Mechanical engineering is a high-demand profession in Australia, offering rewarding career opportunities and clear pathways to permanent residency (PR). With industries like manufacturing, mining, and renewable energy thriving, skilled mechanical engineers are sought after. Below is a comprehensive guide on securing a job as a mechanical engineer in Australia and navigating PR pathways.
Step 1: Assess Your Qualifications
To work as a mechanical engineer in Australia, your qualifications must meet Australian standards. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field is typically required. Degrees from countries signatory to the Washington Accord are often recognized, but others may need assessment.
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Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia, the designated authority for engineering occupations. This involves submitting academic transcripts, work experience, and a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) if your degree isn’t accredited.
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English Proficiency: Demonstrate English competency through tests like IELTS (minimum overall score of 6.0, no band less than 5.0) or equivalent.
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ANZSCO Code: Mechanical engineers are classified under ANZSCO 233512, covering roles like designing and maintaining mechanical systems.
Step 2: Understand Visa Options
Australia offers several visa pathways for mechanical engineers, many leading to PR. The Department of Home Affairs outlines these options:
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): A points-tested PR visa allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia. Requires a minimum of 65 points based on age, experience, education, and English proficiency.
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Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): A PR visa requiring state or territory nomination, adding 5 points to your score. You must commit to working in the nominating state for two years.
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Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): A provisional visa for regional areas, valid for 5 years, with a pathway to PR via Subclass 191 after three years.
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Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): An employer-sponsored visa allowing work for up to 4 years, with a PR pathway through Subclass 186 after two years.
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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): A PR visa for those with a job offer and three years of relevant experience.
Step 3: Secure a Skills Assessment
Engineers Australia assesses your qualifications and experience to ensure they align with Australian standards. Choose the appropriate pathway:
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Accredited Qualifications: For degrees from Australia or Washington Accord countries.
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Competency Demonstration Report (CDR): For non-accredited qualifications, detailing your engineering projects and competencies.
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Processing Time: Assessments typically take 6–8 weeks. Ensure all documents, including certified degree copies and work references, are accurate to avoid delays.
Step 4: Build Relevant Experience
Australian employers value local experience, but international experience is also recognized.
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Gain Experience: If possible, secure internships or entry-level roles in Australia through a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), allowing work for up to two years post-study.
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Specializations in Demand: Focus on skills like CAD, automation, robotics, or renewable energy systems, which are highly sought after in aerospace, mining, and energy sectors.
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Professional Registration: While not always mandatory, obtaining a Professional Engineer’s Licence after four years of practice enhances credibility.
Professional Networking & Ongoing Growth
Engage in structured mentorship via Engineers Australia’s Registered Mentor Scheme. This connects you with seasoned mentees and enhances understanding of Australian engineering standards and workplace culture.
Attend local industry events—such as those listed by Austmine or AusIMM—to stay current on mining and manufacturing trends like Industry 4.0. These events help you build relationships with potential employers and learn about niche skills, such as hydraulic systems or conveyor design.
Additionally, consider short courses or micro‑credentials in areas like advanced CAD modeling, robotic systems, or renewable energy engineering. These qualifications make your resume stand out and may qualify for extra points in a PR application.
Step 5: Find a Job
Mechanical engineering jobs are plentiful in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, and in regional areas with mining and manufacturing.
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Job Search Platforms: Use sites like Seek and LinkedIn to find roles. Tailor your resume to Australian standards, highlighting skills and achievements.
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Networking: Join professional bodies like Engineers Australia to connect with industry professionals. Attend job fairs and industry events.
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Employer Sponsorship: Many employers sponsor visas for skilled engineers. Highlight your skills assessment and English proficiency to stand out.
Step 6: Apply for a Visa
Once you have a job offer or sufficient points, apply for a visa through the SkillSelect system.
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Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI via SkillSelect, detailing your skills, experience, and points score. High-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply.
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State Nomination: For Subclass 190 or 491, check state occupation lists and apply for nomination. States like Victoria and South Australia often nominate mechanical engineers.
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Visa Application: Submit your visa application within 60 days of receiving an invitation, including health and character checks.
Budgeting & Settlement Aid
Start by estimating relocation costs and initial living expenses. The Department of Home Affairs recommends having at least AUD 10,000 available. Refer to their Moving to Australia financial support page for regional cost breakdowns.
Investigate pre-arrival settlement services—states like Tasmania and Queensland offer programs aiding newcomers with credential evaluation, community integration, and regional job placement. For instance, Queensland’s “Skilling Queenslanders for Work” initiative assists migrants in training and employment matching.
By engaging early, you’ll ensure practical orientation—like connecting bank accounts, obtaining driver’s licenses, and understanding tenancy rules—which allows you to focus on your engineering role and visa obligations upon arrival.
Step 7: Explore PR Pathways
Mechanical engineers on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) benefit from faster visa processing. Key PR pathways include:
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Subclass 189/190: Direct PR visas for high-scoring candidates.
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Subclass 491 to 191: Work in regional Australia for three years to transition to PR.
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Subclass 482 to 186: Transition to PR after two years with an employer nomination.
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Points Boost: Gain additional points for Australian work experience, advanced degrees, or studying in regional Australia.
Industry Trends and Statistics
Job Demand
Mechanical engineering jobs are projected to grow by 0.2% over the next five years, with over 4,000 engineering vacancies advertised monthly in 2025. Demand is highest in aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy sectors.
Salary Insights
The average salary for mechanical engineers in Australia is AUD 105,000 annually. Entry-level roles start at AUD 80,000, while experienced professionals can earn over AUD 130,000, depending on industry and location.
Visa Processing
Subclass 189 and 190 visas have processing times of 6–12 months, while Subclass 482 visas are faster, taking 1–3 months. Regional visas like Subclass 491 are prioritized due to labor shortages in non-urban areas.
In-Demand Regions
Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth are top urban hubs, but regional areas like Tasmania and Northern Territory offer PR incentives, including faster nomination for Subclass 491 visas.
Tips for Success
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Upskill: Learn software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or MATLAB to stay competitive.
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Local Experience: Internships or graduate programs boost employability.
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Migration Agent: Consider consulting a registered migration agent via the Migration Agents Registration Authority for complex visa applications.
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