Although they work closely with engineers, engineering technicians focus more on project aspects like gathering data through research, testing products and recording data from tests they administer. Engineering technicians can also work toward performing more advanced engineering duties as they gain more experience and work on more complex engineering projects. Because there are many different types of engineering technicians in several fields, their specific job duties can vary depending on the specific industry and company they work for.
Here are a few common types of engineering technicians along with their typical job duties:. A mechanical engineering technician can work in several industries and focuses on building and maintaining systems that use mechanical elements to function. Mechanical engineering technicians can work in manufacturing plants, laboratories and government agencies that need mechanical engineering projects completed.
A mechanical engineering technician might work on elevator systems, robotics systems, chemical feed pumps and other mechanical devices. Civil engineering technicians can work for the government or private companies to maintain the integrity and safety of public structures. This can include working on bridges, roads and highways, electrical grid systems and water systems. As civil engineering technicians typically work on projects that do not take place in their office, their job can require travel to and from job sites.
An environmental engineering technician works with environmental engineers to protect and clean up the environment. This can involve traveling to work sites, conducting surveys about pollution by collecting air and water samples and reviewing technical documents to ensure they're accurate. Environmental engineering technicians can also help to develop new tools for environmental protection and cleaning. Here's how you can start your career as an engineering technician:.
Complete an associate degree program at an accredited college. As most employers require engineering technicians to have a degree from a program that's approved by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, aspiring engineering technicians typically pursue an associate degree in engineering technology. You can find engineering technology programs at technical schools and community colleges, depending on your location. During an engineering technology program, students can learn about subjects like thermodynamics, mechanical design, environmental regulations and more.
They might also choose to specialize in a certain area of engineering technology, such as civil engineering, electrical engineering or industrial engineering. Apply for entry-level technician jobs to build your experience.
Many aspiring engineering technicians find work in positions as technicians that can help then develop the skills they need to succeed as an engineering technician. You might apply for work as an auto technician, power technician, electrical technician or any other area that relates to the work you want to perform as an engineering technician. For example, if you want to become a mechanical engineering technician, you might work as an electro-mechanical technician first to become accustomed to the job and enhance your resume.
Consider pursuing certification as an engineering technician. A slightly different view of engineering technicians comes from the website Network Depot. They are committed to solving the problem in front of them, and making sure it is fixed to the satisfaction of the customer.
They are pragmatic, and may work independently to some extent, but they generally work under the supervision of an engineer. Mechanical engineering technicians can be found at work in a wide variety of settings and industries. These workers specialize in building and maintaining entire systems of mechanical elements. Manufacturing plants, laboratories, and even military operations of many kinds rely on mechanical engineering technicians on a daily basis.
Chemical feed pumps, elevator systems, communications systems, pneumatic systems, and advanced robotics systems are just a handful of the specific elements this professional may work with. Civil engineering technicians work for both the government and private entities to design the many structural components found throughout society that are owned by government authorities.
Examples of the types of structures these engineering technicians work with regularly include bridges, roads, dams, electrical grid systems, irrigation and water systems, and many more. This role often takes the worker back and forth between the field and the office. CAD operators are essentially artists and designers who use CAD computer-aided drafting programs in order to fulfill their work tasks.
CAD operators work in many venues, including architect firms, millwright firms, construction companies, manufacturing companies, and many others across the professional spectrum today. While it is true that many CAD operators specifically went to school for CAD knowledge, on the other hand, many others came to greatness in this field strictly through an engineering background. In this particular role, the engineer is much more keenly focused on work in the industrial sector.
This makes for a more select area of venues in which the engineer might be found — mostly in the manufacturing sector. The management of instrumentation designs, electro-mechanical systems, industrial plumbing and HVAC systems, waste management systems, and the like all fall under the responsibility umbrella of this worker. In this role, the technician gets to apply their knowledge by providing expert advise to various client companies and individuals in need of the expertise they can provide.
Those working in this role can be found working for larger, consultation-providing organizations or, often just as successfully, working on their own. Additionally, this type of worker can often have a greater personal choice in the exact type of engineering work and clientele they would prefer to work with regularly.
To become an engineering technician, an individual must complete a two-year associate degree program in engineering technology. Potential engineering technicians should complete as many science and math courses in high school as possible.
Engineering technology programs are usually found at community colleges or technical schools. They include various science and math courses as well as courses in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, mechanical design, digital electronics, and environmental regulations. Students enrolled in an engineering technology degree program can choose to specialize in a specific area of engineering technology, such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial engineering, to name just a few.
In addition to earning a degree, engineering technicians often obtain certification as a way to enhance employment options and demonstrate their knowledge. The American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians is one organization that offers certification exams. Another way, however, to become an engineering technician is through a program at a trade school.
Programs for HVAC engineering technicians, for instance, can last for 10 months, but they may take up to two years. The longer programs are the equivalent of an associate degree, but the month program will usually award a certificate.
HVAC engineering technicians may also have to complete additional training in an area of expertise. Some engineering technicians may also be self-employed.
Those who want to work as engineering technicians should have at least an associate degree in engineering technology, although some employers will hire candidates who don't have formal training. Students can expect to take courses in college algebra, trigonometry, and basic science. Other coursework depends on the specialty.
For example, future electrical engineering technicians will take classes in electrical circuits, microprocessors, and digital electronics. Certification of engineering technicians is voluntary but it can give job candidates a competitive advantage. It is offered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies and includes a written exam in one of 30 specialties, job-related experience, a supervisory evaluation, and a recommendation.
In addition to formal training, an engineering technician needs certain soft skills , or personal qualities. One must have strong reading comprehension skills.
He or she must have excellent listening and speaking skills. Also important are critical thinking skills the ability to evaluate various solutions to problems and complex problem-solving skills. Engineering technicians initially work under the supervision of more experienced technicians, technologists, engineers, or scientists. As they gain experience, they are given more difficult assignments with limited supervision.
Eventually, they may become supervisors. The job outlook for engineering technicians from through is varied by specialty. Most focus areas are reporting average growth at around 5 percent. Environmental engineering technicians are slightly above average with a 13 percent growth rate.
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