Mechanical Engineering Tech

Print

Work Tasks

• Use science, math, and engineering to solve problems in making, selling, and maintaining machines
• Help engineers and scientists in research and development
• Do tests, get and record data, make sure products are of good quality, and make sure production workers do their jobs correctly
• Set up equipment, do experiments, make models and layouts, and use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) equipment
• Work for the government, engineering companies, and producers of transportation equipment, automobile, aircraft, industrial machinery, etc.
• Work with sketches, layouts, drawings, cost analyses, graphs, test results, reports, test equipment, gauges, experimental machinery, and CAD systems

Salary, Size & Growth

• $54,500 average per year ($26.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (44,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.1% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A high school diploma and courses in engineering technology
• Employers Prefer: A 2-year degree in mechanical engineering technology or military training
• Skills/Courses: Courses in algebra, trigonometry, science, engineering, and technology
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is available.