Mechanical Engineering Career Pathways

OVeRVIeW
Mechanical Engineering oers you diverse career options in areas including the aeronautics and automotive industries, acoustics, biomechanics, manufacturing, minerals and energy technology, robotics, management and nance industries. Mechanical engineers plan, design and oversee the development, installation, operation and maintenance of machinery. They conduct research to solve practical engineering problems and improve eciency.

Specialisations
Aeronautical Engineer
Aerospace engineers perform and supervise the design, development, manufacture and maintenance work of all types of ight vehicles. This may include military and civilian aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, launch vehicles, spacecraft, satellites and control and guidance systems. the construction of structures such as highways, bridges, airports, railroads, buildings, dams, and reservoirs.

Management Consultant
Management consultants study the procedures and systems used in an organisation to assess how individuals and the organisation as a whole can best operate.

Consulting Engineer
Consulting Engineers are independent contractors who oer expertise and knowledge to clients in a particular eld. Consulting Engineers generally work on a project-by-project basis for a range of dierent clients.

Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Designs and improves systems and equipment that complete tasks accurately and change raw materials into products with minimal wastage of time, materials and energy.

Automotive Engineer
Automotive engineers are involved in the design, manufacture and operation of ground-based vehicles, such as motorcycles, automobiles, buses and trucks and their respective engineering subsystems.

Energy Engineer
An energy engineer is involved with the production of energy through natural resources, such as the extraction of oil and gas, as well as from renewable or sustainable sources of energy, including biofuels, hydro, wind and solar power.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Design new machines, equipment or systems taking into account cost, availability of materials, strength and maintenance requirements.

Building Services Engineer

Building services engineers design and develop the inner workings of buildings to provide a safe and functional work environment.

Engineering Project Manager

Engineering project managers plan, administer and review engineering and technical projects.

Mining Engineer
Mining engineers plan and direct the engineering aspects of extracting mineral resources from the earth.

Construction Engineer
Construction engineers are concerned with the planning and management of

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Engineering Pathways (Mechanical)

School leavers Melbourne Model degrees (3 years)
Bachelor of Biomedicine
Majors include:

School leavers
Any Bachelors Degree Must include Linear Algebra and Calculus 2 or equivalents, along with science relevant to intended specialisation.

Bachelor of Environments
Majors include:

Bachelor of Commerce
Sequences in the following Engineering areas:

Bachelor of Science
Majors include:

Exit to employment (without professional accreditation)

Bioengineering Systems

Civil Systems Geomatics Physical systems

Chemical Systems Civil Systems Computing and Software Systems Electrical Systems

Mechanical Systems
Physical Systems

Bioengineering Systems Chemical Systems Civil Systems Computing and Software Systems Electrical Systems Geomatics

Mechanical Systems

Master of Engineering (2 years)

Specialisations: Biomedical Biomolecular Chemical Civil Electrical Environmental Geomatics Software Structural

Mechanical
Mechatronics

Note: Duration of Master of Engineering will vary from 2-3years depending on amount of credit obtained from prior study

Exit to employment with professional accreditation

Note: While the study stream highlighted above is considered the traditional pathway, alternative course plans can achieve the same qualication outcome. Please speak to a University of Melbourne course advisor to discuss your options.

Career Planning
For university students, career planning is about choosing a career path related to your eld of study and preparing for employment. While engineering can lead to specic occupations it can also give you the foundation for a variety of career paths.
Choosing an occupation, getting that rst graduate job, and growing in your job will require planning, self awareness, exibility and a forward-looking attitude to help manage the personal transitions, as well as the technological and economic changes of the future. With so many factors to consider an eective employment plan will include strategies for enhancing career awareness & self awareness, and can be done in a 4-Step process, starting with: 1. Doing some self-assessment to clarify interests and strengths 2. Gathering information and exploring careers that appeal to you and match your interests, abilities and values using myFuture (accessible to the public) or Adult Directions (via Online Career Tools for current University of Melbourne students) 3. Learning about the job market by investigating Work Experience opportunities, browsing company/ industry websites and talking to lots of people in your eld of interest using the informational interviewing technique 4. Developing job search skills preparing your job applications and preparing for interviews using the Online Career Tools or booking a Career Consultation through Careers Online (both services available to current University of Melbourne students).

