Aaron Owen

What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do? A Guide to Mechanical Engineering Jobs

Mechanical Engineering is one of the most popular fields in the world of engineering. But what exactly does a Mechanical Engineer do? Let’s dive into the key duties, responsibilities, and requirements for Mechanical Engineering jobs in a way that’s easy to understand.

What’s a Mechanical Engineer’s Job?

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, build, and test all kinds of mechanical devices and systems—think machines, tools, and engines. And here’s the kicker: they’re not just limited to the tech industry. Any business that uses mechanical systems needs someone to keep things running smoothly. That’s where Mechanical Engineers come in.

You’ll find these engineers in places like the military, IT, high-tech manufacturing, commercial properties, and beyond. They’re often the go-to experts with knowledge most team members don’t have. Whether it’s teaching people how to use tools or setting up systems that work even when they’re not around, Mechanical Engineers are key players.

The Skills You Need

Mechanical Engineers need a strong foundation in:

• Mechanics
• Thermodynamics
• Hydraulics
• Heat Transfer

But don’t worry—these skills can be developed further on the job. And since engineers work closely with others, soft skills like communication and patience are a must.

What Does the Job Involve?

Here’s a quick rundown of what Mechanical Engineers typically do:

• Design and test products and production equipment.
• Analyze systems and find ways to improve them.
• Work with complex mechanical systems and detailed designs.
• Plan, build, and test new projects.
• Take on leadership roles during production phases.
• Keep projects on track with schedules, budgets, and resources.
• Share updates with the team and pitch ideas for improvement.
• Write reports or whitepapers explaining how systems work.
• Always look for ways to make designs and processes better.
• Align your work with the company’s goals to ensure top-notch results.

What You Need to Get Started

Mechanical Engineering isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Most companies look for:

• A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Two to five years of experience in a relevant role.

Experience can vary depending on the project, but having worked with clients to meet their goals and specs is a big plus. Other must-knows include:

• Raw materials and production processes.
• Quality control practices.
• Keeping costs under control to hit business goals.

Traits That Help You Shine

Want to stand out as a Mechanical Engineer? Here’s what can help:

• Align with your company’s mission and values.
• Stay up to date on what competitors are doing.
• Be a strong communicator who can explain technical ideas clearly.
• Show initiative by improving designs and processes.
• Stay curious and keep learning to grow your skills.
• Be detail-oriented and organized—small mistakes can make a big difference in this field.

How Certis Solutions Can Help

At Certis Solutions, we’re all about connecting top talent with the best engineering opportunities. Whether you’re into Mechanical Engineering, geotechnical, transportation, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other fields, we’ve got you covered. Ready to find your next great role? Contact us today and let’s make it happen!

All signs point toward a booming year for engineering careers in 2025. If you were considering searching for engineering jobs, this would be the time to make your move. However, even those who have landed engineering positions in the past might need some engineering job search tips. This blog will provide a few here to get you started. 

#1 Participate in industry networking events

Whether you’re a veteran to the engineering industry, or trying to break into the field at entry-level positions, networking will be your first and most vital step. For engineers specifically, networking isn’t just about trying to land jobs. Success in engineering is all about constant learning and self-education. 

Networking provides a way to connect with potential employers but also provides the opportunity to expand your skill set. You can possibly find out what training and certification other engineers are using to expand their resumes. 

Of course, job connections are also critical. Many engineering projects only operate for a limited time. Being forewarned of upcoming projects is critical to finding continuing success in the engineering field. You can have the best resume and cover letter out there, but they’re useless if you don’t know where to submit them. 

#2 Get varied references

A resume with a portfolio of completed projects is certainly a bonus when looking for engineering jobs. However, references are going to be just as important when it comes to landing new positions. 

On any professional engineering project, even the slightest lapse in skill, talent or experience can spell disaster. Project leads looking to hire engineers want proof of competency from people they can contact.

This doesn’t mean your references must be from colleagues and employers. Mentor figures, educators, and alumni associations are also great places to look for references for engineering positions.

#3 Keep your portfolio up-to-date with specialized skills

As mentioned, constant skill refinement is essential for finding continuing success with engineering jobs. Engineering talent acquisition is all about finding the broadest range of skills to deal with the widest range of problems. This is why continuing to train and fill up your portfolio with more specialized skills is essential.

