This world is humming with machines, tools and equipment. And, you are behind it, bringing ingenuity to energy extraction, transportation and refining. From the wellhead to the wheel, if there is a mechanical process involved, you may have a hand in it.
Mechanical engineers provide technical support and quality management in the design, evaluation, procurement, modification and installation of mechanical equipment and systems for oil and gas drilling rigs and facilities. They also provide technical support for the operating and maintenance functions required for the reliable, efficient and safe operation of energy facilities.
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- Sub-sector Exploration and production, Oil and gas services, Oil sands, Pipelines, Offshore
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary $73,000 to $122,000
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation or performance of equipment, components or systems
- Providing technical support for production equipment and processes
- Generating engineering drawings, process flow diagrams and other documentation
- Providing feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs
- Researching and designing mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements.
As you advance in this occupation, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Mentoring and coaching junior members
- Leading or participating in the conceptual and detailed mechanical equipment design for capital projects
- Developing, coordinating or monitoring all aspects of production (e.g., selecting manufacturing methods)
Education
- A post-secondary degree in mechanical engineering (or a related discipline) from an institution accredited by Engineers Canada is typically required.
Certifications
- Specific health and safety certifications will be determined by job requirements
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many mechanical engineers also work in head offices
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
Problem-solving, customer service, leadership and organizational skills – these softer skills, in combination with mechanical, math, engineering and design skills, are the hallmark of an effective mechanical engineer.
- Critical thinking
- Mechanics
- Physics
- Attention to detail
- Engineering and technology
- Design
- Selecting equipment
- Analyzing operations
- Evaluating systems
- Judgment and decision making
- Sub-sector Carbon capture, utilization and storage, Emissions reduction
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
The skills gained as a mechanical engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the CCUS and emissions reduction sub-sectors of cleantech. Additional training may be needed on mechanical equipment for emissions detection, measurement and reduction.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in the cleantech sector may include:
- Participating in machinery installation, repair, maintenance and inspection. (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Estimating costs and materials. (emissions reduction)
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation or performance of equipment, components or systems
- Providing technical support for production equipment and processes
- Generating engineering drawings, process flow diagrams and other documentation
- Providing feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs
- Researching and designing mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements.
As you advance in this occupation, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Mentoring and coaching junior members
- Leading or participating in the conceptual and detailed mechanical equipment design for capital projects
- Developing, coordinating or monitoring all aspects of production (e.g., selecting manufacturing methods)
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in cleantech may include:
- Knowledge of design procedures, specifications and engineering software/simulation tools. (emissions reduction)
- Sustainable environmental certification such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), LEED AP, and LEED Green Associate (GA). (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Proficiency with design and drafting software such as AutoCAD and building modelling software such as Revit. (CCUS | emissions reduction)
Education
- A post-secondary degree in mechanical engineering (or a related discipline) from an institution accredited by Engineers Canada is typically required.
Certifications
- Specific health and safety certifications will be determined by job requirements
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to cleantech include:
- Primarily indoor/office work (CCUS)
- Agile/flexible approach to work (emissions reduction)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (emissions reduction)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (CCUS)
- Safety-sensitive environment (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Transition to a similar level (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Career development fostered/supported (emissions reduction)
- Urban location (emissions reduction)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many mechanical engineers also work in head offices
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
Problem-solving, customer service, leadership and organizational skills – these softer skills, in combination with mechanical, math, engineering and design skills, are the hallmark of an effective mechanical engineer.
- Critical thinking
- Mechanics
- Physics
- Attention to detail
- Engineering and technology
- Design
- Selecting equipment
- Analyzing operations
- Evaluating systems
- Judgment and decision making
The cleantech sector is further divided into sub-sectors:
CCUS
- Transferability: Direct
- Skills upgrade: None
Emissions reduction
- Transferability: Direct
- Skills upgrade: Minor
What does this mean for workers?
Workers will find that the ease of a career change from oil and natural gas into cleantech may vary by sub-sector. There could be differences in the need to upskill, gain knowledge and experience and varying work environments. Further research on the sector or consultation with a career advisor may be required.
- Sub-sector Engineering, design and procurement, Start-up and commissioning
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
The skills gained as a mechanical engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the start-up and commissioning project life cycle phase of industrial construction and maintenance in energy. A mechanical engineer considering a career change to the engineering, design and procurement project life cycle phase may need to complete some minor upskilling to make a successful transition.
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation or performance of equipment, components or systems
- Providing technical support for production equipment and processes
- Generating engineering drawings, process flow diagrams and other documentation
- Providing feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs
- Researching and designing mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements.
