Engineering Professionals

Work in Australia as an Engineering Professional

Australia has a strong demand for qualified engineers across various disciplines, particularly in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. As the country continues to expand its infrastructure, transport networks, and energy sectors, skilled engineers are highly sought after. If you have experience in engineering, you may be eligible for a skilled visa, leading to permanent residency and a thriving career in Australia's engineering industry.

What Do Engineers Do?

Engineers play a critical role in designing, building, and maintaining Australia’s infrastructure and technological advancements. Their responsibilities vary based on their field, but common tasks include:

Civil Engineers

• Designing and overseeing the construction of roads, bridges, and public infrastructure.
• Ensuring structural integrity and compliance with safety regulations.
• Conducting site inspections and risk assessments.

Mechanical Engineers

• Designing and developing machinery, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems.
• Overseeing the maintenance and improvement of industrial equipment.
• Conducting research and innovation in material sciences and robotics.

Electrical Engineers

• Designing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems, including power generation and distribution.
• Developing automation and control systems for industrial applications.
• Ensuring compliance with electrical safety regulations.

Employment Prospects for Engineers

Engineering professionals in Australia are in high demand, particularly in infrastructure, mining, renewable energy, and manufacturing. The Australian Government has identified engineering as a key industry for skilled migration, with job opportunities available across the country, especially in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where large-scale infrastructure projects are underway. Regional areas also frequently require civil and mechanical engineers for industrial and resource development. Overall, the mining and energy sectors are also large-volume employers as they require expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering.

Salary Expectations

Salaries for engineers in Australia vary depending on specialization, experience, and location. Below are estimated annual salary ranges:

• Civil Engineers: AUD 90,000 – 140,000
• Mechanical Engineers: AUD 85,000 – 130,000
• Electrical Engineers: AUD 90,000 – 150,000

Salaries may be higher for engineers working in regional areas or in specialised industries such as mining, renewable energy, and oil and gas.

Skills Assessment Requirement

A skills assessment is required for engineers applying for a skilled visa. The assessing authority is Engineers Australia, which evaluates applicants based on Educational qualifications (a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or higher), relevant work experience in the engineering field, and Competency Demonstration Reports (CDR) for applicants without accredited qualifications.

Each engineering discipline has specific criteria, so we recommend contacting us to determine the exact requirements for your skills assessment and visa application.

Visa Pathways for Engineers

There are several visa options available for engineers, including:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Permanent residency without state or employer sponsorship.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Requires state nomination, leading to permanent residency.
• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Requires regional sponsorship, leading to permanent residency.
• Employer-Sponsored Visas – If you receive a job offer from an Australian employer, you may qualify for a Subclass 482 or Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).