Mechanical engineers apply creativity, innovation, and analytical skills to design, build, and maintain mechanical systems across many industries. The following roles are examples of job opportunities available to graduates of Mechanical Engineering.
Mechanical Engineer Design, build, and test mechanical devices and systems across various industries, creating solutions and solve problems.
Aerospace Engineer Develop aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles by applying principles of aerodynamics and materials science.
Automotive Engineer Design, develop, manufacture, and improve motor vehicles and their components to meet performance and safety standards.
Maintenance Engineer Ensure machinery and industrial equipment operates efficiently through regular maintenance and repairs.
Control and Instrumentation Engineer Design, develop and maintain control systems that automate mechanical machinery and industrial processes.
Manufacturing Engineer Optimise manufacturing
processes to improve productivity, quality, and safety in efficient and cost effective ways.
Mechanical engineering develops strong problem-solving, design, and numerical modelling skills, which can open doors to roles beyond engineering, such as in technology firms, logistics companies, or consultancy roles.
This is a selection of organisations that have employed University of Kent graduates in the past. There are many more possible employers in these and other industries.
The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes a vacancy database advertising a range of graduate jobs, placement year and vacation work/internships.
EngineeringJobs.co.uk: A UK-wide engineering job board covering civil, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and more
JustEngineers.net: Specialist platform for jobs in manufacturing, oil & gas, construction, utilities, and related engineering sectors
IET Engineering & Technology Jobs (E&TJ): Engineering/tech roles across the UK
ICE Recruit: The UK’s leading specialist civil engineering job board with focused listings for infrastructure and construction roles
A year in industry can have a big impact on your employability. By gaining real-world experience and learning key skills in the workplace, and pairing these with the knowledge you gain on your degree, you can become a highly employable candidate in the labour market. The year can be based in the UK or abroad, including your home country if you're an international student, and contribute to your final degree. At The University of Kent, many courses include an optional year in industry between your second and final year, where you undertake graduate-level work related to your studies.
Some graduates pursue further study to specialise or move into research roles. They may also gain professional qualifications such as the Chartered Engineer (CEng) accreditation or a Business qualification such as a MBA.