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OaSIS 2023 Version 1.0
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21301.00 – Mechanical engineers

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.

Overview

Example job titles

  • 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

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • 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.

Additional information

  • Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
  • Mechanical engineers work closely with civil, electrical, aerospace, chemical, industrial and other engineers, and mobility is possible between some fields of specialization in these disciplines.
  • There is considerable mobility between mechanical engineering specializations at the less senior levels.
  • Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Engineering managers (20010)
  • Industrial and manufacturing engineers (21321)
  • Metallurgical and materials engineers (21322)
  • Power engineers and power systems operators (92100)
  • Power systems operators (92100.02)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations

TEER

1 – Occupations usually require a university degree

Major group

21 – Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences

Sub-major group

213 – Professional occupations in engineering

Minor group

2130 – Civil and mechanical engineers

Unit group

21301 – Mechanical engineers

Occupational profile

21301.00 – Mechanical engineers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.