As you advance in this occupation, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Mentoring and coaching junior members
- Leading or participating in the conceptual and detailed mechanical equipment design for capital projects
- Developing, coordinating or monitoring all aspects of production (e.g., selecting manufacturing methods)
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in industrial construction and maintenance may include:
- Certification in sustainable construction practices such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), LEED AP, and LEED Green Associate (GA). (engineering, design and procurement | start-up and commissioning)
- Proficiency with design and drafting software such as AutoCAD and Revit. (engineering, design and procurement | start-up and commissioning)
Education
- A post-secondary degree in mechanical engineering (or a related discipline) from an institution accredited by Engineers Canada is typically required.
Certifications
- Specific health and safety certifications will be determined by job requirements
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to industrial construction and maintenance include:
- Shiftwork/variable work hours (start-up and commissioning)
- Work away from home/in camps (start-up and commissioning)
- Primarily indoor/office work (engineering, design and procurement | start-up and commissioning)
- Physical work (start-up and commissioning)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (engineering, design and procurement | start-up and commissioning)
- Freelance/contract opportunities (start-up and commissioning)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (start-up and commissioning)
- Safety-sensitive environment (start-up and commissioning)
- Transition to a similar level (engineering, design and procurement
- Urban location (engineering, design and procurement)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many mechanical engineers also work in head offices
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
Problem-solving, customer service, leadership and organizational skills – these softer skills, in combination with mechanical, math, engineering and design skills, are the hallmark of an effective mechanical engineer.
- Critical thinking
- Mechanics
- Physics
- Attention to detail
- Engineering and technology
- Design
- Selecting equipment
- Analyzing operations
- Evaluating systems
- Judgment and decision making
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading Minor
-
Refocus
A mechanical engineer considering a career change from oil and natural gas to digitization and automation in energy may need to complete some minor upskilling to make a successful transition.
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in digitization and automation may include:
- Considering mechanical aspects of a plant or facility, such as valves, static and rotating equipment, in the process of digitizing and automating the industry.
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation or performance of equipment, components or systems
- Providing technical support for production equipment and processes
- Generating engineering drawings, process flow diagrams and other documentation
- Providing feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs
- Researching and designing mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements.
As you advance in this occupation, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Mentoring and coaching junior members
- Leading or participating in the conceptual and detailed mechanical equipment design for capital projects
- Developing, coordinating or monitoring all aspects of production (e.g., selecting manufacturing methods)
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in digitization and automation may include:
- Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA), and the ability to use a computerized method to predict a product’s reaction to real-world forces, vibration, heat, fluid flow and other physical effects.
- Proficiency with drafting and design software such as, AutoCAD.
- Proficiency with modelling/engineering-based design software like SolidWorks and familiarity with building modelling software like Revit may be needed.
- Ability to understand programming languages like C++.
- Proficiency with human-machine interfaces (HMI) and dashboards.
Education
- A post-secondary degree in mechanical engineering (or a related discipline) from an institution accredited by Engineers Canada is typically required.
Certifications
- Specific health and safety certifications will be determined by job requirements
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to digitization and automation include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Travel required
- Agile/flexible approach to work
- Temporary/project-to-project work
- Transition to a similar level
- Urban location
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many mechanical engineers also work in head offices
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
Problem-solving, customer service, leadership and organizational skills – these softer skills, in combination with mechanical, math, engineering and design skills, are the hallmark of an effective mechanical engineer.
- Critical thinking
- Mechanics
- Physics
- Attention to detail
- Engineering and technology
- Design
- Selecting equipment
- Analyzing operations
- Evaluating systems
- Judgment and decision making
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Congratulations! The skills gained as a mechanical engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to LNG facility operation.
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation or performance of equipment, components or systems
- Providing technical support for production equipment and processes
- Generating engineering drawings, process flow diagrams and other documentation
- Providing feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs
- Researching and designing mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements.
As you advance in this occupation, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Mentoring and coaching junior members
- Leading or participating in the conceptual and detailed mechanical equipment design for capital projects
- Developing, coordinating or monitoring all aspects of production (e.g., selecting manufacturing methods)
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in LNG facility operation may include:
- Sustainable environmental certification such as Leadership in Environmental Engineering Design (LEED), LEED AP.
- Proficiency with drafting and design software such as, AutoCAD and building modelling software like Revit.
Education
- A post-secondary degree in mechanical engineering (or a related discipline) from an institution accredited by Engineers Canada is typically required.
