They are also responsible for developing and implementing
Update Specifications and revise BOM (Bill of Materials) for existing product - Motors and/or Generators - Interface with Engineering, Manufacturing
Duties will include repairs, reconditions, and services various trucks and Heavy Equipment machines, systems and components. Troubleshoot and
Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings.
Mechanical engineering technicians typically do the following:
Some mechanical engineering technicians test and inspect machines and equipment, or work with engineers to eliminate production problems. They may assist in testing products by, for example, setting up instrumentation for vehicle crash tests.
Mechanical engineering technicians held about 48,400 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most mechanical engineering technicians were as follows:
| Engineering services | 18% |
| Machinery manufacturing | 14 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 12 |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | 10 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 7 |
Some mechanical engineering technicians may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials, but injuries are rare as long as proper procedures are followed.
Most mechanical engineering technicians work full time.
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Most employers prefer to hire candidates with associate’s degrees or other postsecondary training in mechanical engineering technology. Prospective engineering technicians should take as many science and math courses as possible while in high school.
Mechanical engineering technicians typically need an associate’s degree or a certificate from a community college or vocational–technical school. Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes but include more theory-based and liberal arts coursework and programs. Community colleges typically award an associate’s degree. Vocational–technical schools include postsecondary public institutions that emphasize training needed by local employers. Students who complete these programs typically receive a diploma or certificate.
ABET accredits associate’s programs in relevant fields of study, such as mechanical engineering technology.
Completing an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering technology opens the way to studying for a bachelor’s degree.
High school students interested in becoming mechanical engineering technicians should take classes in math, science, and computer skills. Courses that help students develop skills working with their hands also are valuable, because these technicians build what mechanical engineers design.
Communication skills. Mechanical engineering technicians must be able to clearly understand and follow instructions or, if they do not understand, ask their supervisors to explain. They must be able to clearly explain, both orally and in writing, the need for changes in designs or test procedures.
Creativity. Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers bring their plans and designs to life. Doing so often requires helping the engineer to overcome problems that might not have been anticipated.
Detail oriented. Mechanical engineering technicians must make precise measurements and keep accurate records for mechanical engineers.
Math skills. Mechanical engineering technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
Mechanical skills. Mechanical engineering technicians must apply theory and instructions from engineers by making new components for industrial machinery or equipment. They may need to be able to operate machinery such as drill presses, grinders, and engine lathes.
The median annual wage for mechanical engineering technicians was $53,530 in May 2014. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,920, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,670.
In May 2014, the median annual wages for mechanical engineering technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | $56,810 |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | 55,220 |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 54,570 |
| Engineering services | 53,970 |
| Machinery manufacturing | 51,590 |
Most mechanical engineering technicians work full time.
Employment of mechanical engineering technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment in this occupation is projected to decline in manufacturing.
Mechanical engineering technicians also work for firms in engineering services and in research and development, both of which provide contract services to manufacturing and other industries. Contracting for this work allows firms to hire these services at a lower cost than employing in-house technicians. Employment of mechanical engineering technicians in engineering services is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024.
Mechanical engineering technicians find work as assistants to mechanical engineers and thus work in emerging fields, such as automation, remanufacturing, three-dimensional printing, robotics, and alternative energies.
Mastering new technology and software will likely become more important for workers in this occupation. Those who gain skills to help deploy the latest technological developments, such as three-dimensional design software, should have the best job prospects.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2014 | Projected Employment, 2024 | Change, 2014-24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Mechanical engineering technicians | 48,400 | 49,300 | 2 | 900 |