Employment
Sectors and Industries
Acoustics Aeronautics Automotive Biomechanics Computer Industry Construction Consulting Government Departments, Agencies and Municipal Authorities Industrial Manufacturing Minerals and Energy Power Generation Research and Development Robotics Tertiary Education Transport

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Employers
A sample of employers who actively recruit our Mechanical Engineering graduates includes: ABB Australia Norman Disney & Young AECOM Alcoa ANCA BAE Systems Beca Pty Ltd BP Australia Boeing Aerostructures Australia DSTO Energy Matters Exxon Mobil Fluor Australia Gloucester Coal Invetech OneSteel Orica Limited Origin Energy OzMinerals Qenos Robert Bosch Schlumberger Shell SKM Toyota Transeld Uhde Shedden WorleyParsons

is another way of gaining valuable work experience but these placements must adhere to the Vocational Placements & Student Volunteering Policy.
VacatIoN PRoGRams

Cadetships can be full- or part-time and vary from formalised, structured schemes to informal arrangements between an individual and an organisation. Application opening and closing dates are varied.

Are degree-related, structured paid work placements usually undertaken by students at the end of their penultimate year of study. These can often lead to a graduate position, so competition for placements is intense. Winter vacation programs are available from time to time.
INteRNsHIps

Graduate Employment Programs

Include substantial training, development and support. Some programs include rotations through various departments within the organisation. Usually oered by large organisations and government departments, an increasing number of smaller organisations are now oering graduate employment programs. Many organisations oer a number of programs some for specic or technical roles, and others which are broader based. Graduate programs vary in length, from 1-3 years. Competition is strong and nal year students must apply in March or April for commencement in January or February of the following year. Opportunities to get exposure to Industry through the Melbourne School of Engineering: Connect with industry through the curriculum, via: student projects that are partnered with industry guest lectures led by industry leaders site visits hosted by key organisations career mentoring programs

Internships are supervised, paid work placements arranged between the employer and student, sometimes brokered by the university. Ranging from a few weeks part-time to multiple semesters full-time, internships occur in a eld relevant to the students qualication. Application opening and closing dates for internships are varied.
Co-opeRatIVe PRoGRams

For a more extensive listing including current employment opportunities, University of Melbourne students can visit Careers Online, our online jobs portal. It is also important to attend events like the Graduate Careers Fair in Semester 1 and student-run Industry Nights to become familiar with who the key employers are and the dates of their recruiting campaigns.

Enable students to alternate study terms with paid work and oer hands-on experience contributing to a real project, skills development and a chance to network with professionals in the eld. Application opening and closing dates for co-operative programs are varied.
CadetsHIps

Resources
The Careers and Jobs Guide on the Library website has been developed for current University of Melbourne students in conjunction with Careers & Employment. This guide will help you nd quality library resources to help with: Career planning Researching industries Researching employers Employability skills Job hunting Resumes and job applications Interview preparation

Employed positions oered to students or graduates, designed to provide specic training or mentoring.

Types of employment
Work Experience
There are many forms of work experience. With the introduction of the Fair Work Act 2009, all work experience must be paid unless the placement forms part of a university course. For engineering students, work experience could take the form of an industry-based nal year project or a paid placement (such as those listed below). Voluntary work for not-for prot agencies

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Career Progression (trajectories) Mechanical

