Mechanical engineer

Mechanical engineer

Mechanical engineers oversee the design, creation and maintenance of machinery like electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines.

Also known as

Building services engineer, industrial engineer, production engineer, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning engineer, product development engineer, mechanical maintenance engineer

AUT programmes

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work weekends and evenings
  • Usually work in workshops, factories and offices and may travel locally and nationally
  • May work in noisy and dirty conditions
  • Need to be accurate, safety conscious and identify and solve problems

Typical tasks

  • Oversee design, creation and maintenance of machinery
  • Advise about building and repairing machines
  • Investigate systems and prepare reports
  • Research energy sources and materials
  • Study environmental and safety aspects of machinery
  • Prepare plans and drawings
  • Use specialised software (CAD) to design plans
  • Prepare cost estimates for jobs
  • Supervise building and repair work
  • Review and test new systems

Salary information

$56K-$161K
LowerMost commonUpper
$56K$72K-$125K$161K

Tips from AUT graduates

Outlook

What employers and industry want in graduates

Further study options