Summary
Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, and test industrial machinery.
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 assist with manufacturing processes in factories, or with development phases in research and development labs before manufacturing takes place.
Most employers prefer to hire someone with an associate’s degree 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.
The median annual wage for mechanical engineering technicians was $51, 980 in May 2012.
Employment of mechanical engineering technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations. Nevertheless, there should be opportunities for those who can master new software and technology, as well as traditional manual skills.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mechanical engineering technicians with similar occupations.
Learn more about mechanical engineering technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Mechanical engineering technicians plan the assembly process to be used in industrial settings.