven understanding of engineering industry standards, mechanical design engineers also need to be comfortable designing with computers. Much of this role involves creating and simulating products and parts in 3D CAD. Common design packages are SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Creo and Inventor.
During a competency-based interview, ask your candidate to explain the process they would take to design a new part or product. This usually involves using 3D CAD software, creating prototypes from blueprints, and testing to regulatory standards. You may also want to create a hands–on CAD test to use during the second interview.
A Blend of Creative and Analytical Thinking
Mechanical design engineers need to use a unique blend of imagination and logic in their work. To design incredible things, they must be willing to push the limits of what’s possible and get inventive with their strategies. However, they also need to take a scientific approach to ensure the items they create are practical and manufacturable (design for manufacturing).
Look for someone with a scientific mindset. Your new employee needs to be able to hypothesise and experiment, looking at original ideas through a rational lens. Mechanical design engineers are naturally curious and agile, but they won’t waste time on projects that can’t work.
Ask candidates about a time when they took a new approach to design, and how the risk paid off. This will point you to people who balance their inspirational side with practical resourcefulness.
Excellence in Communication and Teamwork
Mechanical design engineers drive business innovation, but they don’t do it alone. Their work usually involves interacting with many inspired, engaged individuals.
Your new team member will need to feel comfortable working with quality engineers, manufacturing engineers, sales engineers and more. They’ll need to take initiative and lead the group when necessary. However, they won’t prevent other staff members from contributing.
Because a mechanical design engineer works with a wide range of people, they also need to communicate well. Often, they need to explain complicated devices or machines to people who don’t speak the language of engineering. Make sure your candidate knows industry jargon, but can also translate it.
Fantastic Problem Solving
As innovators, mechanical design engineers often explore different routes and opportunities in the search for better products. Sometimes, exploring the unknown can lead to problems. However, the best candidates aren’t afraid of challenges. They know how to take control of a situation by analysing the issue at hand and coming up with quick solutions.
Mechanical design engineers rarely take the “easy way out”. They’re highly driven and determined, so they don’t mind pursuing the more complicated path if it’s what’s best for the business. This may mean investing in additional training at times or seeking help from a mentor. Because they’re committed to constant growth and development, mechanical design engineers often drive their own progress at work.
Attention to Detail
Finally, as manufacturing continues to evolve, mechanical design engineers want to stay on the cutting edge. This means embracing new strategies and methodologies when they emerge. The right employee will know how to analyse each detail of a new manufacturing technique to decide whether it’s right for your company.
What’s more, as they work, mechanical design engineers pay attention to every detail in the creation process. They spot inefficiencies first, as well as opportunities to improve production quality.
Rather than rushing to a solution, these team members take a systematic, careful approach. This lets them explore exciting new ideas in ways that benefit your organisation over time.
About Sigma Recruitment
We offer a full range of permanent recruitment solutions to many of the UK’s leading manufacturing, technical, automotive and life science organisations. This includes companies in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Ebbw Vale, Port Talbot, Bridgend and the surrounding areas in South Wales.
Sigma Recruitment has one of the largest and most comprehensive recruitment candidate databases in the area. To get in touch with our team, call us now on 02920 450 100. Alternatively, contact us here.
