Mechanical Engineering Technician

Also called: Apparatus Engineering Technologist, Automation Design Checker, Brinell Tester, CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer), Certified Control Systems Technician

Mechanical Engineering Technician

Varies

estimated salary

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians apply the theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

  • Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
  • Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
  • Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
  • Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
  • Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
  • Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
  • Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
  • Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
  • Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
  • Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
  • Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.
  • Estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing.
  • Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.
  • Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, and plant space.
  • Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
  • Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
  • Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.
  • Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.
  • Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
  • Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
  • Devise, fabricate, or assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.
  • Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, or drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
  • Inspect and test mechanical equipment.
  • Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
  • Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.
  • 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.
  • Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
  • Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 98% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 97% responded "Every day".
  • Contact With Others — 72% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Telephone — 67% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 86% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 63% responded "Extremely important".
  • Time Pressure — 42% responded "Every day".
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Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.
  • Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
  • Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.
  • Review technical documents to plan work.
  • Review technical documents to plan work.
  • Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
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Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring
  • Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Analytical or scientific software
  • The MathWorks MATLAB Hot Technology
  • ANSYS FLUENT
  • Spectral Dynamics Star Modal
  • Spectral Dynamics Star Acoustics
  • ANSYS Mechanical
  • ProModel
  • Finite element method FEM software
  • Intellisense Intellisuite
  • ANSYS
  • MSC Software Adams
  • Data acquisition software
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
Computer aided design CAD software
  • Mathsoft Mathcad Hot Technology
  • PTC Creo Parametric Hot Technology
  • PTC Pro/ENGINEER Mechanica Hot Technology
  • IBM CATIA V5 Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical Hot Technology
  • Autodesk Inventor Hot Technology
  • Autodesk Revit Hot Technology
  • Bentley MicroStation Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS Hot Technology
  • Computer aided design CAD software Hot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA Hot Technology
Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
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