What is Role of mechanical engineer in oil gas sector?

Answer 1

Mechanical Engineers

Back to Occupation SummariesDownload the Summary

Do you always wonder how things work? Do you like solving puzzles, or often think "there must be a better way"? If so, you might have what it takes to be a Mechanical Engineer.

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. It touches just about every industry, including oil and gas. Mechanical Engineers work in exploration, extraction, production and transportation of petroleum products. They explore new technologies to improve equipment, tools and processes essential to the industry. You could be designing equipment for process control systems or creating a new compressor system to improve pipeline efficiency. Perhaps you will come up with an improvement to a tool thus making the jobs of maintenance employees easier.

Whichever facet you choose, you will definitely make a difference if you choose a career in mechanical engineering!

What do Mechanical Engineers do?

Mechanical Engineers apply modern and applied physics to the design, manufacturing,maintenance and troubleshooting of mechanical systems. They design and analyse themachinery and tools required to start and complete processes. They also trouble-shootand improve the performance of equipment and machinery. Mechanical Engineers play akey role in the following three areas:

• Facility Equipment and Operating Unit Maintenance: Mechanical Engineers design, install, maintain and repair equipment such as piping, furnaces, turbines, pumps, tanks, boilers, compressors, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. In oils ands mining operations, they engineer draglines, bucket-wheels, conveyer belts and crushers.
• Capital Projects/Large Projects: Mechanical Engineers oversee the design, implementation and shut down phases of capital projects. They design specific mechanical equipment and processes for these projects.
• Product Manufacturing: Mechanical Engineers provide technical advice to custom equipment design for manufactured products used in the oil and gas industry. They provide research, development and technical support for new tools and equipment that improve operations.

How do I become a Mechanical Engineer?

You will need a four year Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university. Your coursework will include fundamentals such as mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, kinematics (motion), and energy.

You will also need a license to practice as an Engineer. Provincial engineering associations are responsible for administering and issuing licenses. For more specific information about engineering qualifications and professional certifications, check out the following website: www.engineerscanada.ca.

Information for foreign-trained engineers is provided on the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials website at www.cicic.ca.

What are the working conditions like?

Mechanical Engineers spend most of their time working in office settings. They occasionally visit operation sites such as production platforms off the East Coast, oil sands projects in northern Alberta, or drilling and production sites anywhere onthe prairies. When visiting these sites, they are sometimes exposed to potentially hazardous conditions and inclement weather. Safety protocols are strictly adhered to. Extended visits do occur on occasion.

Do I fit the bill?

Do you think you have what it takes to become a Mechanical Engineer?

• I like to build new things, or improve the way things work.
• I am interested in applied mathematics and physics.
• I am creative, imaginative and consider myself an idea person.
• I am good at clearly explaining technical things to others.
• I pay special attention to detail and accuracy and am not easily distracted.
• I am a good problem solver and think quickly on my feet.
• I am a great multi-tasker.
• I have an aptitude for using specialized computer software.
• I am interested in pursuing a university education that may require at least four or more years of study.
• I am quite versatile and can work on my own or with a team.
• I have well developed communication and computer literacy skills.
• I am able to travel to and from work locations.
• I think a career as a Mechanical Engineer is exciting and I'm up for the challenge and adventure!