In 1958, the Department of Mechanical Engineering was established as a core engineering discipline within the Government-Assisted Course. It stands as one of the foundational departments of Sankar Polytechnic College (Autonomous), functioning under the Directorate of Technical Education. The department received recognition from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi, during the academic year 1989–1990. In 1994, the institute was granted academic autonomy.

Since then, the department has continuously progressed in all areas including infrastructure development, modern facilities, and professional and student growth. To meet the increasing demand for mechanical engineers, the department launched a self-financing course in 2006. The department's strengths include a rich alumni network, fully equipped laboratories, consistently strong academic performance, active industry linkages, and a dedicated team of experienced faculty and support staff. The core objective of the department is to deliver high-quality engineering and technical education. Teaching and learning within the department follow an outcome-based education framework.

The department comprises over fifteen qualified academic staff members who specialize in various fields of mechanical engineering. Aligned with the curriculum, the department regularly organizes symposiums, seminars, guest lectures, industrial visits, and faculty development programs to enhance the technical knowledge and skills of both students and faculty. The department also emphasizes the holistic development of students by encouraging participation in a wide range of extracurricular activities.

The department has established Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various industries to leverage industry expertise for the benefit of both students and faculty members.

The Mechanical Engineering students manage the Student's Technical Association, whose primary aim is to provide a platform for students to showcase and refine their academic and technical talents. The association actively organizes workshops, guest lectures, quizzes, webinars, technical contests, and paper presentations, reflecting its commitment to the all-round development of students in the department.