Mechanical Engineering Technician

Other Titles

Designer, Engineering Lab Technician, Engineering Technical Analyst, Laboratory Technician, Maintenance Technician, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Technician, Process Engineering Technician, Process Technician, Research and Development Technician

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or calibrate machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists. Mechanical engineering technicians assist mechanical engineers in the design, development, operation, installation, repair and maintenance of mechanical equipment. In doing so, they deal with a wide range of mechanical devices, machines and engines. As a mechanical engineering technician, they are responsible for taking design specifications from an engineer and implementing them. They are also responsible for testing a mechanical device or equipment for performance and recording the performance data. A part of their job includes performing various maintenance tasks on mechanical equipment. If they find any malfunctions or problems, they are responsible for fixing or repairing them in a timely manner.

Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, and drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.

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.

Confer with technicians and submit reports of test results to engineering department and recommend design or material changes.

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.

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.

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.

Test equipment, using test devices attached to generator, voltage regulator, or other electrical parts, such as generators or spark plugs.

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.

Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Quality Control Analysis→ Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Mathematics→ Using mathematics to solve problems.

Operation and Control→ Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Systems Analysis→ Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Troubleshooting→ Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Getting Information→ Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates→ Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

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.

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.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge→ Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work→ Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material→ Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization→ Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships→ Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Analyzing Data or Information→ Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information→ Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Thinking Creatively→ Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Interacting With Computers→ Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings→ Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others→ Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Scheduling Work and Activities→ Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others→ Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Training and Teaching Others→ Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Developing and Building Teams→ Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates→ Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Developing Objectives and Strategies→ Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment→ Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People→ Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Coaching and Developing Others→ Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Controlling Machines and Processes→ Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others→ Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment→ Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic principles.

Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.

Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.

Test products for functionality or quality.

Review technical documents to plan work.

Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.

Design industrial equipment.

Fabricate devices or components.

Fabricate products or components using machine tools.

Analyze test or validation data.

Document design or operational test results.

Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.

Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.

Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.

Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.

Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.

Estimate operational costs.

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.

Near Vision→ The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Problem Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Information Ordering→ The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. , patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Written Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Mathematical Reasoning→ The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Number Facility→ The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Perceptual Speed→ The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

Visualization→ The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Finger Dexterity→ The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Flexibility of Closure→ The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

Fluency of Ideas→ The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Originality→ The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

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.

Mathematics→ Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Computers and Electronics→ Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Language→ Knowledge of the structure and content of a language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Physics→ Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Clerical→ Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Production and Processing→ Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Administration and Management→ Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Analytical or scientific software -- Mechanical engineering software; Multibody dynamics and motion analysis software

Computer aided design CAD software -- e.g., Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical; Autodesk Inventor; Autodesk Revit

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software -- Computer-Aided Manufacturing and CAD/CAM software; Three-dimensional D solid modeling software

Development environment software -- e.g., Microsoft Visual Basic; National Instruments LabVIEW

Enterprise resource planning ERP software -- e.g., Sage; Xero; Sapama; ebizframe; Odoo; Macro 2000; SYSPRO ERP; QuickEasy BOS; TrueERP; Microsoft Dynamics; NetSuite ERP; Oracle Hyperion; SAP

Industrial control software -- Computerized numerical control CNC programming software; Robotic control software

Internet browser software -- e.g., Apple Safari; Windows Explorer; Google Chrome; Mozilla Firefox

Object or component oriented development software -- e.g., C++

Office suite software -- e.g., Corel WordPerfect Office; Microsoft Office; Google Workspace; Apache OpenOffice.org

Presentation software -- e.g., Google Slides; Apple iWork Keynote; Corel Presentations; Microsoft PowerPoint

Project management software -- e.g., Confluence; Sapama Projects; Sciforma PPM solution; Xero Projects; Microsoft Project; Easy Projects; Microsoft SharePoint; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Corel Quattro Pro; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets

Word processing software -- e.g., Corel Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; Google Docs

