[Competency] Mechanical Engineer - Six Sigma Green Belt
- Kriss Nakhon
- Jul 20, 2025
- 4 min read
#OJT #Competency #SixSigma #GreenBelt
Competency matrix table for Mechanical Engineers across three levels, including specific skills, OJT, and evaluation metrics:
Mechanical Engineer Competency Matrix Table
Level | Technical Competencies | On-the-Job Training (OJT) | Evaluation Metrics & Data Sources | Licenses & Certifications | Professional Associations |
Basic (Entry-Level) | - CAD drafting (SolidWorks/AutoCAD) - GD&T (ASME Y14.5 basics) - Material selection (metals, plastics) - Basic statics/strength calculations | - 40-hour CAD certification - CNC operation training - OSHA 10-hour safety - ISO 9001 awareness | - CAD modeling accuracy (≥85%) - Tolerance quiz scores - Supervisor ratings (1–5 scale) - Rework rate (<5%) | - Engineer-in-Training (EIT/FE) - OSHA 10 | - ASME student member - SAE collegiate chapter |
Medium (Mid-Level) | - FEA/CFD simulation (ANSYS) - DFM/DFA principles - PLC programming basics - HVAC system design (ASHRAE) - Root-cause analysis (5 Whys) | - Six Sigma Green Belt - Advanced FEA workshop - Lean manufacturing training - Scrum/Agile certification | - Design success rate (≥90%) - Cost savings from DFM ($ tracked) - Client satisfaction (NPS) - 360° peer reviews | - Professional Engineer (PE) - Six Sigma Green Belt - PMP (optional) | - Full ASME/SAE membership - Local engineering societies |
Expert (Senior/Principal) | - Non-linear FEA/CFD - Robotics/automation (ROS) - ASME BPVC Section VIII - Patent development - Expert witness testimony | - AI/ML for predictive maintenance - Advanced GD&T masterclass - Executive leadership programs - P&L management training | - ROI on R&D projects (e.g., 10:1) - Patent filings/year - Reduction in product recalls (%) - Conference speaking invitations | - PE License (required) - Six Sigma Black Belt - CMfgE (Certified Manufacturing Engineer) | - ASME Fellow - National Academy of Engineering (invite-only) - IEEE Senior Member |
Evaluation Data Sources
OJT Completion:
LMS (Learning Management System) records.
Vendor certificates (e.g., ANSYS, Six Sigma Institute).
Performance Metrics:
HR databases (annual reviews, 360 surveys).
Project management tools (e.g., Jira for deliverables).
Licenses/Associations:
NCEES (PE verification).
ASME/SAE membership directories.
Visual Flow: Career Progression
Entry-Level → Mid-Level:
Trigger: PE exam + 3 years of experience.
OJT Focus: Six Sigma, FEA simulations.
Mid-Level → Expert:
Trigger: PE license + 5+ years in leadership.
OJT Focus: AI/ML, executive training.
This table provides a clear, measurable roadmap for mechanical engineers. Adjust columns to highlight sector-specific priorities (e.g., aerospace may add AS9100 training). Let me know if you'd like formatting tweaks
Competency matrix for a Mechanical Engineer, structured across Basic, Medium, and Most Specialized levels, incorporating on-the-job training (OJT), evaluation results, professional licenses, and registered associations.
Mechanical Engineer Competency Matrix
Level | Technical Skills & Knowledge | Experience | On-the-Job Training (OJT) | Evaluation Metrics | Licenses & Certifications | Professional Associations |
Basic (Entry-Level) | - CAD basics (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) | 0-2 years (internships/co-op) | - Safety training (OSHA 10) | - Technical skills assessment | - Engineer-in-Training (EIT/FE) | - None required |
- Material properties & selection | - Assist in design/drafting | - Introduction to company design standards | - Supervisor feedback | - Basic machining certs (optional) | - Student memberships (ASME, SAE) | |
- Basic GD&T & tolerance analysis | - Hands-on lab/testing support | - Quality control fundamentals | - Project participation reviews | |||
Medium (Mid-Level) | - Advanced CAD/FEA (ANSYS, Creo) | 3-7 years (project leadership) | - DFM/DFA training | - Design review performance | - Professional Engineer (PE) if applicable | - ASME, SAE, or SME membership |
- Thermal/fluid systems analysis | - Independent component design | - Lean/Six Sigma (Yellow Belt) | - Client/team feedback | - Six Sigma Green Belt | - Local engineering societies | |
- PLC & mechatronics basics | - Manufacturing process optimization | - Vendor-specific tool training (e.g., CNC) | - Efficiency/error rate tracking | - PMP (if in project management) | ||
Most Specialized (Senior/Expert) | - Advanced FEA/CFD simulation | 8+ years (R&D/lead roles) | - Advanced Six Sigma (Black Belt) | - Innovation/patent contributions | - PE License (required for consulting) | - Senior ASME/IEEE membership |
- Robotics/automation integration | - Cross-functional team leadership | - Industry 4.0/IoT training | - Leadership 360 reviews | - NCEES Record for licensure | - National Academy of Engineering (invitation) | |
- Failure analysis & root cause | - Published technical papers | - Executive leadership programs | - Cost-saving impact analysis | - Board certifications (CMfgE, etc.) |
Breakdown by Level
1. Basic (Entry-Level)
Skills: Core CAD, material science, drafting standards.
OJT: Safety protocols, quality control, software tools.
Evaluation: Skills tests, supervisor ratings.
Licenses: EIT/FE exam (first step to PE).
Associations: Student groups (e.g., ASME collegiate chapter).
2. Medium (Mid-Level)
Skills: Advanced simulation (FEA), manufacturing process control.
OJT: Design for manufacturability (DFM), Six Sigma, vendor tools.
Evaluation: Design review scores, client satisfaction.
Licenses: PE license (if signing off on projects), Six Sigma.
Associations: Full membership in ASME, SAE, or SME.
3. Most Specialized (Senior/Expert)
Skills: Systems integration, R&D, predictive maintenance.
OJT: Leadership training, emerging tech (IoT, AI in MechE).
Evaluation: Patent filings, cost/performance impact.
Licenses: PE (mandatory for public works), NCEES record.
Associations: Prestige groups (NAE, senior IEEE/ASME roles).
Data Sources for Verification
OJT & Evaluations:
Company HR records, LMS (Learning Management System) logs.
Performance reviews, 360 feedback reports.
Licenses:
NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering & Surveying) for PE.
State licensing boards (e.g., California BPELSG).
Associations:
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).
SAE International (automotive/aerospace focus).
SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers).
Example Career Progression
Year 0-2: EIT + OSHA 10 → CAD designer → ASME student member.
Year 3-7: PE exam → Thermal systems lead → Six Sigma Green Belt.
Year 8+: PE license → R&D director → ASME Fellow.
This matrix aligns with industry standards (ABET, NCEES) and ensures measurable growth. Adjust based on sector (e.g., aerospace may require additional AS9100 training). Let me know if you'd like to emphasize specific domains (e.g., HVAC, automotive)
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