Engineering is a wide field, which leaves ample room for specialization. Learning new skills and talents makes you a more attractive candidate, and allows you to adapt to a greater range of new engineering roles. A civil engineer who understands the fundamentals of being a mechanical engineer or an electrical engineer will thrive on a variety of projects. 

#4 Tap LinkedIn 

Those new to using LinkedIn might assume that it’s simply a job board. However, there’s a lot more you can get out of social networking sites like LinkedIn. The best way to approach this is to be proactive. Rather than wait for job openings, follow your preferred firms, and the people working at them. 

Look for news of relevant openings and apply to them. You can also use LinkedIn to find the websites of the firms you’re interested in. Their own sites might have information on job postings that can’t be found anywhere else. 

#5 Invest in a professional career consultant 

Sometimes the issue with a successful job search isn’t the rejection. The issue is you can’t find the job that best fits your skills, or don’t know where to start working. If you’re having trouble getting started, a professional career consultant can help make the path ahead clearer for you. 

You’re an expert in engineering, but not necessarily an expert in job-searching and that’s alright. An engineer knows it’s best to leave a task to the professionals, so why not get assistance? 

#6 Showcase your skills

Engineering is a profession that’s all about achieving tangible results. Very often, a resume isn’t able to convey your skills and accomplishments on its own. This is why it’s essential you pay as much attention, if not more, to your portfolio. 

If you’re specialized in computer-assisted design, for example, always have examples of your best work on hand to show to prospective employers. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Video footage of a project you’ve worked on, for example, can leave a big impression. 

#7 Use technical staffing agencies

If you’re struggling to make that final connection with top firms, it can be worth your time to look into firms that specialize in providing engineering talent acquisition to AEC companies. Technical staffing agencies mean that engineering companies end up looking for you, rather than the other way around. They’re one of the best ways to gain access to job opportunities that aren’t listed on most job sites. 

Find companies recruiting engineering talent with Certis

Sometimes, despite all the engineer job search tips, your career still isn’t heading in the direction you’d prefer. You need to reach beyond job listings, and get your resume directly in front of hiring managers. 
Working with a technical staffing agency like Certis can ensure  your skills are brought to the attention of the best companies in the AEC field in California. By contacting us today, you can start to move your engineering career in the direction of your choice. Make your job search work for you, with Certis Solutions.

Health and safety are vital protocols for every construction site. For those looking for Construction Safety Manager jobs, it’s important to understand the best way to write a resume. Here are some top tips for writing a Construction Safety job resume. 

How to land Construction Safety jobs

Hiring managers will be looking for a few specific skills and character traits when hiring for Construction Safety jobs. It’s a position they need to be qualified for and diligent about maintaining the health and safety of the team working at a construction site.

Those working in Construction Safety jobs are responsible for maintaining industry standards and regulations. They’re generally in charge of implementing safety policies, evaluating construction sites, eliminating health and safety risks, training others, and developing emergency procedures. This is a person that must be prepared for any scenario with the ability to adapt quickly if there’s a change in what they foresaw.

Resumes should be well written like for any other position, but there should be a higher focus on occupational health expertise, observation, leadership, resilience, and technical expertise. Construction firms aren’t going to hire anyone for Safety Manager jobs. If it’s a position that monitors the health and safety of others, there must be significant qualities backing up an applicant.

Resume tips for Construction Safety Manager jobs

Hiring managers will have a lot to sift through. There are quality candidates that get overlooked all the time because their resumes aren’t doing their job. A resume needs to hook the viewer and immediately provide information as to why this applicant should be considered.

Professional summary

This section should be right at the top of the resume following the contact information. In a professional summary, write a succinct few sentences about overall goals and experience. Make this engaging enough that the viewer wants to read on. This section should be geared toward the values of the company and what they’re hiring for.

Core qualifications

Follow with core qualifications in an easy-to-read format so the most information can be consumed quickly. Core qualifications should be specified to mirror Construction Safety jobs. Include qualifications that apply directly to the position. Have a mix of tangible and intangible qualities.

