Description
Plans, directs and coordinates the design, construction, modification, continued performance and maintenance of equipment and machines in industrial plants, and the management and planning of manufacturing activities. Production engineers ensure that production lines run efficiently, with minimum downtime and waste. Registration or licensing may be required.
Specialisation
- Automation and Control Engineer
- Maintenance Engineer (Shipbuilding)
Average Income
According to the Australian government’s Job Outlook website, the average salary for a Production Engineer / Plant Engineer in Australia is around AUD 102,000 annually. However, salaries can vary depending on the industry, location, level of experience, and qualifications. Production and plant engineers may work in various sectors, including manufacturing, mining, and construction.
Average Age
- – Males: 36.7
- – Females: 31.0
- – Persons: 35.9
Skill Priority in 2023
The Skills Priority List (SPL) offers an elaborate perspective on professions experiencing a shortage at a national level and within individual states and territories in Australia. Additionally, the SPL provides insight into the projected demand for various occupations in the future.
- S: Shortage
- NS: No Shortage
- R: Regional Shortage
Plant Engineer / Production Engineer: 233513
| National | NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | TAS | NT | ACT | Future Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | Below Economy-Wide Average |
Unit Group 2335: Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers
Occupations in Unit Group 2335
– Industrial Engineer 233511
– Mechanical Engineer 233512
– Plant Engineer / Production Engineer 233513
The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) has designated Unit Group 2335 to include Industrial, Mechanical, and Production Engineers. The role of these engineers is to design, improve, and optimise mechanical systems and processes to achieve production and efficiency goals. This critical responsibility involves using advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, tools, and technologies.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Immigration and Border Protection
Indicative Skill Level
Skill Level: 1
ANZSCO Skill Level 1 for a production or plant engineer, typically refers to an entry-level or beginner level of knowledge and proficiency in the field. At this level, the engineer would be expected to have a basic understanding of the principles and practices of production or plant engineering and would be able to apply this knowledge to perform routine tasks under supervision.
Skills Assessment Authority
For Australia
In Australia, the Skills Assessment Authority for Production or Plant Engineers is Engineers Australia. Engineers Australia conducts a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) assessment to determine whether an applicant’s engineering qualifications and work experience are equivalent to Australian standards.
For New Zealand
In New Zealand, Engineering New Zealand assesses the skills, qualifications, and experience of Production or Plant Engineers who wish to migrate to New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Tasks to Perform for Production Engineers / Plant Engineers
Here are some everyday tasks performed by Plantor Production engineers:
- Designing and implementing production processes and equipment to ensure optimal efficiency, safety, and quality
- Developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) for manufacturing processes
- Identifying and troubleshooting technical problems in manufacturing and implementing solutions to address these issues
- Conducting research and development to improve manufacturing processes and equipment
- Collaborating with other engineers, technicians, and production personnel to optimise production output and minimise downtime
- Ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations and identifying opportunities for improvement in these areas.
- Managing raw materials, finished goods, and equipment parts inventory to ensure continuous production
- Developing and managing budgets for production operations, including cost analysis and cost reduction initiatives
- Providing training and guidance to production personnel on equipment operation and safety procedures
- Participating in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and quality of manufacturing processes.
English Requirement
| English Language Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Minimum Score of 6 (Learning, Reading, Writing), 7 in Speaking and 7 Overall |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | OET result with a Minimum Grade B in all sections |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Minimum Score (Learning: 12, Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Speaking: 23 and Overall 93) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Minimum Score of 50 (Learning, Reading, Writing), 65 in Speaking and 65 Overall |
Please note that these are general guidelines. Individual institutions or employers may have different English language requirements. Confirming their requirements with the specific institution or employer before applying is always advisable.
Exceptions
Maintenance and repair work may require production or plant engineers to temporarily shut down parts of the facility, impacting production or operations.
Production and plant engineers may face exceptions during natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, or cyclones, which may interrupt production or operations.
Equipment breakdown can cause production or operation delays, and engineers may need to troubleshoot and fix the problem to get production back on track.
Safety and health issues, such as accidents or illnesses, can cause work disruptions and require engineers to respond quickly to ensure employee safety and well-being.