Mechanical Engineering Technician

What does a mechanical engineering technician do?

Mechanical engineering technician carry out technical support functions in fields such as:

• Mechanical engineering research
• Design
• Manufacture
• Operations and maintenance of industrial machinery
• Consumer products and other equipment.

Mechanical engineering technicians work under the direction of mechanical engineers in all stages of planning, design, maintenance and production. They draw up designs for new machinery, assemble and install new or altered mechanical equipment and parts, and carry out workshop and field testing as part of the quality control process. They may also calculate building, maintenance and operation costs

Why does a mechanical engineering technician do this?

Mechanical engineering technicians work closely with engineers and other multidisciplinary teams to design and manufacture useful products to make the life of people more comfortable. They do this by devising, fabricating and assembling new or modified mechanical components for products, such as appliances of daily use, as well as the machines that move all things, including motorbikes, cars, buses, trains, carriages and aeroplanes. As mechanical engineering now reaches beyond the industries traditionally associated with the field, this group of professionals are helping create new, important technologies that impact upon every aspect of our lives.

How does a mechanical engineering technician do their job?

Mechanical engineering technicians prepare drawings, designs and plans that enable the manufacture and construction of a range of mechanical equipment. They usually use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software when drawing up new plans or blueprints. When installing new equipment or carrying out maintenance they may use a variety of hand and power tools.

Where do mechanical engineering technicians do their work?

Mechanical engineering technicians usually work in workshops, factories, power plants, building sites, technical laboratories or offices. They usually work in metropolitan areas as well as in some regional areas where travel may be necessary. Those working in the mining industry, particularly in Western Australia, may work on a fly in/fly out basis.

Tertiary study

To begin your career in mechanical engineering you could start with a major in Mechanical Systems in your Bachelor of Science. This will give you an overview of working in scientific fields and you can develop your technical skills with:

• Analytical or scientific software
• CAD software
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
• Development environment software
• Industrial control software

You can then gain specialised knowledge with graduate study that can lead to professional accreditation. This could include: