What does a mechanical engineering technician do? Mechanical engineering technicians work under the supervision of a mechanical engineer or scientist and help to design machinery, equipment, and other products. What that actually means is:
- Once test results are you, you create a shareable report stating your findings.
- You make sure industrial operations are running efficiently.
- You test the performance of whatever project is being worked on.
- Prepare sketches of parts.
- Take care of work orders and purchase requests.
- Look over blueprints and instructions to ensure they are up to specifications, procedures, and objectives.
- Test designs and redesigns for any technical difficulties.
- Help your team come up with a plan to eliminate any problems, either potential or immediate.
Your actual duties may vary depending on your team and the needs of it. Your job will, in all likelihood, be full time. You may find work in a variety of industries such as architectural, engineering, machinery manufacturing, and transportation equipment manufacturing.
How To Become A Mechanical Engineering Technician
If you’re still in high school, bulk up on science and math because you’ll be using a lot of that information as you go into your college career which will carry on into your career. The path to becoming a mechanical engineering technician is:
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- Get a certificate or associate’s degree through a community college or vocational school.
- You’ll need to find an internship which will count toward the amount of experience you’ll need in order to get your first job.
- Once you’ve received your diploma or associate’s degree, you can get a job.
- You can also choose to continue with your education and get a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology.
Mechanical Engineering Job Projections
Below average employment growth is predicted for mechanical engineering technicians through 2028, with 1,100 jobs opening during that time. Automation, 3D printing, robotics, and alternative energy will be the segments with the biggest job opportunities. If you can advance in any of those specialties, then finding a job will be that much easier. Texas, Michigan, California, Illinois, and Ohio will be the states you’ll most likely find a job (source: BLS)
Find a mechanical engineering technician program near you.
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