Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings.

Mechanical engineering technicians assist with manufacturing processes in factories, or with development phases in research and development labs before manufacturing takes place.

Most employers prefer to hire candidates with an associate’s degree or other postsecondary training in mechanical engineering technology. Prospective engineering technicians should take as many science and math courses as possible while in high school.

Employment of mechanical engineering technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Nevertheless, there should be opportunities for those who can master new software and technology, as well as traditional manual skills.

This occupation supported 47,500 jobs in 2012 and 48,400 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 1.9%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 4.6% in 2022 to 49,700 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 47,900, compared with an observed value of 48,400, 1.0% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 1.9% in 2024 to 49,300 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 50,100 jobs for 2024, 1.6% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.