Mechanical Engineering Tech

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: 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)

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.

Knowledge

• Engineering and Technology
• Mechanical
• Design
• Mathematics
• English Language
• Computers and Electronics
• Production and Processing
• Physics
• Administrative

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Speaking
• Writing
• Mathematics
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Science

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Information Ordering
• Near Vision
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Speech Recognition
• Category Flexibility
• Number Facility
• Selective Attention
• Written Expression
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Flexibility of Closure
• Visualization
• Perceptual Speed
• Speech Clarity
• Fluency of Ideas
• Originality
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Finger Dexterity
• Control Precision
• Far Vision
• Manual Dexterity
• Visual Color Discrimination