Certifications
- Specific health and safety certifications will be determined by job requirements
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to LNG include:
- Potential for relocation
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Rural location
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many mechanical engineers also work in head offices
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
Problem-solving, customer service, leadership and organizational skills – these softer skills, in combination with mechanical, math, engineering and design skills, are the hallmark of an effective mechanical engineer.
- Critical thinking
- Mechanics
- Physics
- Attention to detail
- Engineering and technology
- Design
- Selecting equipment
- Analyzing operations
- Evaluating systems
- Judgment and decision making
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The skills gained as a mechanical engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to petrochemicals and refining.
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation or performance of equipment, components or systems
- Providing technical support for production equipment and processes
- Generating engineering drawings, process flow diagrams and other documentation
- Providing feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs
- Researching and designing mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements.
As you advance in this occupation, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Mentoring and coaching junior members
- Leading or participating in the conceptual and detailed mechanical equipment design for capital projects
- Developing, coordinating or monitoring all aspects of production (e.g., selecting manufacturing methods)
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in petrochemicals and refining may include:
- Proficiency with drafting and design software such as, AutoCAD and building modelling software like Revit.
Education
- A post-secondary degree in mechanical engineering (or a related discipline) from an institution accredited by Engineers Canada is typically required.
Certifications
- Specific health and safety certifications will be determined by job requirements
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to petrochemicals and refining include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many mechanical engineers also work in head offices
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
Problem-solving, customer service, leadership and organizational skills – these softer skills, in combination with mechanical, math, engineering and design skills, are the hallmark of an effective mechanical engineer.
- Critical thinking
- Mechanics
- Physics
- Attention to detail
- Engineering and technology
- Design
- Selecting equipment
- Analyzing operations
- Evaluating systems
- Judgment and decision making
- Sub-sector Geothermal, Wind
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
The skills gained as a mechanical engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the geothermal sub-sector of renewables. An mechanical engineer considering a career change to the wind sub-sector may need to complete some minor upskilling to make a successful transition. The average salary range for a mechanical engineer in the geothermal sub-sector is similar to the average salary range of oil and natural gas, however, the average salary range in wind is lower than that of oil and natural gas.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in renewables may include:
- Verifying all applicable federal and provincial codes and standards to ensure design meets or exceeds minimum requirements. (wind)
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation or performance of equipment, components or systems
- Providing technical support for production equipment and processes
- Generating engineering drawings, process flow diagrams and other documentation
- Providing feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs
- Researching and designing mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements.
As you advance in this occupation, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Mentoring and coaching junior members
- Leading or participating in the conceptual and detailed mechanical equipment design for capital projects
- Developing, coordinating or monitoring all aspects of production (e.g., selecting manufacturing methods)
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in renewables may include:
- Knowledge of applicable codes, such as ASME Pressure Vessel Section VIII. (wind)
- Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA), and the ability to use a computerized method to predict a product’s reaction to real-world forces, vibration, heat, fluid flow and other physical effects. (geothermal | wind)
- Proficiency with drafting and design software such as, AutoCAD. (geothermal | wind)
Education
- A post-secondary degree in mechanical engineering (or a related discipline) from an institution accredited by Engineers Canada is typically required.
Certifications
- Specific health and safety certifications will be determined by job requirements
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to renewables include:
- Potential for relocation (geothermal)
- Primarily indoor/office work (geothermal | wind)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (wind)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (geothermal)
- Safety-sensitive environment (geothermal)
- Transition to a similar level (geothermal | wind)
- Rural location (geothermal)
- Urban location (wind)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many mechanical engineers also work in head offices
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
Problem-solving, customer service, leadership and organizational skills – these softer skills, in combination with mechanical, math, engineering and design skills, are the hallmark of an effective mechanical engineer.
- Critical thinking
- Mechanics
- Physics
- Attention to detail
- Engineering and technology
- Design
- Selecting equipment
- Analyzing operations
- Evaluating systems
- Judgment and decision making
The renewables sector is further divided into sub-sectors:
Geothermal
- Transferability: Direct
- Skills upgrade: None
- Average salary range: Equal to oil and gas
Wind
- Transferability: Refocus
- Skills upgrade: Minor
- Average salary range: Less than oil and gas
What does this mean for workers?
Workers will find that the ease of a career change from oil and natural gas into renewables may vary by sub-sector. There could be differences in the need to upskill, gain knowledge and experience, expected salary range and varying work environments. Further research on the sector or consultation with a career advisor may be required.