Graduate Graduate Mechanical Engineer Graduate Mechanical Design Engineer Graduate Mechanical Process Engineer Manufacturing Systems Engineer 3-5 years experience Aeronautical Engineer CAD Product Design Engineer Marine Engineer Mechanical Engineer Mechanical Engineer Building Services Mechanical Engineer Materials Handling Mechanical Engineer Mining Mechanical Engineer Oil & Gas/Pipelines Mechanical Engineer Plant Performance Mechanical Engineer Power Station Mechanical Engineer Solar Industry Mechanical Engineer Underground Mechanical Engineer Water Treatment Projects 10 years experience Mechanical Design Engineer Mechanical Design Engineer Automotive Mechanical Design Engineer Heavy Industry Design Mechanical Design Engineer Underground Drilling Mechanical Equipment Engineer Mechanical Maintenance Engineer Mechanical Process Engineer Design & Documentation Mechanical Project Engineer Oil & Gas Mechanical Systems Engineer Piping Engineer Reliability Engineer Mechanical Tool Engineer Underground Mechanical Construction Engineer Lead Mechanical Engineer Principal Mechanical Engineer Senior Mechanical Engineer

Careers in Research
If you are passionate about a certain eld and would like to advance your research skills, enrolling in a research higher degree (RHD) may be a great option for you. RHDs enhance your ability to problem solve, think autonomously and creatively, and analyse. Careers in research are diverse and may include: academic positions at universities; policy-making or research positions at public sector organisations; private sector research and development projects; and self-employed consulting positions on technical or policy issues in your area of expertise.

Alternative Careers
An engineering degree oers you excellent technical and design expertise, but also equips you with the foundations for a diverse range of positions. Over a third of our graduates choose to move into nontraditional engineering roles, including: Management consulting Finance, economics and banking Marketing and communications Business analysis Project management Technical writing Government, policy and intellectual property management. For current University of Melbourne students, Careers Online advertises numerous generalist graduate jobs during the peak recruitment season (March-April of your nal year). You will often nd that many state and federal government departments and defence agencies will actively recruit for engineers as they value their high-end problem-solving and analytical abilities.

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Salary Information
According to a survey conducted in 2011 by Engineers Australia, gross mean base salary gures for mechanical engineers across the private and public sectors are as follows: New graduate: $67,477 2-3 years: $79,529 4-10 years: $96,117 10-15 years: $123,938 Over 15 years: $151,415

The internet vacancy level for Mechanical Engineering Professionals is very high.
* The Data on Job Outlook is updated on a yearly basis and is compiled from national statistics which may not reect either regional variations or more recent changes in employment conditions.

The educational and professional standards of Engineers Australia and EUR-ACE with which the course is accredited Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them General knowledge Understanding of the business environment Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and the community at large Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member Ability to manage information and documentation Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.

Graduate Attributes for Employment

As a graduate software engineer you will have: Opportunities to interact with industry professionals through guest lectures, eld and project work A sound fundamental understanding of the technical skills and principles of Mechanical Engineering and their application to complex, open-ended engineering tasks and problems Generic skills, including management, communication, problem-solving and design and innovation in Mechanical Engineering

Job Outlook
According to the Australian Governments Job Outlook website*: Job Prospects for Mechanical Engineering Professionals are good. Employment for Mechanical Engineering Professionals to 2015-2016 is expected to grow strongly. Employment remained relatively steady in the last ve years, and rose moderately in the long-term (ten years).

As a postdoctoral researcher with CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research (CMAR), Dr Vassili Kitsios is involved in developing turbulence models for simulations of the atmosphere and ocean: The best part about my job is the freedom I have to pursue new ideas. There is currently a high level of public interest surrounding climate change. Its exciting to be working in a field that affects all of our lives. Funded by the Australian Government, CMAR undertakes research to advance Australian climate, marine and earth systems science, and houses leading regional climate change modelling research teams. Before joining CMAR, Vassili completed a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, where he had the opportunity to travel and develop his research expertise:

DR VASSILI KITSIOS Post Doctoral Research Scientist, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Study Area: Mechanical Engineering

During my PhD, I travelled a lot, and worked with fellow research colleagues at the Universit de Poitiers (France), Universidad Politcnica de Madrid (Spain), Manchester University (United Kingdom), Stanford University (United States of America) and Monash University (Australia). I developed sought-after knowledge and skills in the eld of aerodynamic control, which gave me the opportunity to be selective in my next career move. Vassili worked with leading researchers during his PhD study and enjoyed the learning environment. The highlight of my experience at the University of Melbourne was studying in an environment that encourages curiosity and the challenging of ideas. I had the opportunity to work with world leaders in uid dynamics in the Mechanical Engineering Department.

