Mechanical engineers must solve problems with existing equipment or machinery.
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A mechanical engineer uses computer software programs to design or redesign various types of mechanical devices, such as engines, machines and robots. While technical abilities and math skills are vital to success, top mechanical engineers also possess certain personal qualities, including creativity and strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Creativity
Engineering is a field of innovation. Mechanical engineers develop new equipment and products used by customers to optimize production or improve their work processes. Creativity is an essential part of developing or improving devices so they are of good quality, meet space or weight limitations and achieve the cost objectives of customers. Much of the development process involves brainstorming new ideas and testing them through trial and error.
Communication
Though engineering is often viewed in purely technical terms, you must also have strong communication skills to meet the needs of clients and other stakeholders. In an engineering firm, you must listen effectively to managers to understand their directions and carry them out properly. You must also articulate the progress of a project and provide accurate information on any issues that crop up. If you work independently, or interact with clients, you need to understand client requirements, ask appropriate questions, and provide updates as you work toward development and production goals. In a supervisory position you might also lead a team that helps with research and design, so you must be able to communicate the goals of the project.
