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Mechanical Engineering Make IT - Qualifications

Occupation Description

Mechanical engineers plan, design and oversee the development, installation, operation and maintenance of machinery. They conduct research to solve practical engineering problems and to improve efficiency.

Mechanical engineers may…

design new machines, equipment or systems taking into account cost, availability of materials, strength and maintenance requirements, appearance and impact on the user and on the environment

use computer-aided design (CAD) to assist in design and drawing

carry out research into the use of different types of fuel and energy, materials handling, heating and cooling processes, the storage and pumping of liquids and gases, and environmental controls

undertake the design and construction of resource development projects such as offshore platforms, onshore gas plants and iron ore mining facilities

supervise the operations of manufacturing process and production plants, materials handling installations, power stations and sewerage and water supply pumping stations

specify, select, install and manage the maintenance of factory production and machinery

set up work control systems, e.g. testing of equipment to make sure that standards of performance, quality, cost and safety are met

act as consultants, carrying out studies about possible changes or improvements and estimating costs of products for clients

Mechanical engineers may specialise in areas such as production, plant and maintenance, research and development and engineering design. A mechanical engineer may also specialise as a Manufacturing Systems Engineer who designs and improves systems and equipment that complete tasks accurately and change raw materials into products with the smallest wastage of time, materials and energy.

Mechanical engineers frequently work closely with other professionals, at times pooling expertise on particular projects.

Personal Requirements

You should

enjoy technical and engineering activities

be willing to adhere to safety requirements

be able to identify, analyse and solve problems

possess good oral and written communication skills

enjoy computing and technical design

be both practical and creative

possess leadership ability

be able to accept responsibility.

be able to work independently and as part of a team

Environment

Mechanical engineers may work in production plants, in engineering design offices , and outdoors when involved in construction projects.

Mechanical engineers may work in private engineering firms and in manufacturing and processing, and the minerals building and construction, and power industries. Some are employed by consultancy firms while others are self-employed.

Training

A Diploma of Engineering (Technical) will usually enable you to work as a mechanical engineering technician, and as an associate technologist with an Advanced Diploma of Engineering . To become a mechanical engineer you will usually have to complete a Degree. Of course, with further training and experience you can continue to progress along a career pathway that could see you in senior management positions.

Mechanical engineering graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia.

Diploma of Engineering (Technical)
Advanced Diploma of Engineering
Degree

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.



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