Land Your Dream Job in 24 Weeks: The Ultimate Challenge for Mechanical Engineers. Learn for FREE!!! Only on www.royal-mechanical.com
An Action Plan to Become a Mechanical Design Engineer in 24 Weeks
9 Tasks to Become a Mechanical Design Engineer in 24 Weeks
Task #1: Understand the Industry
Mechanical Engineers should understand the Industry and what the industry expects from mechanical engineers.
Task #2: Practice Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Catia V5 and Fusion 360
Mechanical engineers should master computer-aided design (CAD). A mechanical engineer should be proficient in at least one CAD software’s part design, sheet metal design, assembly design, and drafting modules.
Task #3: Manufacturing Processes
Mechanical engineers should master materials and manufacturing processes. I am sure all mechanical engineers are aware of materials and manufacturing processes. Manufacturing is the transformation of raw material into the finished product. Let’s take an example of a washer. A mechanical engineer can design the washer using CAD software. But eventually, the washer has to be manufactured from raw materials and manufacturing processes. Hence, the knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes is crucial to becoming a mechanical design engineer.
Task #4: Design for Manufacturing and Assembly
Mechanical engineers should master DFMA, design for manufacturing, and assembly. Designs that can’t be manufactured or that are impossible to manufacture will create unnecessary delays in manufacturing. However, with the effective implementation of DFMA principles, the products can be manufactured and launched quickly to market.
Task #5: Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
Mechanical engineers should also become proficient in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). I am sure all mechanical engineers are aware of the 14 GD&T symbols. There are many benefits of GD&T in mechanical product design. One of the top benefits is interchangeability. Interchangeability is the replacement of parts. Let’s imagine you want to replace the wheel of your car or bike. It’s effortless to replace. This interchangeability is possible with the implementation of GD&T in designs.
Task #6: Product Design using Catia V5 and Fusion 360
Mechanical engineers should create product designs applying GD&T. This phase is project-oriented. Mechanical engineers should design 2 to 3 products. In addition to 3D designing of products, mechanical engineers should create manufacturing drawings, project reports, and project presentations. As a result, mechanical engineers gain experience in working on real-time projects.
Task #7: Jig and Tooling Design using Catia V5 and Fusion 360
Mechanical engineers should create tooling designs applying GD&T. This phase is project-oriented. Mechanical engineers should design 2 to 3 toolings (Jigs, Fixtures, Press Tools, Plastic Injection Molds, etc.). In addition to 3D designing tooling, mechanical engineers should create manufacturing drawings, project reports, and project presentations. As a result, mechanical engineers gain experience in working on real-time projects.
Task #8: Resume & Interview Preparation
Mechanical engineers should learn to prepare an effective resume and cover letter and also prepare for job interviews. A resume and cover letter are documents that get a job interview call, and interviews are gateways for jobs. So, preparing for a job interview is critical in getting jobs. In addition, mechanical engineers will have to prepare for technical and general interview questions.
Task #9: Job Search, Apply, Interview
Mechanical engineers should create profiles on several job portals. Then, search and apply for relevant jobs by customizing resumes and cover letters. Then, attend and succeed in the job interview.
Task #10: New Employee Induction
Once mechanical engineers get a job, the company shall induct the new employee. The HR team of the company shall brief on the company’s working culture, policies, and procedures.
