Mechanical Engineer Jobs

If you are someone who loves creating solutions and solving problems, and seeks to play a pivotal role in the design and implementation of moving parts in a range of industries, mechanical engineering could be your choice of career. It’s one of the oldest fields of engineering and deals with design, construction and use of heavy tools and machines.

✅ What is the job of a mechanical engineer?

Mechanical engineers provide effective solutions to the development of various products. They design everything from batteries to gym equipment, medical devices to computers, air-coolers to large power plants, vehicles to television sets. Not just that — they also design the machines behind these innovations. Most importantly, they work on every stage of the product — from research and development to design and manufacture, and from commissioning to the final installation. In short, Mechanical Engineering is one of the most diverse of all engineering disciplines. So, there is a range of job opportunities across sectors.

✅ What are the educational qualifications required for mechanical engineer jobs in Malaysia?

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is required for most entry-level mechanical engineer jobs. The course includes mathematics (intermediate and advanced levels), engineering, design, computer programming and even covers technical subjects such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and hydraulics. Many courses also include studying other fields where mechanical engineering is often applied, such as business or environmental science.

Students are expected to gain a basic understanding of advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software as well. Also, if you have basic knowledge of civil engineering, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering, it’s better.

If you are interested in research and development positions, you might want to earn a master’s or doctoral degree too.

During the degree course, you may also be required to take up internships in engineering firms. That would be an indispensable experience. You will learn while on the job and also get an opportunity to develop professional relationships with industry contacts.

✅ What is the scope of mechanical engineering in Malaysia?

The future and scope of mechanical engineers are very bright. Career opportunities are aplenty in this field. If you are a fresher, after completing the course you can start working in private and public sectors. Students who complete mechanical engineering have a plethora of opportunities in sectors such as aerospace, automobile, chemical manufacturing plants, railway coach factories, oil exploration, research and development, among others.

If you are abreast of the latest skills and technological advancements in the field, you will fare much better while seeking work in the market. With additional qualifications, you can even hold senior positions.

In recent times and owing to the advent in technology, the skills and expertise of a mechanical engineer are required in domains such as robotics, biomedical, nanotechnology, AI, energy conservation and more. The growth in this industry within the next few years will be immense, and mechanical engineering will be one of the highest-paid careers.

Though the outlook is positive for the profession as a whole, certain areas are likely to see more growth than others. For example, mechanical engineers who pursue careers in the transportation industry are likely to come across more growth opportunities, with organisations focusing on automotive innovations, such as electric vehicles and clean diesel cars.

✅ What are the skills required for mechanical engineer jobs in Malaysia?

A mechanical engineer can work in a range of industries such as healthcare, power, transport, water etc. So, since your job responsibilities will vary greatly according to the size and type of employer, the skills required for the job will vary as well. Some of the most important skills are technical know-how, handling pressure, problem-solving ability, creativity, commercial awareness, being a team-worker, and proficiency in verbal and written communication.

✅ In Malaysia, which are the top companies hiring for the role of mechanical engineers?

Petronas, Gamuda, Sony, Sepakat Setia Perunding, Top Glove and Favelle Favco are some of the well-known companies where mechanical engineers can look for career opportunities.

✅ What are some of the entry-level mechanical engineer jobs available in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, a country which has a high demand for mechanical engineers, the entry-level mechanical engineer jobs include production trainee, technical assistant, maintenance site engineer, design engineer, mechanical supervisor, plant operator, etc.

✅ As people move up the ladder, what are the designations they can expect in a mechanical engineering job?

For mechanical engineering graduates, the scope of employment is quite wide since the field plays a significant role in almost all products and services that we see around us. Some employers include aerospace and automotive industries, construction and building services, manufacturing industries, engineering consultancies, energy utilities, transport services, research establishments, armed forces, etc. 

The job titles are also varied depending on the qualifications and work experience of a candidate. In the technical field, one could start as a machine operator, quality inspector, designer or design analyst, to go on to become a manager to production head, plant head, operations head, country head and then the top positions such as CEO, vice-president and president of the company.

In the non-technical field, some of the job titles in the ascending order are market analyst, service control manager, storekeeper, finance analyst, operations manager and finally, key management positions. 

✅ What to expect at the interview for a mechanical engineering job in Malaysia?

Whenever you go for an interview, you need to remember one thing — those in the panel have a common goal, which is to know you, the candidate, as a person, understand your character, assess your skills, and, only then making the choice of recruiting you or not.

So, to help you prepare before the interview, here are a few common questions to expect at the interview - what, according to you, are the most important skills for a mechanical engineer? Tell us something about the first thing you designed and how will you explain any complex designs to a layman? The interviewers may also ask about your interest in mechanical engineering — find a compelling way to tell your story. 

✅ Is a visa required to work in Malaysia?

Any foreign national intending to work in Malaysia will need to acquire an Employment Pass (EP), which is a Malaysian work visa for any professional or managerial work. The pass is subject to the contract of employment (up to 60 months or 5 years). The Expatriate Committee or relevant authorities must give approval for a foreign national to fill a position before the EP is issued.

✅ What is the salary, a mechanical engineer can expect?

The average annual salary of a mechanical engineer is RM 46,200 in Kuala Lumpur. Those with a few years of experience can earn as much as RM 1,73,000 annually.

The scope of mechanical engineer jobs is broad and diverse, as mechanical engineering touches every aspect of our lives in some way or the other. Spanning multiple industries, the career opportunities are huge.