Skip to main content

Mechanical Engineer Career Pathway

Mechanical engineering is at the forefront of new technologies, such as product design, robotics, energy planning, pollution control or acoustics. The breadth of a mechanical engineer's expertise is large; covering designing an air filtration system on a train to robotics. Mechanical engineering covers design and production system engineering, thermo-fluid mechanics and energy systems as well as mechatronics and control systems. 

What does a Mechanical Engineer do?

Mechanical engineers work in both local and global industries, spanning many industries. They are responsible for the design of mechanical equipment, machines, components for manufacturing, and plant and systems within construction. They develop manufacturing specifications, confirming materials, equipment, piping, material flows, capacities and layout of plant and systems. They are responsible for the organisation of projects, looking after labour, material delivery and equipment.  

Mechanical Engineers are responsible for the inspections of machinery to ensure optimum performance and coordinates the requirements of a mechanical engineering project. For complex projects, a mechanical engineer can work with other specialist engineers, such as software - as an example. 

Image
A man and woman collaborate on a laptop in a factory setting, focused on their work amidst industrial surroundings.

Career outlook at a glance

38

Median age of the Australian Mechanical Engineers (in years)

22,900

Mechanical Engineers workforce in Australia

$110,000

Average annual salary in Australia 1

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia. 2024.
Seek. September 2024. Mechanical Engineer

Where do Mechanical Engineers work?

Mechanical Engineers work on-site and in an office, and can spend their time between both, depending on the project. Just over 25.7% work in New South Wales, 28.3% work in Victoria and 18.4% work in Queensland.

How much do Mechanical Engineers earn in Australia?

According to Seek, the average annual salary in Australia for a Mechanical Engineer is between $100,000-$120,000. They work an average of 43 hours per week. 

Seek. September 2024. Mechanical Engineer Salary

Image
A man focused on his laptop while seated at a workstation in a factory environment.

Specialisations

Mechanical engineers can work in really varied industries, with a snapshot of these below: 

  • Heavy machinery 
  • Mining 
  • Power generation 
  • Manufacturing 
  • Production planning 
  • Automotive 
  • Aerospace 
  • Medical 
  • Environmental 
  • Building industries 
  • Consumer product design 

Skills & attributes that can help you

It is crucial for mechanical engineers to have the skill set needed to perform their jobs, in addition to skills employees find attractive such as clear communication, ability to work well in a team and have strong interpersonal skills. The skills and knowledge to be a mechanical engineer are built throughout an undergraduate degree, as well as further developing these skills on the job once successfully completing this qualification. Below is a snapshot of some of these skills needed as an engineer: 

  • Engineering and technology: Use engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
  • Technical design: Mechanical engineers need the skills to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings and models.
  • Maths: Mechanical engineers work with numbers in their jobs, and need to have an advanced level of aptitude in this area.
  • Mechanical: Understand machinery and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Physics: Mechanical engineers need to possess the knowledge and understanding of the physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.

SCU Online courses

SCU Online has a range of courses designed to help you achieve your career goals. Two options for engineers looking to move into a senior leadership role include the Master of Engineering Management and Master of Business Administration, delivered 100% online.  

Download a course guide

Find more information on our course, including:

  • Fees
  • Entry requirements
  • Units
  • Online platform
  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3

Latest articles

How to become a principal

The role of a principal goes beyond managing a school – it’s about shaping the future. Principals are educational leaders who inspire change, foster academic success and set the benchmark for…

Can you study a masters without a bachelors degree?

Postgraduate study usually requires a bachelors degree as a prerequisite – but if you haven’t completed an undergraduate degree, earning a masters qualification isn’t out of the question.

How to manage team dynamics for better business performance

The key to any successful organisation is a functional and high-performing team.
Back to top