Engineering Technician - Mechanical

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:

• Manufacturing: constructing engine and gear compartments, building and maintaining conveyer equipment.
• Power and Processing: designing and making industrial plant machinery.
• Building Services: servicing lifts and escalators.
• Transport: repairing components on rail engines and signalling equipment.

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.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
• Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
• Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
• Devise, fabricate, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.
• Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, and drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
• Operate drill press, grinders, engine lathe, or other machines to modify parts tested or to fabricate experimental parts for testing.
• Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
• Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
• Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
• Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.

Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• 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.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Qualities

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.

Apprenticeship Route

The official entry route for a Engineering Technician - Mechanical is through undertaking an apprenticeship.

Click here to find information on the OEM Engineering Technician apprenticeship

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

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €20k - €48k

Data Source(s):
CareersPortal

Last Updated: April, 2017

* 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.

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