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Mechanical Engineering Technician

Occupation Information table
Overview: Mechanical engineering technicians prepare sketches, layout drawings and measurement specifications for newly proposed machinery products designed by mechanical and industrial engineers. They prepare cost estimates for the materials needed.
Duties: They work as a member of an engineering team in order to produce sketches, layouts, blueprints and specifications for newly proposed machines, parts or machine covers.

Use computer equipment to produce plotting and to calculate measurement specifications for the newly proposed products.

Assist engineers to build a prototype or test model of the proposed products. Conduct tests to assess the quality of the prototype and identify potential production problems.

Prepare statistical reports for engineers to describe the results of laboratory tests of prototypes such as stress tests and the effects of extreme temperatures, humidity, etc.
Degree(s): A.S. Engineering Science 
A.A.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 2% to 4% from 2018 to 2028, which is slightly slower than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $28,000 to $32,000
Education Level: Training for this occupation generally requires an Associate Degree from a 2 year or community college.
Additional Training/Education: An associate degree from a 2-year college or technical institute is the usual educational requirement. A strong background in mechanical design and computer-aided design and drafting (CAD) is essential. Graduates of programs approved by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology are given preference for job openings.
Advancement Info: Mechanical engineering technicians usually begin by doing routine duties. They work under the close supervision of experienced technicians or engineers. As they gain experience, technicians are given more difficult assignments and have less supervision. Mechanical engineering technicians with leadership skills may advance to supervisor positions. Keeping their skills current through continuing education classes helps technicians to advance.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Identifying the most appropriate equipment and tools needed to get a job done.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Analyzing the symptoms of a problem and deciding what actions should be taken to resolve the problem.
Recommended Values:
  • Create new ideas, programs, things, or anything else not previously developed by another person.
  • Doing something where you can physically see the results of your work.
  • Having the ability to work with equipment or material things.
  • Having a routine job where the duties are very predictable and not likely to change over a long period of time.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.