Picture this: You’re in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, working alongside engineers to test a revolutionary new robotic assembly system. Your hands-on expertise and technical knowledge are crucial in bridging the gap between concept and creation.
Think about the last time you used a household appliance or drove a car. Mechanical engineering technicians played a vital role in testing and refining these everyday machines before they reached consumers.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists. They serve as the practical implementation specialists who transform engineering concepts into reality, providing critical support in the development, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical devices.
Total Employment: 38,930 (2023)
Common Names for Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- 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)
What Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Do
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines, machines, and other equipment, while also collecting data and assisting with problem-solving in manufacturing settings. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Technical Support & Testing: Assist engineers in testing mechanical equipment and systems to ensure performance meets design specifications and safety standards.
- Documentation Management: Maintain detailed technical records, test results, and engineering documentation to ensure compliance with quality standards and enable effective project tracking.
- Equipment Operation: Set up, calibrate, and operate sophisticated mechanical testing equipment and diagnostic tools to collect critical performance data.
- Design Assistance: Support mechanical engineers in developing product designs and modifications by creating preliminary sketches, reviewing technical drawings, and providing practical insights.
- Quality Control: Conduct regular inspections and quality checks on mechanical components and assemblies to maintain product standards and identify potential issues early.
- Maintenance Coordination: Plan and implement preventive maintenance schedules for mechanical equipment to minimize downtime and extend operational life.
- Problem Analysis: Investigate mechanical failures or performance issues, collect data, and recommend practical solutions to improve system reliability.
- Safety Compliance: Monitor and ensure adherence to safety protocols and industry standards during testing and operational procedures to maintain workplace safety.
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