Mechanical Engineering Technician

A mechanical engineering technician supports mechanical engineers in the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems and components. Working in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or industrial settings, they produce technical drawings, conduct performance testing, troubleshoot mechanical faults, and ensure compliance with Australian Standards and engineering specifications. They work from design briefs and engineering drawings to manufacture prototypes, maintain test equipment, and document results for quality assurance.

Produce detailed technical drawings and CAD models using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar software to translate engineer specifications into manufacturing-ready designs. Conduct mechanical testing and performance analysis on components and assemblies, recording data from stress tests, vibration analysis, and load testing. Troubleshoot mechanical failures and faults in production equipment or prototype assemblies, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions. Assemble, calibrate, and maintain precision test equipment such as tensile testing machines, pressure gauges, and dynamometers to ensure accuracy and compliance with ISO standards. Interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials, and technical specifications to guide fabrication, assembly, and modification of mechanical parts. Conduct dimensional inspections and quality checks using callipers, micrometers, and coordinate measuring machines to verify components meet tolerances. Prepare technical reports and test documentation detailing results, performance metrics, and recommendations for design improvements. Assist in the design and construction of jigs, fixtures, and tooling required for manufacturing or assembly processes.

The standard entry pathway requires a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree (ABS skill level 2). 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.

You'll need to master CAD software and precision measurement tools from scratch, which takes months of focused practice. The real trap is that this role sits below engineers in the hierarchy: you troubleshoot their designs and follow their specs, so career progression is capped unless you push into engineering qualifications. Shift work in manufacturing is common, and repetitive precision work can strain your eyes and hands.

Aerospace work is limited to small pockets. Regional Australia has fewer opportunities. Most roles require being on-site: CAD work and testing equipment can't move to your spare room.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 3125, 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.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Incident Reportingcore
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiencycore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Documentationcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracy
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Digital Literacy
• ERP and Inventory Systems
• Process Improvement Identification
• Record Management
• Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
• Stakeholder Communication

• 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.

What Mechanical Engineering Technician workers move into, from ten years of tax records.

Last updated: 30 October 2026