Experience

In this section, there’s space to include more information. Focus on including points on how you have helped businesses in the past, not just what you did for them. For example, instead of saying “Conducted regular worksite inspections,” show how that benefited the company by adding “Conducted regular worksite inspections to lower the risk rate by 10 percent.”

Hiring firms like to see what the impact was, not just what was done. How was the position taken above and beyond? Make sure the experience section is related to Safety Manager jobs, not just a general summary of work experience.

How to stand out as a Construction Safety Manager

The key is to offer more skills than just safety-related skills. Safety is a huge part of Construction Safety jobs, but the other huge part is working with a team. Offer skills like communication, empathy, and reliability because safety manager jobs are there to keep a team and site safe. To continue to maintain a quality site, there must be communication and understanding between members.

Approach Construction Safety jobs with a personal mission, not just the hopes of securing a job. A personal mission shows employers what drives you. And if it’s a mission that coincides with the business’s values, that’s a plus. Personal goals mean there’s more reason and significance for someone to work in that role.

Always acquire more certifications. There are plenty of certifications to acquire that show not only an additional skill and qualification, but also initiative, drive, diligence, and commitment. And when it comes down to choosing between a few great candidates, more certifications that can help in the workplace can get you the job over others.

Lastly, consider taking part in volunteer leadership positions. This shows that there’s even more leadership experience to apply to other scenarios and that you’re not against volunteering your time to learn more and help others.
Certis Solutions connects the right people with the right jobs. For more support with Construction Safety jobs, contact us.

Sustainable design is poised to become one of the most important skills and vital jobs in the near future. This specialization in environmental resource management and construction is continuously evolving in definition and scope. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in sustainable design in California and want to understand what it encompasses, this blog will cover all the essentials.

What is sustainable design? 

In the most basic terms, construction or engineering projects that are “sustainable” fulfill their goals while minimizing harm done to the environment. Sustainable design requires taking the long-term view. In construction and engineering projects, sustainable design focuses on several key areas to achieve environmental goals.

Materials used

Choosing sustainable materials involves selecting those with lower environmental impact, such as recycled or reclaimed materials, and locally sourced options to reduce transportation emissions. This approach reduces the carbon footprint and promotes using renewable resources.

Energy consumption

Energy consumption is controlled by incorporating energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines. Optimizing energy use during construction and throughout the building’s operational life helps reduce energy demand and reliance on fossil fuels.

Local ecosystem preservation

Designing projects to protect and enhance the local ecosystem includes incorporating green spaces such as rooftop gardens and green walls to provide habitats for wildlife and sequester carbon. Additionally, planning projects to avoid disrupting natural habitats and promoting biodiversity is crucial.

Materials consumption and reuse

Resource consumption and reuse are managed by implementing strategies to reduce waste, such as modular construction techniques that minimize offcuts and scraps. Designing buildings with deconstruction in mind allows materials to be reused at the end of the building’s life, extending resource lifecycles and reducing landfill waste.

Pollution reduction

Minimizing pollution is achieved by selecting low-emission building materials and implementing construction practices that reduce air and water pollution. Additionally, incorporating systems to manage stormwater runoff and mitigate urban heat islands improves the overall environmental quality of the project site.

Why is sustainable design important? 

California is home to fragile ecosystems, many tied to the Pacific Ocean. The beauty and diversity of the state have always hung in a delicate balance. With the effects of climate change increasing worldwide, sustainable design has become the only ethical choice in California from government initiatives to private enterprise.

In April 2024, the State Government announced a plan to commit millions of acres to support nature-based solutions for the climate crisis.  This effort will include helping to preserve 33.5 million acres currently at risk of wildfire and 11.9 million acres of managed forest to protect biodiversity, carbon storage, and water supply.  

One of the problems California is facing is how land is being used. Modeling suggests that deliberate work on these issues will turn carbon producers into carbon sinks.

What are the construction and engineering methods of sustainable design?

In California and the rest of the United States, environmental resource management has come a long way, with various strategies for ecological offsets and regulations. The following are some of the most common categories when it comes to sustainable design.

Efficient materials and systems

Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing engineers who know how to design or select the most energy-efficient systems are the future of environmental resource management. For example, incorporating LED lighting into a building design will reduce lighting energy usage by up to 75%, not just now but for the life of the building.

