What they do
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
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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)
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Wages
Wage rates not available for Vermont but may be for the nation and other states at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
United States - 2020 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 30% |
| 15% |
- Transportation equipment manufacturing
| 11% |
- Computer and electronic product manufacturing
| 6% |
- Administrative and support services
| 5% |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- 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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- Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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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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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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More at O*NET |
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- 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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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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More at O*NET |
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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What are your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler |
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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More at O*NET |
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
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- Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
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- Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
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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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- Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
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More at O*NET |
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
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Vermont |
2020 employment |
47 |
2030 employment |
47 |
Annual percent change (compounded) |
0.0% |
Annual projected job openings (due to change and separations) |
4 |
More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
- Typical education needed for entry
Associate's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
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. |
- Physical activity is Important
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- Level of activity is Moderate
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Low | | High |
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Compare Occupations at O*NET |
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Job Zone
Medium Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(6.0 to < 7.0) - A typical worker will require
over 1 year up to and including 2 years
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | | 0% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | | 0% |
Bachelor's degree | | 37% |
Associate's degree | | 14% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | | 42% |
High school diploma or equivalent | | 8% |
Less than high school diploma | | 0% |
More at O*NET |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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- Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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- Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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More at O*NET |
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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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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- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Assemble equipment or components.
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- Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
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- Test products for functionality or quality.
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- Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
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- Review technical documents to plan work.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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