A career as a mechanical engineering technologist could be the perfect choice for you, but it’s important to understand what kind of opportunities your future could hold if you select this path, especially in regards to income, job paths, and job security. Today we’ll set you on the path to discovery as we evaluate reality versus expectations of the field!
What a Mechanical Engineering Technologist Really Does
Technologists must be detail-oriented. They often assist mechanical engineers with developing new devices and testing them to ensure they work correctly. These devices may include tools, machines, and engines. Today’s technologists must also have strong computer skills because much of the work is done through robotics and with specific software programs.
A technologist's duties may include recording and analyzing data, as well as making calculations and determinations based on the findings. While many people think of technologists working in a research lab somewhere, they may also be involved in the direct manufacturing process within factories.
Basic duties for this career choice may include the following:
- Evaluate design drawings for changes
- Prepare drawing and layouts for parts being made
- Discuss changes with other workers
- Review blueprints for projects to ensure specifications are met
- Create and produce new parts or changed parts for tools and equipment
- Compare results of testing and make recommendations
- Estimate costs in labor for new tool or equipment, length of life, and plant space
Technologists may also inspect equipment to ensure it continues to meet specifications. Sometimes, they also assist in creating testing environments for parts and equipment.
Becoming a Mechanical Engineering Technologist
While a person may find a job in this career field with on-the-job-training or an associate’s degree, often employers prefer that candidates have a bachelor’s degree. You could earn a higher income with a more in-depth degree program under your belt.
High school students who wish to enter this field should take as many classes in math and science as possible. They should also work to build their computer skills. Much of the work done in this career field is still done hands-on as they often build plans designed by the engineer.
Important qualities for the technologist include good communication skills because they must understand what the engineer is asking them to do and relate information on to other co-workers. They must be creative in solving problems in designs as well; the ability to troubleshoot is imperative. It’s also important that they be detail-oriented to ensure everything is according to specifications. A person good at mathematics and with mechanical skills has a better chance of excelling in this type of career.
Career Expectations as a Mechanical Engineering Technologist
Of course, anyone entering the field wants to know how much they can expect to be paid and what career opportunities exist for them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay in 2014 was $53,530. However, it’s important to understand that the pay range was rather wide with top earners making more than $79,000 and bottom earners bringing home under $33,000, which is quite a disparity and may reflect the education background of the person as well, in addition to the position being help and at which company.
According to BLS, top-paying jobs were in research and developing with manufacturing of computer and electronic products second. Machinery manufacturing had the lowest pay.
Because employment in manufacturing continues to decline in the US, the best career prospects are in emerging fields, such as robotics and 3D printing. These two fields are continually growing and new products and processes are constantly being developed. Anyone who stays on the leading edge of these fields and learns the latest computer skills will have an advantage over the competition. Alternative energies and remanufacturing will also continue to open up job possibilities in this field.
Get On Your Path to Becoming a Mechanical Engineering Technologist!
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree as a mechanical engineering technologist, consider a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from ECPI University. Our year-round programs could allow you to earn your degree in less time so you could be entering the career field in just 2.5 years. To learn more about our school or this degree program, contact us today and begin an exciting new career. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
got accepting to start my mechanical engineering class for ECPI . gotta go Tuesday
— ßean. (@__allliyah) August 14, 2015
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Gainful Employment Information – Mechanical Engineering Technology - Bachelor’s
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