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Mechanical Engineering Technician

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What Does it Take to Be a Mechanical Engineering Technician?

Position Description Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or calibrate machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

Life As a Mechanical Engineering Technician: What Do They Do?

  • Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, and drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
  • Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
  • Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
  • Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
  • Confer with technicians and submit reports of test results to engineering department and recommend design or material changes.
  • Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Mechanical Engineering Technician?

Below is a list of the skills most Mechanical Engineering Technicians say are important on the job.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Maintenance Technician
  • Automation Design Checker
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Heat Transfer Technician
  • Proof Technician

Job Demand for Mechanical Engineering Technicians

In the United States, there were 46,100 jobs for Mechanical Engineering Technician in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,300 new jobs for Mechanical Engineering Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 4,200 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Mechanical Engineering Technician are Utah, Connecticut, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Hawaii. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Mechanical Engineering Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?

The salary for Mechanical Engineering Technicians ranges between about $34,900 and $85,430 a year.

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Mechanical Engineering Technicians who work in Louisiana, New Mexico, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.

How much do Mechanical Engineering Technicians make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $57,670
Alaska $65,050
Arizona $57,620
Arkansas $53,860
California $62,510
Colorado $68,690
Connecticut $69,900
District of Columbia $55,820
Florida $50,360
Georgia $55,540
Idaho $54,740
Illinois $60,940
Indiana $53,430
Iowa $51,710
Kansas $55,210
Kentucky $50,510
Louisiana $82,350
Maine $62,720
Maryland $61,790
Massachusetts $60,100
Michigan $55,470
Minnesota $58,940
Mississippi $61,630
Missouri $51,850
Montana $55,070
Nebraska $56,070
Nevada $67,610
New Hampshire $55,160
New Jersey $55,090
New Mexico $79,530
New York $60,000
North Carolina $54,810
North Dakota $59,350
Ohio $54,660
Oklahoma $58,630
Oregon $51,860
Pennsylvania $54,640
Rhode Island $59,180
South Carolina $58,790
South Dakota $43,310
Tennessee $55,730
Texas $67,740
Utah $54,060
Vermont $53,420
Virginia $60,860
Washington $65,300
West Virginia $54,950
Wisconsin $52,140

What Tools do Mechanical Engineering Technicians Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Mechanical Engineering Technicians:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Project
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • Autodesk Revit
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • Corel WordPerfect
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • Autodesk Inventor

How to Become a Mechanical Engineering Technician

What kind of Mechanical Engineering Technician requirements are there?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Mechanical Engineering Technicians Work

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Below are examples of industries where Mechanical Engineering Technicians work:

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Similar Careers

Those interested in being a Mechanical Engineering Technician may also be interested in:

Are you already one of the many Mechanical Engineering Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: via Creative Commons CC0

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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