Pathway: Mechanical Engineering
Ex-military engineers are qualified and experienced in a breadth of engineering specialties, along with a range of soft skills they have developed through arduous military training and operational experiences. Along with soft skills acquired during military service, mechanical engineers have extensive knowledge and experience that translate well into the commercial world of mechanical engineering - but the key is how to translate your military skills into civvy language.
It’s important to note that many jobs with ‘engineer’ in the title do not necessarily require an engineering qualification - they are technician roles for which training can be completed more quickly and easily than a conventional engineering qualification.
WHAT DOES A MECHANICAL ENGINEER DO IN CIVVY STREET?
Mechanical engineering remains one of the broadest and popular disciplines within engineering. A mechanical engineer designs power-producing machines, such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
HOW MUCH DOES A MECHANICAL ENGINEER MAKE IN THE UK?
The average salary for a mechanical engineer is £35,000. As you gain further commercial experience and seniority, you can earn up to £60,000.
WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO I NEED TO BECOME A COMMERCIAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER?
Soft Skills
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Project management
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Problem solving
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Leadership and resilience
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Communication skills
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Negotiation skills
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Self-discipline, reliability and work ethic
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Team Skills
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Adaptability and resourcefulness
Hard Skills
Mechanical Engineers can be skilled in the following areas:
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Servicing and repairing the airframe or propulsion on aeroplanes and helicopters (e.g Engines, Flying controls, Hydraulics, Air conditioning, Landing gear or Fuel)
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Servicing and repairing heavy support vehicles (tanks, fire engines, fuel bowsers)
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Maintaining ground power units/generators)
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Manufacturing or modifying component parts (using manual and computer-operated machinery like drilling, milling, cutting and forming equipment)
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Servicing and repair of weapons or explosives (rifles, pistols, machine guns, bombs, missiles)
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Maintaining and repairing ejection seats, aircraft gun systems and missile launchers
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Managing a team of Mechanical Engineers
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Managing engineering projects
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Vehicle or plant driver/ operator Driver and Maintenance course
HOW DO I GET INTO MECHANICAL ENGINEERING?
Gaining an engineering apprenticeship which is being offered by a number of top engineering companies is a great way to get your foot in the door and gain commercial engineering experience. You can find out more about apprenticeship opportunities here. Training courses and further education is another route to explore, you can find out what is available to you here.
Another route into engineering is to get trained as a engineering technician, which does not require a formal engineering qualification. There are an increasing number of roles, such as fibre installation technician/ engineer that are in great demand - and employers will pay for training. Using relevant military training, such as an A or B vehicle Driver and Maintenance course may well be sufficient evidence to access this type of role.
Once you get your foot in the door, there are a wide range of opportunities available to mechanical engineers, you can climb the career ladder to become a senior mechanical engineer to become a mechanical engineer manager. Or explore your engineering skills further and become an aircraft engineer, a welder - or a plant technician.
TOP FORCES-FRIENDLY ENGINEERING ORGANISATIONS HIRING EX-MILITARY ENGINEERS
Check out our latest engineering article focusing on the leading engineering companies who actively hire from the military talent pool and have job opportunities now!
Submit your CV and search for our latest ex-military engineering jobsand let the opportunities come to you!