Description

Mechanical engineers research, design and develop machinery and systems for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, power generation, transportation, processing and manufacturing. They also perform duties related to the evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems. They are employed by consulting firms, by power-generating utilities and in a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries, or they may be self-employed.

Job Titles

• Acoustics engineer
• Automotive engineer
• Design engineer – mechanical
• Energy conservation engineer
• Fluid mechanics engineer
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineer
• Mechanical engineer
• Mechanical maintenance engineer
• Nuclear engineer
• Piping engineer
• Power generation engineer
• Refrigeration engineer
• Robotics engineer
• Thermal design engineer
• Tool engineer

Main Duties

• Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation and performance of mechanisms, components and systems
• Plan and manage projects, and prepare material, cost and timing estimates, reports and design specifications for machinery and systems
• Design power plants, machines, components, tools, fixtures and equipment
• Analyze dynamics and vibrations of mechanical systems and structures
• Supervise and inspect the installation, modification and commissioning of mechanical systems at construction sites or in industrial facilities
• Develop maintenance standards, schedules and programs and provide guidance to industrial maintenance crews
• Investigate mechanical failures or unexpected maintenance problems
• Prepare contract documents and evaluate tenders for industrial construction or maintenance
• Supervise technicians, technologists and other engineers and review and approve designs, calculations and cost estimates.

Workplaces

• All levels of government
• Construction firms
• Consulting engineering companies
• Industries
• Self-employed

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Evaluation
• Numeracy
• Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment

Abilities

• Categorization Flexibility
• Deductive Reasoning
• Fluency of Ideas
• Information Ordering
• Mathematical Reasoning

Personal Attributes

• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Independence
• Innovativeness
• Adaptability

Similar Occupations

• Engineering managers (20010)
• Industrial and manufacturing engineers (21321)
• Metallurgical and materials engineers (21322)
• Power engineers and power systems operators (92100)
• Power systems operators (92100.02)

Source: OaSIS