2122 — Mechanical engineers (professional)
Higher Skilled
Sources checked 26 October 2026. Match the actual duties before choosing a code.
Related job titles
What this occupation covers
Professional mechanical engineers undertake research, design and development, direct the manufacture and manage the operation and maintenance of engines, machines, vehicle and ships’ structures, building services and other mechanical items.
Typical duties
undertakes research and advises on energy use, materials handling, thermodynamic processes, fluid mechanics, vehicles and environmental controls
determines materials, equipment, piping, capacities, layout of plant or system and specification for manufacture
designs and develops mechanical equipment, such as steam, internal combustion and other non-electrical motors for railway locomotives, road vehicles and other machinery
ensures that equipment, operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and safety standards
organises and establishes control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of materials and systems
Entry routes and qualifications
Professional mechanical engineers usually possess an accredited university degree. After qualifying, periods of appropriate training and experience are required before membership of a chartered engineering institution is attainable. Incorporated engineers possess an accredited university degree, BTEC/SQA award or an apprenticeship leading to an NVQ/SVQ at level 4, followed by periods of training and relevant experience.
Sponsorship information
Higher Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.
Full Table 1 going rate: £46,800 at 37.5 hours. The applicable salary requirement can differ: use the calculator.
DBS assessment
No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.
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