A typical day starts with looking at which projects I have that need to be completed first. Then I work with engineers on any questions or issues that arise. My typical daily tasks include wire drawing, testing, and moving material around.
CAREER
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$58,230
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+3.1% (slower than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Associate's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians 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.
Other Job Titles Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians May Have
Engineering Lab Technician, Engineering Technical Analyst, Engineering Technologist, Laboratory Technician, Maintenance Technician, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Technician, Process Engineering Technician, Process Technician, Research and Development Technician
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Depending on the venue and where I am at in the construction process of a DAS design, I would need to find out what tasks I need to complete to finish out the design. I use a variety of internal AT&T databases to make sure I am complying to AT&T standards and protocols, along with local city compliance to finish the telecomm wireless system design. I make sure I use approved hardware and maintain a good working relationship with the landlord and ensure AT&T vendors are working safely.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- 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.
- 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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Some college, no degree (31%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/...
Graduate
Construction Management, General
Associates
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
You need great communication skills and the ability to handle pressure from all angles. In my work, I have to make sure the property manager and I are always communicating because I represent AT&T for that particular site. I have to ensure that I meet the timelines set to me by the project manager, while ensuring I keep the landlord up to date with any issues regarding his/her property. No project is ever the same and I learn something with each build I complete. Processes constantly change.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
You will change your minds several times between HS and College and that's normal. Try and follow the job description you want to be in. Sounds simple, but people don't understand that those requirements will take time and NEVER expect shortcuts to anything. The requirements you see for that job is not your ticket in, but it will get you to the door. What gets you hired are your unique experiences. A College degree is very important in establishing your career because its proof of your work
I can't say I'd recommend getting a degree in psychology to do my work. I'd recommend a mechanical engineering technology degree if you wanted to attend school first. However, you can also find employers that will pay for schooling. So you can work in this field without the educational background up front and pursue it after. That way, you can see if it's the right fit and then potentially work to become an engineer or engineer technician, or pivot to something else if the fit isn't right.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
