What a mechanical engineer does
A mechanical engineer designs, analyses and improves machines, products and mechanical systems. Depending on your sector, that may mean designing components and assemblies, specifying HVAC and plumbing systems for buildings, improving production equipment, running stress or thermal analysis or supporting prototypes through testing. Mechanical engineers prepare calculations and drawings, select materials and equipment and work with manufacturers, contractors and other disciplines to bring designs into use.
Mechanical design errors show up as failed parts, uncomfortable buildings or costly rework. You need someone whose experience matches your sector, whether consumer products, building services or heavy equipment. Finch screens mechanical engineers for relevant project work, CAD and analysis software, knowledge of the codes and standards you follow and their licensing status with Professional Engineers Ontario, so you know whether a candidate can take professional responsibility for their designs.
Typical responsibilities
- Design mechanical components, assemblies or building systems
- Prepare engineering calculations, specifications and drawings
- Run analysis such as stress, thermal or fluid flow modelling
- Select materials, equipment and suppliers
- Support prototyping, testing, installation and commissioning
- Review shop drawings and resolve design issues with contractors or production teams
Qualifications and credentials
- A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited program, or academic qualifications assessed as equivalent by PEO
- A P.Eng. licence from Professional Engineers Ontario for roles that seal drawings or take professional responsibility; EITs often fill junior and intermediate roles under supervision
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo or AutoCAD, depending on the sector
- Familiarity with relevant codes and standards, such as the Ontario Building Code and CSA standards for building systems work
- Experience with ANSYS or similar finite element software may be required for analysis-heavy roles
Who hires a mechanical engineer
- Manufacturers of machinery, consumer products and automotive parts
- Mechanical and building services consulting firms
- HVAC and mechanical contractors
- Food, pharmaceutical and process plants
- Energy and utilities companies
Where we recruit mechanical engineer candidates
We fill mechanical engineer roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- PEO licence or EIT status, confirmed where applicable
- Sector experience matched to your work, such as product design or building systems
- CAD and analysis software proficiency
- Design examples and their specific role in each project
- Practical understanding of manufacturing or construction constraints
Interview questions to ask
- Tell me about a design that failed in testing or in the field. What did you change?
- How do you balance cost, manufacturability and performance when selecting a material?
- How do you check your calculations before a drawing goes out?