Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
Mechanical Engineering Technicians apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Table of Contents
Job Description
Mechanical Engineering Technicians apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or calibrate machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists. They also discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, and drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
Other tasks include:
- Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
- Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
- Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
- Devise, fabricate, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.
- Operate drill press, grinders, engine lathe, or other machines to modify parts tested or to fabricate experimental parts for testing.
- Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
We asked Mechanical Engineering Technicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.
60%
65%
60% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 65% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.
Typical Day At Work
On a daily basis, Mechanical Engineering Technicians review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign. They discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, and drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
A typical day for a Mechanical Engineering Technician will also include:
- Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
- Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
- Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.
- Operate drill press, grinders, engine lathe, or other machines to modify parts tested or to fabricate experimental parts for testing.
- Devise, fabricate, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.
We asked some Mechanical Engineering Technicians a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.
Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? | 49% said yes | |
How important is it to work in a team in this job? | 42% said very important | |
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? | 75% said yes | |
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? | 15% said yes | |
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? | 6% said yes | |
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? | 28% said yes |
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Mechanical Engineering Technicians also estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing. They may also review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Mechanical Engineering Technicians Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors. They might also Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
In addition, they Inspect lines and figures for clarity and return erroneous drawings to designer for correction.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
To some Mechanical Engineering Technicians, it is also their responsibility to Test equipment, using test devices attached to generator, voltage regulator, or other electrical parts, such as generators or spark plugs.
Working life
More than 40 hours per week
Regular schedule like a 9 to 5
In a typical work week as a Mechanical Engineering Technician, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.
Is this right for me
The Builders and The Thinkers
People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..
They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
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