Mechanical engineers are valuable resources for countries like Japan that have a major manufacturing industry. Japan’s manufacturing industry consists of automobiles, electronics, machinery, robotics, chemicals, etc. offering various job opportunities to interested mechanical engineers.
First Published: 2020-05-07
Updated: 2024-06-06
Table of Contents
- A Look at Mechanical Engineering in Japan
- Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Japan
- Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan
- Find a Job in Japan with WeXpats
Are you having any issues with job-hunting in Japan?
A Look at Mechanical Engineering in Japan
Japan has long been renowned for its prowess and innovation in manufacturing, particularly in sectors like automotive, electronics, machinery, robotics, and chemicals. Major players in Japan’s manufacturing landscape include:
- Automobile Industry: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi
- Electronics Industry: Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sharp
- Machinery and Heavy Industry: Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki
- Robotics Industry: Fanuc, Omron, SMC, Kawasaki
- Chemicals Industry: Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Shin-Etsu, Toray
All of these industries require mechanical engineering expertise, and the mentioned companies are potential places where you can find mechanical engineering jobs in Japan. These are just a few examples of Japan’s thriving manufacturing sector, there are other industries that also require mechanical engineering prowess. Additionally, Japan also has a need for mechanical engineers that can do research and development to continuously improve and innovate.
Writer's Pick
Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Japan
In this part, let us discover what are the requirements to landing a mechanical engineering job in Japan. For your information, mechanical engineers are called “機械工学士 (Kikai Kougakushi)” in Japanese.
Relevant Education Background
Considering the expertise and technical knowledge that is required of a mechanical engineer, you must have the relevant education background to back you up. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering is typically required. A similar degree such as chemical engineering, industrial engineer, or electrical engineering may also land you a similar position. Your education background can be local Japanese or from overseas, if you are interested in pursuing an education in Japan, have a look at these reasons why you should!
Language Skills
Japanese proficiency of at least JLPT N2 or N1 is highly recommended for more job opportunities in Japan, but is not strictly necessary for mechanical engineering roles if you have niche skills that are valued above your Japanese language skills. Research and development positions in research centres and universities in particular do not require much Japanese proficiency as researchers are usually well-versed in English.
On the other hand, if you come from a non-English speaking country, there is a need to obtain an English proficiency certification to prove your English proficiency.
Engineer Visa
The “Engineering / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務)” status of residence (visa type) is the most common for engineers in Japan, and mechanical engineers are not an exception. Renewal of the visa is unlimited.
Other types of possible status of residence is the “Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職)” that offers the fast track to obtaining permanent residency benefit, and the "Researcher (研究)" for R&D research jobs.
Mechanical Engineer Certifications
Though not a necessity, there are also mechanical engineer certifications available to take in Japan. Certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise in a specific area of mechanical engineering. It may be helpful to your job-hunting process and give you an edge over other rival applicants. In addition, you may also be eligible for a pay raise and higher salary when you’ve achieved a certification, as well as possible promotions to higher positions.
Here are some mechanical engineer certifications and their providing organisations if you are interested:
- Computational Mechanics (CM) Engineers Certification by JSME
- Mechanical Design Engineer (機械設計技術者) by JMDIA
- Professional Engineer (技術士・技術士補) by The Institution of Professional Engineers Japan
- CAD User Engineer Examination (CAD利用技術者試験) by ACSP
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan
The average annual income of full-time mechanical engineers in Japan is around 4.7 million yen a year, or 390,000 yen a month. It is higher than the nationwide average annual income. The starting salary for mechanical engineers is around 2.1 million yen a year, which is average for starting salaries across occupations.
For dispatch mechanical engineers, the average hourly wage is 2,081 yen, or around 330,000 a month (8 hours x 20 days). For part-time mechanical engineers, the average hourly wage is 1,100 yen.
Mechanical engineers’ salaries are mostly affected by work experience, skills, and workplace.
Find a Job in Japan with WeXpats
WeXpats operates a service for foreign nationals who want to work in Japan. There are jobs in a variety of industries including mechanical engineer positions. There are 2 services available on WeXpats - WeXpats Agent for full time jobs and WeXpats Jobs for part time jobs.
Looking for a Full Time Position? Leave it to WeXpats Agent!
WeXpats Agent is a career support service that specialises in employment for foreign nationals living in Japan.
Recruitment agencies in Japan are a service where dedicated career advisors will assist you with your job hunt for free. In addition to introducing open positions, we also provide support to help you create your Japanese resume and practice for interviews. Worried about job hunting in Japanese? We are here for you.
Features of WeXpats Agent
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We have many job openings that are a good fit for foreign nationals to work in, such as translation, interpretation, inbound, etc. jobs that make use of your language skills, as well as engineering etc. jobs that do not require Japanese skills.
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Our career advisors support and help you prepare your resume and practice job interviews with you. Clearly communicate your strengths to the hiring company.
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We will handle communication with companies on your behalf, such as arranging interview dates and negotiating conditions. And thereby reducing your stress and time spent.
Finding a Part Time Job? Browse on WeXpats Jobs!
WeXpats Jobs is a part time job site for foreign nationals living in Japan. You can search for jobs in 11 languages (English, Vietnamese, Korean, Indonesian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Burmese, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese), including Japanese. Find jobs that suit you by specifying your Japanese language level, occupation, location, and etc.
※ You can register from outside Japan, but only those living in Japan can apply for jobs.
