Job description Mechanical Engineer near Kitchener (ON)
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Find out what work is like for a mechanical engineer in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301).

Mechanical engineers

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.

Work week duration

Mechanical engineers usually work more than 40 hours per week.
More than 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Mechanical engineers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • 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.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Sitting

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Mechanical engineers are employed and some of their main characteristics:

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

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Indoors, environmentally controlled
  • Standard safety equipment

Physical proximity from others Help - Physical proximity from others

  • Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 21301), and a list of similar occupations:

  • 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

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Mechanical engineers in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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