Mechanical Engineering Skills for a Resume (With Examples)

Updated December 12, 2022

Careers in mechanical engineering can prove lucrative and rewarding. Mechanical engineers use their education, training and unique skill set to design, build and test mechanical devices like engines and machines. Understanding mechanical engineering skills and how to highlight them during the job search process can increase your chances of earning an interview or landing a position.

In this article, we’ll discuss the common skills employers list in their job descriptions for mechanical engineers and how to list and highlight these skills on your resume.

What are mechanical engineering skills?

Mechanical engineering skills are a mix of hard and soft skills covering areas such as math, computer skills, design and communication. Mechanical engineering offers one of the more expansive engineering disciplines because they work in many areas, including the manufacturing, research and automotive industries. These engineers utilize a wide variety of skills to design, develop and repair mechanical devices.

Examples of mechanical engineering skills

These are some of the skills you can expect employers to mention in job descriptions for mechanical engineering:

1. Communication

Mechanical engineers require excellent written and verbal communication skills. They often work to explain their ideas and designs to clients who don't know engineering terms or have less familiarity with mechanical systems.

The ability to clearly explain their ideas ensures clients and peers understand the design and feel confident in the execution of those ideas. They also write technical reports and often require the ability to put their thoughts into specification formats as required by some industries.

2. Creativity

One of the main duties of mechanical engineers involves the design of mechanical systems. In various industries, these designs evolve with changing technology and building systems.

A mechanical engineer uses creativity to design new tools, products and systems that solve issues that come up through these new technologies. Creative thinking can also allow the mechanical engineer to find alternative solutions and methods during the troubleshooting processes.

3. Problem-solving

Problem-solving is an essential skill for mechanical engineering. Along with creativity, mechanical engineers use problem-solving abilities to work through issues that come up, for example, during testing of new products or a system malfunction in an HVAC system.

A mechanical engineer uses this skill in their design calculations to develop and test prototypes, validate product experiences and test-building materials. They can also use this skill to help identify design improvements for current products.

4. Math

Mechanical engineers use math every day. This is the main skill that they develop throughout their education in high school, through college and on the job. Their math skills help when solving problems caused by miscalculations.

This also helps when providing cost estimates for design improvements or new products. Many software programs used in mechanical engineering require correct mathematical calculations and input to avoid issues.

5. Attention to detail

In mechanical engineering, various skills work together to create mechanical systems and products that help to improve lives and communities. When issues come up, mechanical engineers go through calculations and test systems to find solutions to those issues.

Being detail-oriented allows them to perform quality reviews to make sure these types of situations don't happen again. This also allows the engineer to identify and fix incorrect calculations during testing.

6. Collaboration

Mechanical engineers often work with others to solve issues and create new technologies. They may work with other non-mechanical engineers and technical personnel such as architects, scientists and designers. Mechanical engineers require the ability to work in a team setting and collaborate with others to assist with project deliverables and ensure consistent production and communication.

7. Project management

A mechanical engineer often works to solve problems related to mechanical systems and other devices. They may bring together a team of engineers and designers to come up with a solution. Having project management skills to lead a team of both technical and non-technical people is important for a mechanical engineer's career.

Examples for a mechanical engineering resume

To highlight your mechanical engineering skills on your resume, mention specific tasks and examples of accomplishments that show these strengths and skills. Using action verbs, you can explain to a potential employer how you offer a great fit for the job. Make sure you use the vocabulary listed in the job description to help make sure your resume includes relevant keywords and attracts the reader's attention.

Mechanical engineering resume skills section

Here's an example of what your resume skills section may look like when applying for a mechanical engineering role:

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills | Creative and analytical thinker | Superior problem-solving skills and math capabilities | Highly collaborative team player

Mechanical engineering work experience section

Here's an example work experience section for a mechanical engineering resume:

Work Experience

Mechanical Engineer, January 2020–July 2022
Master Tech Manufacturing, Boston, MA

Led my team through an eight-week creativity session trying to solve an issue with newer technology
Using math and creative thinking, collaborated with three other teammates to fix an issue with a new medical testing device that now runs smoothly and has a 0.05% error rate
Project manager for the boiler project where we designed a new, efficient system to replace the old boilers in a commercial building
Reworked math calculations to improve an error code from 0.05% to 0%

Assistant Mechanical Engineer, March 2018–November 2019
Master Tech Manufacturing, Boston, MA

Designed and created a new medical device that will help to test diabetic blood-sugar levels without pricking a finger
Designed the new HVAC system for the University of Milwaukee's School of Medicine which is 30% more energy-efficient and has helped to speed up recovery times for patients in the clinic by 2 days
Worked with a five-person team to develop a new engine for a new brand of car that runs on solar and steam power

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.