Summary 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
- 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.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Cold forming presses — Fused deposition modeling FDM machines; Laminated object manufacturing LOM systems; Selective laser sintering SLS systems; Three-dimensional printers |
| Laboratory benches — Hydraulic benches; Hydrostatics benches |
| Load frame — Manual load frames; Servohydraulic load frames |
| Power grinders — Bench grinders; Grinding machines; Internal grinding machines; Tool grinders |
| 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 |
| Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk Inventor; Bentley Microstation; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks software; PTC Pro/ENGINEER Mechanica |
| Computer aided manufacturing CAM software — Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems; TekSoft CAMWorks |
| Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
Education
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Interests
Interest code: RIC
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Work Values
| 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. |
| Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
| 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. |
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) |
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.