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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design and give advice on the building and repair of machines and tools. They also investigate problems and faults with machinery, and study ways to improve manufacturing and energy production.

Tasks & duties

Mechanical engineers may do some or all of the following:

determine the client’s or production manager's requirements
carry out investigations and/or feasibility studies to determine the building and repairs required
research the use of energy sources, machinery and materials
study the environmental and safety aspects of the planned work
prepare plans and drawings of machines or machine parts
use computer-aided design (CAD) software to model plans
determine how much the work will cost
supervise the building and repair of machines and the systems these machines are part of
review and test the completed work

Specialisations

Mechanical engineering is a broad discipline and most people employed as mechanical engineers develop specific skills in a particular area such as:

acoustics
robotics
power generation
transport
heavy manufacturing
aerospace, building services or medical technology

Skills & knowledge

Mechanical engineers need to have:

knowledge of mechanical processes and physics
knowledge of electronics and the effect of heat on materials
an awareness of government and safety regulations, and quality standards
project management skills and organisational ability
problem-solving skills and the ability to think analytically and laterally
mathematical modelling skills
written and oral communication skills
design, drawing and computer skills
basic financial planning ability

Entry requirements

To become a mechanical engineer you need to complete a Bachelor of Engineering degree, majoring in mechanical engineering. However, some companies may employ people who have a Diploma in Engineering (replacing the New Zealand Certificate of Engineering) and relevant work experience.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Bursary or NCEA equivalent English, maths, physics, chemistry and graphics are preferred.