Mechanical Engineering 5

DAVID STRIBLEY Project Engineer, ExxonMobil Study Area: Mechanical Engineering

David Stribley is working on ExxonMobils Kipper Tuna Turrum project in Bass Strait, one of the largest domestic gas developments on the eastern seaboard. The $4 billion project will develop cleaner-burning natural gas supplies to help secure Victorias energy future.

During a typical day at work I look after a team of engineers and construction professionals to deliver the Brownfield scope of the project. This requires making judgement calls based on engineering recommendations to best meet the project business objectives. Reflecting on his study at Melbourne, David recalls the focus on problem-solving, a skill that he uses daily in his current role: Graduating from Melbourne gave me the technical background to be able to make decisions based on limited information. It also gave me the ability to be enquiring in order to better understand the root cause of a problem that sometimes isnt obvious. Prior to commencing his role at ExxonMobil, David completed an internship

there with the site inspection group. He also completed an internship with Ford Motor Company as a facilities engineer in the manufacturing group on new vehicle development: Both internships gave me a huge insight into how different industries work, and helped me decide which path I wanted to take post-university. They also supported my future job applications and led to me working at ExxonMobil today. David has enjoyed a diversity of roles in the course of his career: From a machinery engineer working on offshore assets, to managing a control system upgrade on a 32-year-old 8MW Gas Turbine, in five years I am now on to my fourth role and each one has been hugely rewarding and different.

Useful Links
Job Search Sites
Careers Online Engineer Jobs Engineering Career Engineering Jobs Australia Grad Connection Just Engineers Job Search Australia/Engineers Mining Careers MyCareer Mechanical Engineering Oil Careers Seek Mechanical Engineering

Recruiters
Recruitment and Consulting Services Associations Member Index Seek recruiter search

Engineering services are regulated under a variety of Acts in ad hoc areas, many of which relate to engineers in the building and construction industry. Engineers in Queensland are required by legislation to be registered through the Board of Professional Engineers in Queensland (BPEQ). In other states and territories engineers operate under the selfregulatory system operated by the National Engineering Registration Board (NERB).

Professional Associations
Engineers Australia APESMA Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia Australian Institute of Energy Consult Australia AusIMM

International Students/Graduates
Working in Victoria: An Engineers Guide

Licensing and registration

There is no formal system of regulation for engineers throughout Australia.

Overseas Qualications Assessment Team (OSQA)

Engineers Australia

Andrew George works with cutting-edge technology on a daily basis in his role as an aeronautical engineer with global aerospace, security and defence systems company BAE Systems. After studying Mechanical Engineering, Andrew found that the broad foundation of his course meant his skills were also highly applicable in the areas of mechatronics and aeronautical engineering. Its good to have the breadth of knowledge you get at Melbourne. It means its easier to go into the mining industry or the

aerospace industry or the finance industry and apply that knowledge to whichever application interests you. Andrew secured his role as an aeronautical engineer at BAE systems thanks to a final year hovering rocket project he undertook at BAE, which gave him a foot in the door for a graduate role. I feel defence is an interesting industry to be in right now, but then I also have the potential to go into finance and analyse markets or go into mining engineering.

ANDREW GEORGE Aeronautical Engineer, BAE systems Study Area: Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Pathways. Authorised by the Industry Relations Manager, Melbourne School of Engineering. Published by The Melbourne School of Engineering, July 2012.

Copyright: Copyright University of Melbourne 2012. Copyright in this publication is owned by the University and no part of it may be reproduced without the permission of the University.

CRICOS provider code 00116K. Disclaimer: The University has used its best endeavours to ensure that material contained in this publication was correct at the time of printing. The University gives no warranty and accepts no

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