Green materials

Environmental resource management experts know a project is only as sustainable as its materials. Purchasing recycled materials or products made from recycled materials is a great way to help preserve natural resources. 

Choosing natural materials over plastics can also have a huge impact. California’s first mass timber building was completed in 2023. Mass timber is safe, strong, and beautiful but less challenging for the environment.

Landscaping

Landscaping can have a surprising impact on the environmental sustainability of a project location. Native plants and trees will hold water in the soil and encourage native plants and animals to thrive.

Passive design

Passive design incorporates techniques that work with the local climate to maintain a comfortable temperature in a building and make it more sustainable. California is sunny and windy, enjoying prevailing winds on the coast and areas that experience more wind than others, like Point Reyes. 

Designing a building that takes advantage of natural sunlight with well-placed windows or cleverly uses prevailing winds for cooling and ventilation will significantly impact how energy efficient that building will be.

Renewable energy

Incorporating energy-gathering systems like silent wind turbines or solar panels will make a building more energy efficient and even an energy producer at peak production times.

Jobs in sustainable design

California has always been associated with environmental consciousness and an interest in sustainability. However, it’s also a state with a massive population and an ever-growing demand for construction and engineering projects. California is the perfect place for those looking for job opportunities in environmental resources management. If you’re looking for work in sustainable design in California, including as an environmental resources manager, electrical engineer, plumbing engineer, architect, landscape planner, or urban design specialist, check out our job listings.

Professionals looking to be hired as a Project Engineer in California are in luck. The role of “Project Engineer California” is among the most in-demand positions in that state because of a boom in engineering projects. In fact, the average Project Engineer salary California businesses pay is highest in Richmond, which is higher than a Project Engineer salary anywhere else in the United States. But when hunting for Project Engineer jobs in California, what skills will employers be seeking?

Even in a glut market, it’s still essential for candidates to have strong management, communication, and organizational skills to ensure a project will be completed on time and within budget. If this sounds like you, then a wealth of jobs can be found as a Project Engineer in California. What skills can you develop to progress as a Project Engineer?

Skills and certification

Project Engineering is a career field with upward mobility and potential for advancement. There are several skills a professional can foster to raise their Project Engineer salary and improve their chances of getting a job. At a minimum, Project Engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering though some may have degrees in other technical fields or engineering management.

Project Engineering involves a mix of soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills, such as leadership, communication, initiative, time management, and decision-making, are learned in time. Hard skills are taught through training and are tangible, specific, and measurable, such as engineering or computer programming.

Leadership skills

A Project Manager is responsible for the execution of an infrastructure project’s design and implementation. They must be able to effectively lead people in their roles to keep the project running and guide others in implementing the plan.

IT skills

An Engineering Project Manager will be expected to provide technical support and guidance to team members to keep a project running smoothly. 

Collaboration and communication skills

Project Engineers must communicate well with other professionals, such as senior management, project developers, financial analysts, and construction subcontractors. Communicating efficiently and effectively with other engineers and laypeople is critical to running a project smoothly.

Engineering skills

Project Engineers are expected to understand mathematics and engineering principles to analyze, design, and troubleshoot parts of the project.

Project management

A Project Engineer must be able to plan, monitor, and evaluate work on-site as the project progresses.

Decision-making skills

When working on projects at the highest level of design, Project Engineers must evaluate the feasibility of plans regarding financial costs, project safety, and quality concerns.

Problem-solving skills

Using their mathematical, engineering, and project management skills, an engineering project manager must plan large infrastructure projects with high expectations placed upon them. These projects will involve solving problems, such as transportation planning or unexpected design issues. 

Hone your application skills

When seeking Project Engineer jobs, professionals should take the time to identify soft and hard skill keywords relevant to Project Engineering positions and look at their experience to emphasize relevant experiences.

Adjust your resume

Some skills you can add to your resume are the same skills you need to develop to be more attractive to prospective employers:

• Interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Communication
• Project development
• Programming skills
• IT skills
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills

Objective statement

Synthesizing your goals and dreams into an objective statement. This statement will show prospective employers their goals and intentions to ensure the employer and employees are aligned. 

