What tillydog says, but it very much depends on the company. Someone making mobile phones isn’t concerned about welding, but would expect you to know how to design moulded platic parts, or how to fix a pcb to a case, or how you’d shield a plastic case.

+1 for Tillydog. I work as a design/mech engineer(?) in the chemical industry. No real quals to my name but have worked my way up. My stuff works because because I’ve previously had to work on and fix similar stuff and have the hands on skills.

If I was replacing me I’d want someone who could do the new school stuff (CAD/CAM/FEA) but with the old school thrown in as well (hands on benchwork/tools/fab/machining/welding etc), however I’m not sure if that if that breadth of skills is available or realistic.

Tillydog – Great reply. That’s what I was expecting to hear as feedback from the interviewer.