How to Be Mechanical Analysis Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 6, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Mechanical Analysis Engineers play a critical role in the engineering industry. By utilizing an array of sophisticated tools and techniques, they are able to evaluate the mechanical performance of products and components. This helps to ensure that these components meet design specifications and provide reliable performance.

By analyzing materials and components, engineers can identify potential weaknesses or failure points and make recommendations for improvements. This analysis can also be used to assess the safety of products and components and provide certification for their use. the effective analysis of mechanical components can lead to increased efficiency, fewer defects, and improved safety.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Mechanical analysis engineers typically need a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering field. Such programs provide a comprehensive foundation of engineering principles and mathematics, as well as a strong background in the specific field of mechanical engineering.
Consider Specialization. Depending on the particular job, some employers may prefer applicants with a specialization in mechanical analysis. Such specializations may include thermal analysis, stress analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), or computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
Complete an Internship. Internships provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. Internships can be highly beneficial for those interested in pursuing a career in mechanical analysis engineering, as they can provide valuable hands-on experience and introduce them to potential employers.
Obtain Professional Certification. Professional certification is not always required, but can help demonstrate an individuals knowledge and commitment to their field. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) offers a variety of certifications, such as the Certified Mechanical Analysis Engineer (CMAE).
Gain Experience. While entry-level positions in mechanical analysis engineering are available, some employers may prefer applicants with prior relevant experience. Working as a research assistant or intern in the field of mechanical engineering or a related field can help individuals gain the experience necessary for some positions.

Mechanical Analysis Engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on the study and analysis of mechanical systems. In order to be successful in this field, engineers must employ a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The ideal and efficient approach to mechanical analysis involves carefully analyzing the system, understanding the underlying physics, and applying principles of engineering to develop solutions.

This approach allows engineers to develop reliable and cost-efficient solutions that address the needs of the system. engineers must consider the environmental effects of their designs, as well as the need for safety and reliability. By utilizing a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, mechanical analysis engineers are able to design effective and efficient systems that serve the intended purpose.

You may want to check Mechanical Test Technician, Mechanical Applications Engineer, and Mechanical Parts Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Design mechanical systems, components and processes to meet customer requirements and standards.
Conduct finite element analysis (FEA) simulations on components and assemblies for structural integrity, fatigue life and design optimization.
Create test plans, build fixtures and test components and assemblies to validate designs.
Produce detailed engineering reports for test results and analysis of designs.
Participate in design reviews and provide feedback to design teams.
Develop and maintain design standards, product databases and drawings.
Evaluate prototype designs, troubleshoot problems and provide technical support to production and engineering personnel.
Collaborate with other engineering teams to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
Research current market trends and competitive products to stay ahead of industry advancements.
Monitor quality control processes and procedures to ensure product reliability and safety.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of engineering principles and theories related to mechanical analysis
Proficient in stress analysis techniques such as finite element analysis (FEA)
Ability to perform static, dynamic, and thermal analysis
Ability to interpret and analyze design results for accuracy and reliability
Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials
Understanding of design for manufacturability principles
Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and design
Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations
Expertise in product testing and validation protocols
Knowledge of industry standards and best practices
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Strong problem-solving capabilities
Self-motivated and able to work independently

Having the ability to analyze mechanical systems is essential for any Mechanical Analysis Engineer. Being able to effectively identify the underlying cause of any mechanical system failures and devise solutions to prevent them from occurring again is a key skill. The ability to read, interpret, and analyze technical drawings to identify potential problems is also very important in order to ensure that the final product is operating as intended.

being able to work with other engineers and technicians to develop and test prototypes is necessary in order to find the best solution for the problem. Being organized and able to keep up with multiple tasks simultaneously is also a must in order to stay on top of deadlines. Lastly, having good communication skills to effectively present your findings and solutions is critical in order to make sure everyone understands the problem and the solution.

All of these skills combined make a Mechanical Analysis Engineer invaluable in any engineering team.

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager, Mechanical Product Designer, and Mechanical Design Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in developing mechanical analysis plans?
What experience do you have with different analysis software?
How do you stay up to date on developments in the field of mechanical analysis engineering?
What is your experience troubleshooting mechanical problems?
How do you ensure accuracy and precision in your work?
How do you ensure compliance with industry standards?
Describe a project you have worked on that required mechanical analysis.
What strategies do you use to analyze and optimize existing designs?
Describe your experience in developing reports on mechanical analysis results.
How do you collaborate with other engineers to ensure successful mechanical analysis projects?

Common Tools in Industry

Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A numerical technique used to analyze the behavior of structures and components under applied loads. (eg: An FEA analysis of a car component to determine its load-bearing capacity).
Computer-Aided Design (CAD). A computer-aided design software used to create 3D models of components and assemblies. (eg: Creating a 3D model of a gearbox using CAD).
Stress Analysis. The analysis of stress, strain and deformation in a component or structure due to loading. (eg: Stress analysis of a building structure to evaluate its seismic performance).
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). A numerical method used to simulate and analyze the flow of fluids. (eg: CFD simulation of an aircraft wing to study its aerodynamic performance).
Vibration Analysis. The analysis of the vibration characteristics of a component or structure. (eg: Vibration analysis of a machine component to determine its critical frequencies).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC)
International Association for Machine Tools and Manufacturing (IAMTEM)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)

We also have Mechanical Manufacturing Technician, Mechanical Reliability Technician, and Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Stiffness. The resistance of a material to deformation under a load.
Fatigue. The weakening of a material caused by repeatedly applied loads.
Stress. Force per unit area applied to a material.
Vibration. The oscillation of a material caused by an external force.
Fracture Mechanics. A discipline of mechanical engineering that studies how materials fail under stress.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A numerical method used to solve problems in engineering, such as stress and vibration analysis.
FEA Modeling. The process of creating a mathematical model to represent a system, using FEA.
Failure Modes. The ways in which a material can fail, such as fatigue, fracture, or creep.
Creep. The slow deformation of a material under stress over time.
Strain. The amount of deformation in a material caused by an applied load.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mechanical Analysis Engineer?

A Mechanical Analysis Engineer is a professional who uses engineering principles and tools to analyze the performance of mechanical systems and components. They use computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools, finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and other techniques to develop solutions to improve the performance of machines, structures, and products.

What types of projects do Mechanical Analysis Engineers typically work on?

Mechanical Analysis Engineers typically work on projects involving the analysis, design and optimization of mechanical systems, components and products. They may be involved with the development of new products, or the improvement of existing ones. Their work can involve stress analysis, fatigue analysis, thermal analysis, structural dynamics, and other mechanical engineering disciplines.

What qualifications are required for a Mechanical Analysis Engineer?

A Mechanical Analysis Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Additional skills, such as knowledge of 3D modeling software and experience with CAE tools, are also beneficial.

What types of employers hire Mechanical Analysis Engineers?

Employers that hire Mechanical Analysis Engineers include automotive and aerospace companies, energy and utility providers, medical device manufacturers, and engineering consulting firms.

How much do Mechanical Analysis Engineers typically earn?

The salary of a Mechanical Analysis Engineer varies depending on experience and location. According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a Mechanical Analysis Engineer is $84,516 per year.