Mechanical engineering involves the conversion and control of energy and motion in machinery and systems. Mechanical engineers apply knowledge of materials, structures, energy, and management, to solve technical problems. They design, analyse and improve products as diverse as refrigerators, washing machines, solar water heaters, pumps, engines, compressors, wind turbines and air-conditioning systems.

Job opportunities include: the design, manufacture and testing of Australian-built cars the design, specification and installation of large air conditioning systems the design of materials handling systems in the packaging and mining industries power generation construction and maintenance in the petrochemical industry the design of Victoria's trains computerised control in the pharmaceutical industry the aeronautical industry the implementation of new manufacturing methods in the electronics industry the development of engineering computer software research and development in industry and other technical institutions technical sales in the marketing divisions of engineering companies engineering management in large and small organisations, both in Australia and overseas.