# Mechanical Engineers > Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems. - Code: 17-2141.00 (O*NET-SOC; SOC 2018 17-2141) - Family: [Architecture & Engineering](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations#family-17), one of its 59 occupations - Tasks: 28 tasks (16 core and 12 supplemental) - Page: https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-2141.00 - JSON: https://foundation.org.ai/data/tasks/17-2141.00.json ## What the work is made of 1. Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports. Core task · Task 1411 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 2. Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements. Core task · Task 20733 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 3. Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations. Core task · Task 20736 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 4. Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information. Core task · Task 1412 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 5. Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions. Core task · Task 20734 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 6. Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions. Core task · Task 1421 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 7. Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, or other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, or maintenance requirements of designs or applications. Core task · Task 1413 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 8. Provide technical customer service. Core task · Task 20741 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 9. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, or repair to ensure that machines or equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications. Core task · Task 1419 · Rated by 84 people who do the job, August 2024 10. Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products, using drafting tools or computer-assisted drafting equipment or software. Core task · Task 20737 · Rated by 84 people who do the job, August 2024 11. Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems. Core task · Task 1420 · Rated by 84 people who do the job, August 2024 12. Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification. Core task · Task 20735 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 13. Provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs. Core task · Task 1418 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 14. Write performance requirements for product development or engineering projects. Core task · Task 1429 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, August 2024 15. Estimate costs or submit bids for engineering, construction, or extraction projects. Core task · Task 20738 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 16. Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs. Core task · Task 1423 · Rated by 84 people who do the job, August 2024 17. Design integrated mechanical or alternative systems, such as mechanical cooling systems with natural ventilation systems, to improve energy efficiency. Supplemental task · Task 19628 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 18. Calculate energy losses for buildings, using equipment such as computers, combustion analyzers, or pressure gauges. Supplemental task · Task 19627 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 19. Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints. Supplemental task · Task 19631 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 20. Perform personnel functions, such as supervision of production workers, technicians, technologists, or other engineers. Supplemental task · Task 20739 · Rated by 83 people who do the job, August 2024 21. Apply engineering principles or practices to emerging fields, such as robotics, waste management, or biomedical engineering. Supplemental task · Task 1430 · Rated by 84 people who do the job, August 2024 22. Direct the installation, operation, maintenance, or repair of renewable energy equipment, such as heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or water systems. Supplemental task · Task 19629 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 23. Select or install combined heat units, power units, cogeneration equipment, or trigeneration equipment that reduces energy use or pollution. Supplemental task · Task 19632 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 24. Evaluate mechanical designs or prototypes for energy performance or environmental impact. Supplemental task · Task 19630 · Rated by 84 people who do the job, August 2024 25. Study industrial processes to maximize the efficiency of equipment applications, including equipment placement. Supplemental task · Task 20742 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 26. Design test control apparatus or equipment or develop procedures for testing products. Supplemental task · Task 1431 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 27. Establish or coordinate the maintenance or safety procedures, service schedule, or supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition. Supplemental task · Task 1427 · Rated by 85 people who do the job, August 2024 28. Solicit new business. Supplemental task · Task 20740 · Rated by 82 people who do the job, August 2024 ## More in Architecture & Engineering - [Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-3021.00): 11 tasks - [Aerospace Engineers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-2011.00): 16 tasks - [Agricultural Engineers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-2021.00): 14 tasks - [Architects, Except Landscape and Naval](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-1011.00): 24 tasks - [Architectural and Civil Drafters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-3011.00): 28 tasks - [Automotive Engineering Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-3027.01): 18 tasks - [Automotive Engineers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-2141.02): 25 tasks - [Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-2031.00): 30 tasks - [Calibration Technologists and Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-3028.00): 15 tasks - 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