Mechanical Engineers (NOC 2132)
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. Mechanical engineers are employed by consulting firms, by power-generating utility firms and in a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries, or they may be self-employed.
Return to top
Example Titles
- acoustics engineer
- automotive engineer
- design engineer - mechanical
- energy conservation engineer
- engineer, power generation
- fluid mechanics engineer
- heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineer
- mechanical engineer
- mechanical maintenance engineer
- nuclear engineer
- piping engineer
- refrigeration engineer
- robotics engineer
- thermal design engineer
- tool engineer
>> View all titles
Return to top
Classified Elsewhere
- Engineering Managers (0211)
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers (2141)
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineers (2142)
- Power engineers or stationary engineers (in 7351 Stationary Engineers and Auxiliary Equipment Operators)
Return to top
Duties
Mechanical engineers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation and performance of mechanisms, components and systems
- Plan and manage projects, 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.
Return to top
Skills
Mechanical engineers have many skills in common with other engineers:
- the ability to think logically in analyzing, solving problems and making decisions,
- a capacity for details and precision,
- the ability to think in mathematical and abstract terms,
- a practical, mechanical inclination,
- an interest in technical processes,
- communication and interpersonal skills,
- persistence and determination,
- an interest in remaining current in the field through continuous learning.
Mechanical engineers also need the following technical skills:
- mathematical methods such as operations research and statistics for quality control,
- knowledge of cost analysis and project management,
- ability to use Computer-Assisted Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM),
- knowledge of industrial machinery and processes, as well as mechanical, physical and chemical principles,
- emerging areas of interest may be information technology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology,
- knowledge of quality control measures such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, ISO.
- Engineers wishing to progress to management need leadership skills, ability to identify, prioritize and resolve key concerns, awareness of motivation techniques, management styles, teaching/coaching/mentoring, goal setting, and effective time and team management.
Return to top
Employment Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required. Employers may accept completion of a college diploma in mechanical engineering technology combined with several years of experience, for positions not requiring a professional qualification.
- Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
- A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required for jobs in research.
Return to top
Terms & Conditions
Mechanical engineers commonly work in an office environment, although they also spend time in manufacturing and processing plants. They may have to travel extensively to work on particular projects, both domestically and abroad. Most work during regular business hours, although some work longer hours, evenings and weekends in order to meet project deadlines. Nearly all mechanical engineers in Manitoba work full-time (98%). Some mechanical engineers are self employed (6%).
Return to top
Earnings
$45,000 per annum - starting
$63,000 per annum - average
$91,500 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
Return to top
Education / Training
The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Engineering offers the following degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering:
- Bachelor of Science B.Sc.(Eng.)
- Master of Engineering M.Eng.
- Master of Science M.Sc.
- Red River College offers a 2 1/2 year diploma program in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
- Continuing education courses are also available in these institutions for upgrading of existing skills.
Return to top
Career Paths
Junior mechanical engineers may move between mechanical engineering specializations such as aviation and aerospace, computer-aided design and manufacturing; energy systems; hydraulics; and heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning systems.
Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering sales, marketing or management. Mechanical engineers work closely with civil, electrical, aerospace, chemical, industrial and other engineers, and mobility is possible between some fields of specialization in these disciplines.
Those who have graduate degrees may teach at the post-secondary level and/or conduct research.
Return to top
Outlook
Employment prospects for mechanical engineers are expected to be good in the period 2010 - 2014. In 2010, the number of positions in Manitoba is estimated at 675.
Employment for mechanical engineers is closely related to the health of the manufacturing sector in Manitoba. In general, manufacturing is a cyclical industry sensitive to economic trends. The recent global economic downturn has adversely affected many local some manufacturing firms, resulting in declines in total employment. The impact on mechanical engineers positions is less as their services are still required as firms continue to introduce more efficient and advanced machinery, equipment and processes that are more and more complex.
Employment in consulting engineering firms is cyclical because it is related to construction trends and consequently to construction investment and economic fluctuations in general. However, there are a significant number of major projects and infrastructure developments planned in Manitoba in the next fours years that will require mechanical engineers.
Job opportunities will be more plentiful for qualified mechanical engineers with experience in research and design. Quality control is gaining prominence in production and will require the skills and knowledge of mechanical engineers to meet internationally quality standards. Mechanical engineers often have the skills and knowledge to work in other engineering specialties, which enhances their opportunities.
Jobs are located in all regions of Manitoba. Across industries, the greatest concentration of mechanical engineers is in Manufacturing (35%), followed by Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (31%), Utilities (13%) and Public Administration (6%).
Return to top
Employment by Age Group
Return to top
Employment by Industry
Return to top
Employment by Region
Return to top
Employment by Gender
Return to top
Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
Return to top
Employment by Visible Minority
Return to top
Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
Return to top
Other Related Information...
Return to top