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Useful experience for mechanical engineers includes:

• work with machinery, engines, electrical or electronics
• work in an industrial plant or factory
• work in engineering or building
• working with tools
• technical drawing.

Mechanical engineers may do some or all of the following:

• find out what their clients need
• investigate existing systems and prepare reports based on findings
• research energy sources, machinery and materials
• study the environmental and safety aspects of planned work
• prepare plans and drawings of machines and parts 
• use computer-aided design (CAD) software to design and model plans
• prepare cost estimates for jobs
• supervise the building, installation, repair and replacement of systems
• review and test new systems.

Mechanical engineering skills in demand

Demand for mechanical engineers is high due to:

• a strengthening manufacturing sector
• a strong building and construction sector
• demand from the agricultural sector
• not enough people training and gaining relevant qualifications.

Mechanical engineer, industrial engineer and production or plant engineer appear on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled mechanical engineers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 12,177 mechanical engineers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Range of employers

Most mechanical engineers work for private companies or consultancies across a broad range of industries, including:

• manufacturing
• building and construction
• building services
• product development
• aviation, boat building and transport
• agriculture
• water and waste water
• energy.

Engineering New Zealand

(04) 473 9444 - hello@engineeringnz.org - www.engineeringnz.org

Most mechanical engineers work as employees of engineering companies or companies that use engineering services. As they gain more experience they may progress into consultancy and project management roles.

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

Agricultural Engineer

Agricultural engineers perform and supervise engineering work related to the use and development of agricultural land, buildings, machines and equipment.

Bio-engineer

Bio-engineers apply physics, mathematics and engineering sciences to address problems in biology and medicine.

Energy Engineer

Energy engineers work with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, environmental compliance and alternative energy technologies.

Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning Engineer

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning engineers design and supervise the building, installation, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and equipment.

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing engineers turn raw materials into a new or updated product in the most economic, efficient and effective way possible.

Rail Engineer

Rail engineers deal with the design, construction and operation of all types of railway systems.

Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers create new uses for robots, designing improved robots for existing systems, or repairing and maintaining industrial robots.

Mechanical engineers need to be:

• accurate, with an eye for detail
• organised, with good project-management skills
• practical and good at problem-solving
• able to work well under pressure
• able to work well independently and in a team.