Job Details
Sector(s)
Component Manufacturing and Research & Development; Project Development; Construction; Operations & Maintenance
Median Pay
$95,300 per year
$45.82 per hour
Job Type
Entry- to Mid-Level
Typical Entry-Level
Education and Work
Experience
Requirements
Bachelor's degree required; little to no experience required
Alternate Titles
None.
Brief Job Description
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. There are many different applications of a mechanical engineer’s skills in the marine energy industry, but they generally research, design, develop, and test tools, machines, and mechanical devices. Mechanical engineers can also oversee the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical equipment at marine energy arrays. Throughout the different sectors of the marine energy industry, mechanical engineers improve performance and reduce the costs associated with machine and mechanical device manufacturing and operation.
Education and Training Level Description
Mechanical engineers should have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Employers also value experience, so internships and involvement in collegiate competitions and/or cooperative-education engineering programs at universities are a plus. To be hired into formal engineering roles, mechanical engineers generally need to acquire a Fundamentals of Engineering license by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
With a Fundamentals of Engineering license and 4 or more years of work experience, mechanical engineers can take a test to acquire a professional engineer license. Mechanical engineers with a professional engineer license can be a technical specialist within the mechanical engineering discipline, oversee other engineers, develop designs and specifications, and oversee component assembly activities. An advanced degree, additional work experience, and a professional engineer license can lead to more job and career advancement opportunities in the research and development sector, project development, training and education fields, and managerial roles.
Job Profile
There are many different applications of a mechanical engineer’s skills in the marine energy industry, but they generally research, design, develop, and test tools, machines, and mechanical devices. Their work contributes to performance optimization and cost reductions for marine energy project developers as well as manufacturing and operation companies. In the marine energy industry, mechanical engineers work across each sector to provide technical expertise and support, ensuring continuous improvements in the research, design, production, installation, operation, and maintenance of mechanical products, equipment, systems, and processes of marine energy components or facilities.
During project development, mechanical engineers often consult with project developers and engineers, reviewing site characteristics, suggesting technology options, or helping find solutions to other project issues that arise. They may help project developers and engineers identify project performance requirements, estimate costs, or develop bids for potential projects.
In the component manufacturing sector, they may be employed in a specialized field of mechanical engineering, such as composites (which involves selecting optimal materials for marine energy components), structures (which involves designing marine structures), or reliability (which involves analyzing and redesigning products to improve performance and durability). Their work may focus on marine energy generation components and structures, but they may also help develop tools and machines used in the manufacturing of those components.
Prior to the construction of a marine energy site, mechanical engineers may work on marine energy resource assessment, component assembly, and commissioning. Once construction begins, mechanical engineers oversee technicians and other people involved in the construction of marine energy sites to ensure components are assembled properly and functioning according to specifications prior to commissioning.
During component assembly or replacement, mechanical engineers design and implement lifting plans for cranes, conduct transportation studies for component delivery, perform verification of installation of marine energy array components, and test installation equipment. They also create quality control procedures for installation of marine energy components in coordination with the original equipment manufacturer.
During the operation and maintenance of a marine energy array, mechanical engineers may work for the original equipment manufacturer or the array operating company. During this phase, mechanical engineers ensure that individual marine energy components and the entire array operate and perform according to design specifications. They establish and coordinate maintenance and service schedules for array components (such as generators, turbines, intake gates, and spill gates). Mechanical engineers also enforce safety procedures and coordinate the supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition. When issues arise, mechanical engineers may be required to investigate the issue, troubleshoot and identify the root cause and work with the manufacturer or customer to resolve the issue. Mechanical engineers oversee technicians who work on repairs and maintenance.
Mechanical engineers typically:
- Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, power array components, or the marine energy array
- Develop and test models of different mechanical designs and processing methods to assess how changes could improve system performance
- Design or redesign mechanical devices, creating blueprints so the device can be built
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports for mechanical components in marine energy technologies
- Identify, review and recommend necessary modifications to ensure product conforms to engineering design and performance specifications
- Plan, coordinate, or monitor the selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation and maintenance of marine energy array components, ensuring optimal manufacturing or component performance
- Arrange transportation and installation of oversized array components to the deployment site
- Conduct root cause failure analysis and develop solutions for product malfunctions or issues
- Supervise workers, technicians, and other engineers for quality control
- Estimate the time and cost required to complete projects
- Establish and maintain customer or vendor relationships.
Job Skills
Mechanical engineers typically need:
- Analytical skills. Mechanical engineers must be able to analyze testing results, operations data, and other issues, identifying the root cause of the issue and recommending solutions to ensure equipment availability and reliability.
- Communication skills. Mechanical engineers must communicate issues concerning component production and operations to management, clarify field issues with operations personnel, and write reports and procedure manuals. They should also be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
- Creativity. Mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery, often developing innovative approaches and solutions to projects and issues.
- Interpersonal skills. Mechanical engineers work across departments within their organization as well as establish and maintain relationships with customers and suppliers.
- Math skills. Mechanical engineers understand the principles of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
- Mechanical skills. Mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices. Such a background allows engineers to visualize basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes more easily.
- Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineers must have the ability to identify issues, analyze data and other relevant information, and develop solutions to problems. They should minimize the impact of solutions on project budgets, timelines, production, or operational capabilities.
More Information, Job Opportunities, etc.
For more information on mechanical engineering jobs, see:
- My Majors: Hydroelectric Plant Mechanical Engineer Career
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Mechanical Engineers