Accelerometers

Adjustable wrenches

Air compressors

Ammeters→ Clamp-on ammeters

Amplifiers→ High-voltage amplifiers; Linear amplifiers; Switched amplifiers

Anemometers

Belt sander→ Belt sanders

Binocular light compound microscopes→ Optical compound microscopes

C clamps

Calipers→ Dial calipers; Vernier calipers

Claw hammer→ Claw hammers

Comparators→ Electronic comparators; Optical comparators

Compression testers→ Compression testing machines; Hydraulic universal testers

Coordinate measuring machines CMM

Cutting die→ Metal cutting dies

Cylinder gauge→ Ring gauges

Dial indicator or dial gauge→ Dial indicators

Drill press or radial drill→ Drill presses; Punch presses

Dynamometers

Extruders→ Extrusion machines

Fatigue testers

Flow sensors→ Fluid meters

Force or torque sensors→ Force sensors; Torque meters

Forklifts

Form tools or toolbits→ Twist drills

Gage block set→ Plane-parallel gauge blocks

Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus→ Dry rod ovens; Gas welding equipment; Oxyacetylene welding equipment

Go or no go gauge→ Go/no-go gauges

Goggles→ Safety goggles

Graphics tablets→ Digitizing tablets

Hacksaw→ Hacksaws

Hardness testers→ Durometers

Height gauges→ Vernier height gauges

Hex keys

Hole gauge→ Bore gauges

Horizontal turning center→ Computerized numerical control CNC lathes

Impact testers

Induction heaters→ Heat treatment furnaces

Injection molding machines→ Rotational molders

Inverted microscopes→ Metallographs

Levels→ Spirit levels

Lifter plate→ Granite surface plates

Loadcells→ Load cells

Locking pliers

Longnose pliers→ Long nose pliers

Manual press brake→ Hand brakes

Metal band sawing machine→ Band saws

Metal inert gas welding machine→ Metal inert gas MIG welding equipment

Metal markers or holders→ Marking gauges

Metal polishing machine→ Polishing machines

Metal slitting saw→ Sheet metal slitters

Metal testing instruments→ Bend test fixtures; Guided bend weld test units

Microcontrollers→ Programmable logic controllers PLC

Micrometers→ Screw gauge micrometers

Microprocessors

Mill saw file→ Mill files

Milling machines

Multimeters→ Digital multimeters

Notebook computers→ Laptop computers

Nut drivers

Offset screw driver→ Offset screwdrivers

Oscilloscopes

Personal computers

Pitch measuring instruments→ Screw pitch gauges

Plasma cutting machine→ Track burning machines

Plotter printers→ Drafting plotters

Positioning jig→ Positioning jigs

Power drills

Power grinders→ Cylindrical grinders; Pedestal grinders

Pressure sensors

Protective gloves→ Safety gloves

Protractors

Punches or nail sets or drifts→ Center punches

Rotameters

Rulers→ Steel rules

Screwdrivers→ Phillips head screwdrivers; Slotted screwdrivers; Straight screwdrivers

Scribers

Scroll saw→ Scroll saws

Shear strength testers→ Shear testers

Shears→ Power shears; Power sheet metal shears

Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine→ Arc welding equipment; Stick welding machines

Signal conditioners

Signal generators

Sine bar→ Sine bars

Slip or groove joint pliers→ Arc-joint pliers; Slip joint pliers

Socket sets→ Socket wrench sets

Spot welding machine→ Portable welding equipment; Spot welders

Squares→ Combination squares; Layout squares

Strain gauges

Stripping tools→ Wire strippers

Surface grinding machine→ Surface grinding machines

Tape measures→ Measuring tapes

Taper gauge→ Taper plug gauges

Taps→ Metal cutting taps

Temperature transmitters→ Temperature sensors

Tension testers→ Tensile testers

Thermal differential analyzers→ Dynamic mechanical analyzers DMA

Thickness measuring devices→ Snap gauges

Thread counters or gauges→ Screw thread gauges

Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe→ Lathes

Tungsten inert gas welding machine→ Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment

Twin screw extruder→ Twin-screw extruders

Ultrasonic examination equipment→ Ultrasound inspection equipment

Universal milling machine→ Combination milling machines

Utility knives

Vacuum molding machines→ Vacuum molders

Vacuum pumps→ Freon recovery equipment

Vertical machining center→ Computerized numerical control CNC vertical milling machines

Vibration testers

Wave soldering machine→ Soldering equipment

Welder torch→ Brazing equipment

Welding masks

Wire cutters

Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Investigative→ Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.

Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Working Conditions→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Relationships→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.