Details Report for:
17-3029.07 - Mechanical Engineering Technologists
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.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Education | Interests | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
- Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.
- Inspect and test mechanical equipment.
- Oversee, monitor, or inspect mechanical installations or construction projects.
- Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.
- Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.
- Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
- Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, or plant space.
- Apply testing or monitoring apparatus to operating equipment.
- Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
- Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.
- Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
- Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
- Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
- 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.
- Prepare cost and materials estimates or project schedules.
- Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.
- Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.
- Assist engineers to design or develop electrochemical devices, such as solid oxide membranes or other products for sustainable applications.
- Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.
Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Tools used in this occupation:
| Calorimeters — Oxygen bomb calorimeters |
| Cold forming presses — Fused deposition modeling FDM machines; Laminated object manufacturing LOM systems; Selective laser sintering SLS systems; Three-dimensional printers |
| Dynamometers — Absorption dynamometers |
| Hardness testers — Digital hardness testers |
| Laboratory benches — Hydraulic benches; Hydrostatics benches |
| Load frame — Manual load frames; Servohydraulic load frames |
| Metal inert gas MIG welding machinery — Metal inert gas MIG welders |
| Pneumatic impact wrenches — Pneumatic ratchets |
| Polishing machines — Superfinishing machines |
| Power grinders — Bench grinders; Grinding machines; Internal grinding machines; Tool grinders (see all 7 examples) |
| Power saws — Cold cut chop saws; Dual column bandsaws |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Analytical or scientific software — ANSYS FLUENT; Intellisense Intellisuite; ProModel software; The MathWorks MATLAB (see all 7 examples) |
| Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk Inventor; Bentley Microstation; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks software; PTC Pro/ENGINEER Mechanica (see all 6 examples) |
| Computer aided manufacturing CAM software — Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems; TekSoft CAMWorks |
| Data base user interface and query software — Microsoft Access |
| Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
Education
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Engineering — Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician
Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Occupational Interest |
Interest |
|
|---|---|---|
95   |
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. | |
| 67 |
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. | |
| 45 |
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. | |
| 28 |
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. | |
| 11 |
Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. | |
| 6 |
Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. | |
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
| 72 |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 67 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 67 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
| 64 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
| 61 |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
| 45 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Employment data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Industry data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
| Median wages (2010) | $27.89 hourly, $58,020 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 77,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 18,500 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing (28% employed in this sector)
Government (24%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Engineering technicians
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.