Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
17-3027.00

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

Sample of reported job titles: Engineering Laboratory Technician (Engineering Lab Technician), Engineering Technical Analyst, Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech), Engineering Technologist, Manufacturing Engineering Technician (Manufacturing Engineering Tech), Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Technician (Mechanical Tech), Process Engineering Technician (Process Engineering Tech), Process Technician, Research and Development Technician (R and D Tech)

Also see: Automotive Engineering Technicians

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
76
 
Core
Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
74
 
Core
Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
70
 
Core
Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
68
 
Core
Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
68
 
Core
Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
67
 
Core
Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
67
 
Core
Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
64
 
Core
Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
63
 
Core
Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
63
 
Core
Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.
62
 
Core
Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
62
 
Core
Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
60
 
Core
Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
59
 
Core
Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
59
 
Core
Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.
59
 
Core
Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
58
 
Core
Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
57
 
Core
Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.
54
 
Core
Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.
70
 
Supplemental
Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
63
 
Supplemental
Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
62
 
Supplemental
Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.
61
 
Supplemental
Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.
57
 
Supplemental
Estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing.
54
 
Supplemental
Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.

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Worker Requirements

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • 37%
     
    responded: Bachelor’s degree required
  • 33%
     
    responded: Post-secondary certificate required
  • 14%
     
    responded: Associate’s degree required

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Worker Characteristics

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
90
 
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
76
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
64
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2022)
$29.80 hourly, $61,990 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
41,100 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Little or no change
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
3,700
State trends
Top industries (2022)
Manufacturing (46% employed in this sector)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data external site and 2022-2032 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings

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