Experience and certifications

Employers value experience, so graduates of cooperative engineering programs in which students earn academic credit for work experience are valued. Be sure to list on your resume any relevant licenses, certifications, awards, or volunteer positions that display your experience and could help you find success as a Project Engineer.

How Certis can help

Project Engineering is an exciting, fulfilling career with new opportunities, people, and experiences. For those seeking Project Engineer jobs in California, Certis Solutions can help lead you to new career opportunities. With 70 years of experience in the industry, Certis Solutions connects its contractors with the AEC industry’s most dynamic, prominent companies and their newest projects.

With Certis working to ensure fair working conditions, AEC Project Engineers can connect with many job opportunities in dynamic, exciting projects across California. Let Certis help you excel. Contact Certis Solutions today.

Though the outlook for urban planner jobs looks rosy, you’ll still be competing for the best opportunities. Preparing for a job interview can be both nerve-racking and stressful for any professional, but proper preparation is the best way for an urban planner to ace a job interview. This article is a guide to how to interview for urban planner jobs, with the five best ways to prepare, from researching the company to strategizing your best interview questions.

Acing the interview

To find urban planner jobs, you need to show them you’re the best candidate for their company. In order to be that candidate, you need to tailor your interview to each opportunity. Here are our five tips for how to interview for an urban planner job.

Research the company

After scheduling an interview, the first thing to do is research the company. Understanding your future responsibilities and what will be expected of you is paramount to succeeding in an interview. 

Take the time to research the company from multiple sources. Reach out to current and former employees through your network, read recent news releases, and even spend some time Googling them. Looking past the company’s public social media presence, you can be prepared to talk specifically about what draws you to the company and why you would be a good fit.

Prepare your portfolio

Every urban planning job is different, with expectations that can change from district to district. Understanding the projects the prospective company is undertaking and the type of work they are focused on can help you tailor your portfolio to the company’s needs. It also means you know what skills to emphasize during the interview. You want to learn as much as you can about the open position.

When preparing your portfolio, emphasize experience relevant to both the position and the company’s needs. An urban planner is a designer and a problem solver. Show in your portfolio that you both understand the problems and challenges you’ll be expected to solve and that you have the experience and skill to tackle them.

Highlight your design skills and strengths

When researching the company and preparing your portfolio, consider how your skills fit the position. Consider what strengths and skills you can discuss in the interview, and prepare your answers to show your relevant experience.

Even if you’re used to interviewing, spend time preparing your selling points for this urban planning position. What skills and experience do you have that make you the best planner for the position? Do you have special experience reading and researching zoning reports or coordinating field surveys that could be relevant to the job? Take a hard look at what is expected of you for this position and how your past experience can be made applicable.

Research the area

A core part of any urban planning job is understanding the region you’ll be working in. The expectations of an urban planner can change from district to district, and zoning laws can be a unique challenge depending on the location.

An urban planner must design entire neighborhoods and districts that are functional, attractive, and sustainable. Knowing the area and its challenges, such as growing population, land use, evolving technology, and environmental regulations, makes the work of an urban planner possible. Making it clear in the interview that you’re already familiar with the area and its unique difficulties and opportunities makes you a more competent, more attractive candidate.

Practice common interview questions

Once you’ve researched the company and position, take time to practice responses to common interview questions to emphasize your strengths. Don’t try to memorize entire answers or you may come off stiff during the interview. Instead, write bullet points or notes to keep them on hand for reference in the interview. 

Remembering to bring up your different strengths, experiences, observations, and skills can make an interview and show the interviewer how hard-working and prepared you are. If you have family or friends willing to help, try doing mock interviews to get comfortable answering interview questions. You can only prepare for some things in an interview, but feeling prepared and confident walking into the room is the best way to interview for any job, including an urban planning position.

How Certis Solutions can help you find your next urban planner job

Certis Solutions is a technical staffing firm that finds the best talent for urban planning jobs and other roles. Taking a role as a Certis AEC consultant means benefitting from close relationships with the industry’s top companies and being able to practice your urban planning skills at the peak of your industry.

Bring your career to a new high and exceed expectations with us. Contact Certis Solutions today.