What Do Mechanical Engineering Technologist Do?

Mechanical Engineering Technologist Definition Assist mechanical engineers in such activities as generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy. Prepare layouts of machinery or equipment or plan the flow of work. May conduct statistical studies or analyze production costs.

Mechanical Engineering Technologist Responsibilities

• Apply testing or monitoring apparatus to operating equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment, such as leak detectors, glove boxes, or mechanical pumps.
• Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
• Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
• Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, or plant space.
• Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.

Qualities of a Mechanical Engineering Technologist

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

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.

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

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

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

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

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

Other Mechanical Engineering Technologist Job Titles

• Test Engineering Analyst
• Mechanical Designer
• Tool Analyst
• Senior Designer
• Mechanical Engineering Technologist

Is There Job Demand for Mechanical Engineering Technologists?

There were about 76,800 jobs for Mechanical Engineering Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.2% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,000 new jobs for Mechanical Engineering Technologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 7,100 positions for Mechanical Engineering Technologist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Mechanical Engineering Technologist are Utah, Nevada, and Connecticut. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, West Virginia, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Mechanical Engineering Technologist Average Salary

The average yearly salary of a Mechanical Engineering Technologist ranges between $36,120 and $98,720.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Maine, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Mechanical Engineering Technologists in different U.S. states.

Tools & Technologies Used by Mechanical Engineering Technologists

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

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Access
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Microsoft SharePoint
• The MathWorks MATLAB
• Computer aided design CAD software
• Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
• Bentley Microstation
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
• Mathsoft Mathcad
• Data acquisition software
• Finite element method FEM software
• Autodesk Inventor
• ANSYS FLUENT
• ANSYS
• ProModel

How to Become a Mechanical Engineering Technologist

Are there Mechanical Engineering Technologists education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Mechanical Engineering Technologist?

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.