Department of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering: Innovations in mechanics, materials and mechatronics

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and most foundational engineering disciplines, and our department reflects that breadth. Our professors, students, researchers and staff work in areas that shape the systems and technologies people rely on every day: materials, manufacturing, robotics, transportation, design, sustainability and advanced modelling.

Our expertise combines core mechanical engineering topics — such as thermodynamics, materials science, fluid mechanics and design — with emerging areas like renewable energy, robotics, biomechanics, biomaterials and advanced manufacturing.

We offer our undergraduate and graduate students a broad education. This gives you a wide range of career choices, from practical applications to innovative research.

Department of Mechanical Engineering at a glance

1,300+

undergraduate students

Student enrolment trends

175+

graduate students

Student enrolment trends

28

professors

Professor directory

Word from the chair: Natalie Baddour

I’m proud to lead a department that combines rigorous engineering education with hands-on learning, high-impact research and a strong commitment to the public good. Our programs prepare students to think critically, solve complex problems and design practical solutions for a changing world. Whether in the classroom, the laboratory, industry placements, design teams or research projects, our students develop the technical depth, creativity and professional judgment they need to contribute meaningfully as engineers.
Mechanical engineering has always been about turning ideas into systems that work. In our department, that tradition continues through excellent teaching, innovative research and a shared commitment to training the next generation of engineers.

Why study mechanical engineering at the University of Ottawa

Undergraduate and graduate programs

The department offers a wide range of innovative, bilingual programs in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and advanced materials and manufacturing. All programs offer co-op options, strong industry ties and hands-on experiences that prepare you for in-demand careers and research opportunities.

Our undergraduate programs are all accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board.

Explore mechanical engineering programs

A graduate student arranging settings in a mechanical engineering experiment.

Research in mechanical engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is home to an active and diverse research community. Professors work with partners in industry, government, health care and academia to address challenges in areas such as clean energy, advanced materials, biomedical systems, autonomous technologies, sustainable manufacturing and resilient infrastructure. This work creates opportunities for students at every level to participate in research that’s both technically demanding and socially relevant.

Discover mechanical engineering research