Mechanical Engineering Technicians, also known as Mechanical Technicians, assist mechanical engineers with problems related to the use, testing, design, and development of machinery and equipment (or systems) used in producing goods and providing services.

JOB DUTIES

Mechanical Engineering Technicians may:

Review instructions and blueprints to determine test specifications, procedures, objectives, test equipment, and problems involved

Draft detailed drawings or sketches and design rough layouts of proposed machinery and other equipment

Develop, make, and assemble parts for machinery and equipment

Analyze the costs and practical value of designs

Set up and test completed units and components to check design or performance

Analyze test results to see if equipment meets specifications

Modify or adjust the equipment to meet specifications

Record procedures used, results, data and suggestions for improvement in written reports

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Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

007.161-026 MECHANICAL-ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS, also known as Mechanical Technicians, assist mechanical engineers with problems related to the use, testing, design, and development of machinery and equipment (or systems) used in producing goods and providing services.

Mechanical Engineering Technicians may work under general titles, such as expediter or research assistant, or under titles reflecting a specialty area, such as stress analyst or production controller. Mechanical Engineering Technicians may specialize in a single field, such as automotive technology, diesel technology, production technology, quality control, tool design, and machine design, or in work performed, such as research and development, planning and testing, and technical sales and service. They may also work in technical writing and teaching.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts: 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Mechanical Engineering Technicians usually work with other employees at all levels including skilled trade workers, managers, supervisors, engineers, and physical scientists. They usually work under the supervision of a mechanical engineer, and may supervise skilled workers.

Working conditions depend on the type of job. Some work in clean, well ventilated laboratories or offices. Others work in factories where they may be exposed to fumes, noise, dust, extreme temperatures, or other plant conditions. Safety precautions and appropriate dress offer protection from most of these hazards.

Mechanical Engineering Technicians usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Sometimes longer work hours may be necessary to finish projects. They may have to travel occasionally to inspect equipment.

Mechanical Engineering Technicians may be members of labor unions which represent workers in the industry in which they work. They may also join unions or professional organizations such as The American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians. Those belonging to unions or professional association organizations pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which deal with things and equipment

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities relating to processes and techniques

You Should Be Able To:

• Use logical step-by-step procedures in your work

• Understand the meanings of words and use them effectively

• Work within set limits and standards of accuracy

• Picture objects from drawings or diagrams

• See differences in the size, shape, and form of figures and lines

• Use arithmetic quickly and accurately

• Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing 

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:

A pulley itself has a mass of .2 kilograms, a radius of .15 meters and a constant torque of .35 newton-meters due to friction between the pulley and its axle. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the suspended mass if mass 1 equals .4 kilograms and mass 2 equals .8 kilograms?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

For rotational motion, work equals the force multiplied by the arc length.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Document the results from the test trials on the durability of a new engine.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

The shifter cable is rubbing up against the manifold on a new car that is in production. You have to figure out the least expensive way to correct the problem.

Certification is not mandatory but may be required by some employers. Certification is available from such organizations as The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies to applicants with acceptable education and experience. Written tests are also required. Many employers prefer Mechanical Engineering Technicians who assist engineers to have completed a two-year program at a community college. This provides a broad background in mathematics and physical and engineering sciences.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (Two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 1300 ENGLISH , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 2900 SCIENCE , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script

Students should obtain the local Education & Training Opportunities for information on what happens to students who successfully complete a program. This information is available at each high school or career/technical center.  

098 MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Mechanical Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, operation, and maintenance of devices, tools, and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Mechanical Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

120 ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Robotics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, installation, operation, and maintenance of robots, robotic systems, and related devices, tools, and mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment. Individuals who teach Robotics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Some of the ways to explore this occupation are summer or part-time work with manufacturing and engineering firms as well as postsecondary programs in mechanical technology and robotics technology.

Methods of entering a job as a Mechanical Engineering Technician include direct application to employers and to civil service offices. Assistance is available from college and technical school placement offices, local offices of Michigan Works!, and newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

simplyhired.com

Indeed | one search. all jobs.

Jobster

Ziggs: Free People Search for Professionals

MONSTER.COM

Yahoo!hotjobs

CareerBuilder

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Mechanical Engineering Technicians depend on their level of education; work experience; level of responsibility; specialization; and the type, size, and location of the employer.

Nationally, Mechanical Engineering Technicians earned annual salaries of $49,100 in mid 2009. Most offers ranged from $42,000 to $55,700.  The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008. Other type of Engineering Technicians earned the following wages in mid 2009;

Mechanical Engineering Technicians employed by the federal government with a high school diploma earned $19,721 per year, those with an associate's degree earned $24,156, and those with a bachelor's degree earned $27,026 or $33,477 in early 2009. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Engineering Technicians employed by Government agencies in Michigan earned the following salaries in mid 2009:

Some employers provide cost-of-living allowances and bonuses.

Most Mechanical Engineering Technicians receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. Some employers also pay for the cost of additional education. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employers.

Mechanical Engineering Technicians usually start out as trainees. As they gain experience, they are given more responsible assignments and less direct supervision. Mechanical Engineering Technicians may advance to supervisory positions through experience, education, and job performance. With additional college level education and training, they may also advance to professional engineering and scientific positions.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were 47,800 Mechanical Engineering Technicians employed in 2006.   Employment of Mechanical Engineering Technicians is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The industry distribution for Mechanical Engineering Technicians looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Emphasis on automation and complex production methods will effect these occupation's  employment growth. Opportunities will be best for graduates of postsecondary school Technician training programs with dual majors combining mechanical technology with electrical, electronic, or industrial engineering technology.

There are about 3,500 Mechanical Engineering Technicians employed in Michigan. Most were employed in manufacturing, with the largest group in motor vehicle manufacturing. A few were self-employed or worked for wholesale businesses, service firms, and government agencies.

Employment in this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2116. An average of 100 openings is expected annually for Mechanical Technicians with 30 due to growth and 70 to replace those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

The demand for Mechanical Engineering Technicians depends on a general trend towards automation, the need for Technicians to assist the growing number of scientists and engineers, the growth of such fields as energy and environmental protection, an increase in research and development activities, and the increasing complexity of manufacturing processes. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. The number of openings depends partly on the Michigan economy and availability of funds for new equipment, research and development, and other projects.

Currently, the supply of Mechanical Engineering Technicians from training sources exceeds projected openings. Also, many individuals will face competition from 4-year graduates for employment in the newer "high-tech" firms.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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 Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth