Mechanical Engineer
Also known as: Design Engineer Mechanical · ME Engineer
Designs and calculates mechanical systems and structures, and substantiates choices with strength and lifespan calculations.
The mechanical engineer designs mechanical systems and substantiates that design with technical calculations. Unlike a design draughtsman, who works the design out into drawings, the emphasis here lies on the engineering rationale itself. Selection often tests the numerical substantiation of a design, while the ability to align that design with the shop floor that must build it is rarely tested.
Competencies to measure
These are the behavioural and ability constructs in this profile. Each one shows which hrmforce questionnaire measures it.
| Competencies to measure | Target level | hrmforce instrument | Assessment method | Behavioural anchor at target level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety awareness Competency (50-framework): Discipline Knockout | N5 | Big Fifty, Competency Check | Situational Judgement Test | Sets the safety standard for the organisation, makes safety discussable at every level and steers behaviour and culture. |
| Discipline and keeping commitments Competency (50-framework): Discipline | N4 | Big Fifty, 15PF, 360 Feedback | Personality questionnaire | Commits only to what is feasible, tracks own commitments and informs those involved as soon as a deadline comes under pressure. |
| Spatial ability | N4 | Ability Scan | Cognitive ability test | Derives the build up of the end product from a two dimensional drawing and reports where parts do not fit. |
| Demonstrating ownership Competency (50-framework): Results-Orientation | N4 | Big Fifty, 360 Feedback, Competency Check | 360-degree feedback | Repairs mistakes in own process unprompted, informs stakeholders and adjusts the working method to prevent a repeat. |
| Managing workload pressure Competency (50-framework): Stress resilience | N4 | Big Fifty, Competency Check, Pulse Survey | Structured interview | Cuts or shifts tasks independently when busy on the basis of importance, records this and discusses consequences with clients. |
Short profile
The ten heaviest skills in this profile. The full profile with every skill, behavioural anchor and assessment method is in the download.
| T | Skill | Target level | Weight | Knockout | Assessment method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K | Technical understanding | N5 | 5 | yes | Knowledge test |
| V | Mechanical design engineering | N5 | 5 | yes | Portfolio or evidence |
| G | Safety awareness | N5 | 5 | yes | Situational Judgement Test |
| V | Mechanical maintenance | N4 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Recognising and resolving machine faults | N4 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Modelling and abstraction | N5 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Problem analysis | N4 | 4 | no | Assessment centre |
| V | Quality control | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| G | Discipline and keeping commitments | N4 | 4 | no | Personality questionnaire |
| V | Electrical engineering work | N4 | 4 | no | Certificate or diploma |
See all 23 skills in the full profile
Assessment instruments for this job
Work sample test
Representative work sample under standardized conditions
Knowledge test (client-specific)
Professional knowledge test, customized for each client
Competency Check
Behavioral-Level Competency Assessment
Big Fifty
Personality questionnaire, 150 items, 25 factors
Portfolio
Evaluation of prior work against fixed criteria
360 Feedback
Multiple assessments based on behavioral anchors
Ability Scan
Aptitude Test: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning Skills
15PF
Personality Profile, a shorter alternative to the Big Fifty
Pulse Survey
Periodic measurement at the team and organizational levels
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