Mechanical engineering technicians essential career information:
- 2011 median pay: $51,350
- 2011, number of jobs: 44,760
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 4 percent
- Entry-level education requirements: Associates degree
Mechanical engineering technicians; what they do:
Do you have an eye for extreme detail but absolutely no interest in being a writing editor? No problem, you are the perfect mechanical engineering technician candidate. Mechanical engineering technicians are the writers, editors, and fact checkers of the engineering world, only they use pictures and numbers instead of pesky words.
A mechanical engineer tech evaluates drawing designs of new or improved tools by measuring the drawing dimensions against the original specifications before preparing the layout and illustrated directions for piecing together new parts. A mechanical engineering tech clearly explains and demonstrates changes in how to assemble a part or how to use a part to coworkers.
A mechanical engineering technician career includes conducting numerous tests of parts to assure they are working most efficiently. A mechanical engineering tech also offers proposals for improvements when applicable. All tests involve scrupulous recording of procedures followed and data used or resulted.
A mechanical engineer tech career includes estimating labor costs, equipment life, and plant space.
Mechanical engineering technicians job titles:
- Engineering Technician
- Research and Development Technician
- Mechanical Designer
- Equipment Engineer
- Engineering Lab Technician
- Process Technician
- Engineering Technical Analyst
- Design Engineer
Mechanical Engineering Technicians, Education, Certification and License Requirements
A mechanical engineering tech career may begin with an associate’s degree from a vocational-technical school or a community college accredited by The Technology Accreditation of ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology). Many vocational schools and community colleges provide an Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Mechanical engineering technicians also receive additional on the job training once they are hired.
Some schools offer a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Technology degree, however most mechanical engineering technicians have an associate’s degree. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology typically work as mechanical engineering technologists.
Mechanical engineering technicians programs cover subjects such as:
- Computer aided drafting (CAD) technology and freehand sketching
- Vector calculus
- Linear algebra
- Thermodynamics
- Introduction to electrical and mechanical systems
Mechanical Engineering Technicians Job Outlook
Forecast: 4 percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020 for mechanical engineering technicians, slower than the average for all occupations.
Employment for mechanical engineering technicians directly relates to the state of manufacturing. Firms will continue contracting mechanical engineering techs for traditional engineering work as well as for research and development.
The majority of job growth for mechanical engineering technicians is in remanufacturing and alternative energies, such as wind and solar power, to reduce energy costs.
Mechanical Engineering Technicians Salary
- 2011 median annual wage: $51,350
- 2011, workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $63,270
- 2011, workers at the 25% percentile annual wage: $40,630
Major Employers
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
- Testing laboratories
- Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
- Aerospace products and parts manufacturing
