Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Human Advantage 66%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.1 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Also Known As: Apparatus Engineering Technologist, Automation Design Checker, Brinell Tester, Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), Computer-Aided Design Designer, Development Technician, Electrical Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Engineering Aide +40 more
Core Tasks
- Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
- Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.
- Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
- Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
- Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
- Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
- Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.
- Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
- Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
- Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.
- Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.
Supplemental Tasks (7)
- 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.
- Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.
- 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.
- Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.
- Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (46)
Tools & Equipment (184)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Production & Automation Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Sewing Machine Operators 77% match
Zone 3
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians You are here
Maintenance & Repair Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 3
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians You are here
Zone 4
Transportation Inspectors 76% match
Industrial Machinery Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Conveyor Operators and Tenders 75% match
Zone 2
Zone 3
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians You are here
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