Put your career in gear
If you love things that move, this is your program. At Waterloo, you’ll develop the skills you need to design everything from switches to spacecraft.
You’ll get a broad foundation in all aspects of mechanical design: mechanics, power, control, and manufacturing. You’ll also learn to lead large, multidisciplinary teams, solve problems, come up with high-impact innovations, and have the chance to apply it all to real work experiences in co-op.
Where you use those skills is up to you. Mechanical engineers work in all kinds of fields, constantly looking for ways to make machinery faster, lighter, cleaner, and more reliable.
And with two years of career-relevant experience on your résumé by the time you graduate, you’ll definitely impress potential employers.
Program highlights
Endless career possibilities. Graduates from this program work in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, green energy, and oil.
Knowledge is power. Combine technical know-how with knowledge of fluids, power, and energy systems to create new technologies.
Why Waterloo Mechanical Engineering?
Become a skilled problem solver, leader, and innovator able to create mechanical systems and electro-mechanical designs that impact industries and improve the world.
What will you learn?
During your first year, you'll take a mix of foundational engineering and math courses. In upper years, most of the classes you'll take will be in Mechanical Engineering.
Learn more about the courses you'll take for your Mechanical Engineering degree.
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Questions? Ask a student!
Ask a Faculty of Engineering student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience – and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Assistant design / production engineering
- Mechanical designer
- Project engineering
- Quality assurance
- Machine operator
- Manufacturing student
- Maintenance & Facilities assistant
- Product developer
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in first year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
Your first work term will be halfway through first year (January to April 2025).
Year |
September to December (Fall) |
January to April (Winter) |
May to August (Spring) |
---|
First |
Study |
Co-op |
Study |
---|
Second |
Co-op |
Study |
Co-op |
---|
Third |
Study |
Co-op |
Study |
---|
Fourth |
Co-op |
Study |
Co-op |
---|
Fifth |
Study |
Study |
- |
---|
or after first year (May to August 2025).
Year |
September to December (Fall) |
January to April (Winter) |
May to August (Spring) |
---|
First |
Study |
Study |
Co-op |
---|
Second |
Study |
Co-op |
Study |
---|
Third |
Co-op |
Study |
Co-op |
---|
Fourth |
Study |
Co-op |
Study |
---|
Fifth |
Co-op |
Study |
- |
---|
There are two options for co-op sequences. You can request your preference if you receive an offer of admission.
Learn more about co-op →
What can you do with a degree in Mechanical Engineering?
Waterloo graduates often pursue careers in automation, automotive aerospace, and forensics. They commonly work for media companies, technology companies, vehicle manufactures, and more.
Recent graduates
- Mechanical Engineer – Apple
- Engineer in Training – Shell Canada
- Reactor Designer – Candu Energy
- Mechanical Engineer – Imperial Oil
- Quality Control Engineer - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
- Production Engineer – SeedMaster
- Senior Hardware Engineer – Teledyne DALSA
Possible professional designation
Learn about the future of careers in engineering.
Student life, including Women in Engineering
Student design teams
Have fun and develop hands-on experience through one or more of our 25+ student-led design teams! Design teams include rocketry, concrete canoe, robotics, solar car, submarine racing, autonomous vehicle, Space X Hyperloop, Engineers Without Borders, and more.
You’ll meet people with similar interests and goals, benefit from networking with experts in the engineering profession, and develop some great skills for your résumé.
Engineering Society (EngSoc)
EngSoc is run by students for students and provides many social and academic events and services to make your experience as a Waterloo Engineering student the best it can be.
Benefit from mentoring for first-year students or get involved and meet other students through an annual conference, semiformal, career fair, charity events, community outreach, and much more!
Campus-wide activities
Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved – no matter how unique your interests. Between our 200+ student-run clubs, sports and recreation opportunities, student government, and events, student life at Waterloo has something for everyone.
"You get to learn to do by doing. There are multiple projects to apply what we learn beyond just practice problems. Co-op is a huge learning opportunity. The four-month terms let you try a variety of industries, allowing me to shape my career path."Delainey, third-year Mechanical Engineering co-op student
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Admission averages: Individual selection from the high 80s to low 90s
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.