Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

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

Also called: 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), Apparatus Engineering Technologist, Automation Design Checker, Brinell Tester, Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), Computer-Aided Design Designer, Development Technician, Electrical Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Engineering Aide, Engineering Analyst, Engineering Data Analyst, Engineering Drawings Checker, Experimental Technician, Gyroscope Technician, Gyroscopic Engineering Technician, Heat Transfer Technician, Hydraulic Technician, Laser Technician, Mechanical Assembly Technician (Mechanical Assembly Tech), Mechanical Engineering Technician (Mechanical Engineering Tech), Mechanical Engineering Technologist, Mechanical Inspector, Mechanical Repair Technician (Mechanical Repair Tech), Mechanical Service Specialist, Mechanical Service Technician (Mechanical Service Tech), Mechanical Technologist, Mechanical Test Technician (Mechanical Test Tech), Motor Tester, Operations Analyst, Optomechanical Technician, Process Analyst, Proof Technician, Systems Analyst, Systems Engineering Analyst, Technical Analyst, Test Engineering Analyst, Tool Analyst, Tool Design Checker, Tooling Engineering Technician

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.

Skills, machines and equipment

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Complex Problem Solving
Writing
Operations Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making
Mathematics
Quality Control Analysis
Systems Analysis
Active Learning

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (36.52% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

59,510–88,110 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 17-3027.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Build design, analysis, validation, and project experience; explore senior technical specialist, project lead, or engineering-management paths with the required qualifications.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (36.52% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians