Occupation profileOSCA 243999Demand steady

Engineering Professionals

Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified perform specialised engineering analysis, design, and problem-solving across niche or emerging technical domains that do not fit standard engineering classifications.

What this job is

Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified perform specialised engineering analysis, design, and problem-solving across niche or emerging technical domains that do not fit standard engineering classifications. They apply advanced mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles to develop solutions, conduct feasibility studies, and provide technical expertise in their specific field of engineering practice. These roles typically require tertiary qualification in engineering or a related discipline and operate within regulated or complex technical environments.

Are employers advertising this role?

Falling, down 12.2% over 5 years

Line chart showing National job vacancy trend. Falling, down 12.2% over 5 years. Data from Jul 21 to Jun 26.0133267400533Jul 21Oct 22Jan 24Mar 25Jun 26

Counted across a group of similar roles. These are three-month rolling averages of online job advertisements, not filled positions.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, Internet Vacancy Index.

Day-to-day

Conduct technical feasibility studies and analysis to assess the viability of proposed engineering projects or solutions. Design and model engineering systems or components using computer-aided design (CAD) software and simulation tools specific to the engineering discipline. Perform calculations and apply engineering principles to solve complex technical problems within the specialised field. Prepare technical specifications, design documentation, and engineering drawings for review by stakeholders or regulatory bodies. Advise clients, project managers, or internal teams on technical feasibility, risk mitigation, and compliance with relevant engineering standards. Review and interpret technical data, test results, and performance metrics to validate engineering solutions. Liaise with regulatory authorities or professional bodies to ensure designs and projects comply with applicable Australian standards and codes (e.g. AS/NZS standards). Develop and test prototypes or pilot systems to demonstrate proof of concept before full-scale implementation.

Who does this now

About 1,400 people worked in this occupation across Australia at the 2021 Census.

Source: ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates. This is a national count for one occupation (Australian Bureau of Statistics code 243999). It is not a state or local figure, and it does not cover a group of similar jobs.

What this role asks for

Bachelor degree or higher (ABS skill level 1)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, OSCA 2024, version 1.0

Registration or licensing may be required.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, OSCA 2024, version 1.0

Can employers fill these jobs

Employers hiring for this occupation were generally able to find suitable applicants in 2025. Ratings are not the same everywhere. QLD and SA were rated in shortage. This measures how hard employers found it to fill jobs. It is not a count of jobs, and it does not say whether the occupation is growing.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025 Occupation Shortage List

Requirements

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

The honest hard part

Switching into niche engineering means you'll need a bachelor degree or higher in engineering or a related field: that's a major time and money investment if you don't have it already. You'll be competing with people who studied this stuff for years. Job security depends on whether your particular niche stays relevant.

Where the jobs are

In reality, these jobs cluster in major metros where you'll find engineering consultancies, research institutions, and large industries. Some exist in regional areas near mining, manufacturing, or defence facilities. Remote work is possible for analysis and design work, but you'll likely need to be based near clients or labs for feasibility studies and prototype testing.

Pay

A$2,649 a week

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2339, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

Skills

  • Attention to Detailcore
  • Microsoft Office Suite Proficiencycore
  • Problem Solvingcore
  • Process Documentationcore
  • Process Improvement Identificationcore
  • Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
  • Report Writingcore
  • Research and Analysiscore
  • Risk Identificationcore
  • Stakeholder Communicationcore
  • Team Collaborationcore
  • Time Management and Prioritisationcore
  • Written Communicationcore
  • Adjust engineering designs
  • Continuous Learning and Upskilling
  • Data Entry and Accuracy
  • Goal Setting and Planning
  • Microsoft Excel Data Management
  • Negotiation
  • Power BI Reporting and Dashboards
  • Quality Assurance and Checking
  • Reporting and Analytics
  • Verbal Communication

Which of these do you have?

Tick the ones you have

Common questions

Sources

  • ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
  • ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
  • ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026

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