Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

17-3027.00

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

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
• Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
• Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
• Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
• Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.
• Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
• Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
• Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.
• Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.
• Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
• Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
• Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.
• Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.
• Estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing.
• Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.
• Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.
• Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, and plant space.
• Devise, fabricate, or 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, or drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
• Monitor, inspect, or test mechanical equipment.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Ansys Fluent; ANSYS Mechanical; ANSYS simulation software; Data acquisition software; Finite element method FEM software; Intellisense Intellisuite; MSC Software Adams; Spectral Dynamics Star Acoustics; Spectral Dynamics Star Modal; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; Wolfram Research Mathematica
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical; Autodesk Inventor; Autodesk Revit 🔥; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Computer aided design CAD software; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks 🔥; IBM CATIA; Mathsoft Mathcad; PTC Creo Parametric; PTC Pro/ENGINEER Mechanica
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software - CNC Mastercam; Computer aided manufacturing CAM software; Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems; TekSoft CAMWorks; Three-dimensional 3D solid modeling software
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥
• Development environment software - Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; National Instruments LabVIEW
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Industrial control software - Computerized numerical control CNC programming software; Robotic control software; Soft Servo Systems LadderWorks PLC
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥
• Office suite software - Corel WordPerfect Office Suite; Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Process mapping and design software - ProModel
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• 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 Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• 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.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Assemble equipment or components.
• Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
• Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
• Review technical documents to plan work.
• Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
• Test characteristics of materials or structures.
• Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.
• Analyze test or validation data.
• Document design or operational test results.
• Document technical design details.
• Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
• Design industrial equipment.
• Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
• Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
• Test products for functionality or quality.
• Create graphical representations of industrial production systems.
• Schedule operational activities.
• Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
• Analyze green technology design requirements.
• Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
• Estimate operational costs.
• Assist engineers or scientists with research.
• Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
• Assemble mechanical components or machine parts.
• Fabricate devices or components.
• Collaborate with others to develop or refine designs.