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Mechanical Engineering Technician | |
Salary Range (thousands per year)* |
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20 - 48
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Related Information: | |
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Data Source(s): | |
CareersPortal
Last Updated: April, 2017 |
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* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries. |
Designs, modifies, and tests machinery under the direction of a mechanical engineer.
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Many engineering technicians are involved in continuous production for manufacturing industries, where they develop, operate and maintain the mechanical processes that control activities such as mixing raw materials or labelling finished products.
They work in many sectors including:
They may begin each job by planning the assembly and production systems, thinking carefully about issues such as materials, costs and efficiency. Some technicians are responsible for purchasing raw materials and parts, and making sure that they are available on time.
Once they have installed the machinery, mechanical engineering technicians monitor production and inspect and test products to make sure they have been correctly manufactured and are capable of performing to the required specification. This may involve calculating and assessing the results of quality control tests.
Mechanical engineering technicians plan and operate maintenance programmes to service machinery, and provide technical guidance in diagnosing and repairing faults in industrial equipment and instruments. Technicians may estimate and cost products, or parts of products, to meet customers' requirements. Mechanical engineering technicians support the work of engineers across a very wide range of activities.
For example, they may help engineers to design and develop cars that are more economical on fuel, test jet engines, develop agricultural equipment or maintain the systems used on offshore oil and gas platforms. They help to develop and test the latest information and telecommunications technology, including the Internet, mobile telephones and games consoles.
Some engineering technicians may use their knowledge to help sales and marketing departments. Mechanical engineering technicians may lead teams made up of other technicians and craft workers.
The following is a list of the most commonly reported tasks and activities for this occupation
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Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance. |
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Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications. |
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Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills. |
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Devise, fabricate, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments. |
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Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, and drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections. |
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Operate drill press, grinders, engine lathe, or other machines to modify parts tested or to fabricate experimental parts for testing. |
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Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign. |
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Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance. |
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Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing. |
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Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods. |
The following is a list of the most commonly reported work activities in this occupation.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
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Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
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Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
The following is a list of the five most commonly reported knowledge areas for this occupation.
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Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
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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. |
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Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
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Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
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Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
The following is a list of the most commonly reported skills used in this occupation.
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Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
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Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
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Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. |
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Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
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Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
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Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
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Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
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Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
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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. |
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Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
You must have strong technical and practical skills. You will need to develop a logical, accurate and methodical approach to your work.
Technicians also need strong communication skills, to work with other technicians and engineers. Technicians need the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and plans, and to explain them to others. You must be able to work methodically and precisely. You must have an aptitude for maths, science and IT.
Mechanical engineering is a very fast-changing area; it is at the leading edge of research and technology. You must therefore be willing to learn and develop new knowledge, to keep pace with advances in ideas and technology.
You may be responsible for staff, so the ability to lead and motivate others is an advantage.
Your work could involve contact with customers, so you will need the ability to explain products and technology clearly to people who may not have technical knowledge.
The Institutes of Technology offer Higher Certificate and Degree programmes in Mechanical Engineering. Courses are also available at PLC level from many colleges of Further Education and private colleges.
To apply for the Engineering Technician title, you will need an accredited level 6 qualification and three years post graduate experience.
A list of Engineering Technician accredited programmes is available here from Engineers Ireland
Last Updated: October, 2014
A detailed description of this occupation can be found on a number of online databases. Follow the link(s) below to access this information:
Note: you will be leaving the CareersPortal Site
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Organisation: | Engineers Ireland |
Address: | 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4 | |
Tel: | (01) 665 1300 | |
Email: | Click here | |
Url | Click here |
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This occupation is popular with people who have the following Career Interests... |
...and for people who like working in the following Career Sectors: |
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Engineering & Manufacturing |
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Physics, Mathematics & Space Science |
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