Mechanic AP Build

In the interest of not being high leveled and rather weak, I'd like some advice on AP builds for Mechanic. I know that it'll use pirate stats, which is STR/DEX. What I don't know is which one of the two is the primary stat. Since it's range I figure DEX, but I haven't seen anything on them other than skill builds. If DEX is the primary stat, is it possible to go low STR (or the other way around, if STR is primary)? Mine will be moderately funded so I'll be able to afford it, so I'd just like not to find out late that I'm incredibly weak for my level, like I am on my BaM.