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What does a mechanical engineering technologist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

A Mechanical Engineering Technologist is responsible for developing and assembling mechanical parts and components, following the head engineer's design specifications. They identify resources for manufacturing, ensuring that the deliverables follow the high-quality standards and requirements. They also analyze the design and recommend adjustments for outputs, if there are any. A Mechanical Engineering Technologist operates various mechanical tools and equipment to perform tasks efficiently, requiring strict adherence to the safety protocols and regulations within the operational premises.

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Mechanical engineering technologist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real mechanical engineering technologist resumes:

  • Manage and coordinate a company wide transition from 2D AutoCAD to a 3D modeling environment.
  • Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
  • Test, troubleshoot, disassemble and repair mechanical equipment supporting the U.S. navy's MK30 underwater target program.
  • Certify parts and write reports to the ASME, ASTM, and CSA standards.
  • Circuit design and PCB layout.
  • Design of assembly jigs and fixtures.
  • Build electronic supporting equipment for testing purposes of pcb and complete modules.
  • Work with the implementation of HVAC systems for new and remodel buildings using AutoCAD.
  • Assess new materials and research documentation to determine compliance with ANSI and ISO standards.
  • Maintain and insure compliance with HazMAT, ISO and OSHA plant procedures and regulations.
  • Support engineering team in planning projects, budgeting, and drawing diagrams in AutoCAD.
  • Work hands-on with maintenance personnel (electrical & mechanical) and millwrights to troubleshoot and solve problems.
  • Measure and record dimensions of parts using calipers, micrometers, height gages and other precision measuring equipment.
  • Oversee civil, site utilities, HVAC, electrical, controls, structural, finishes, fire protection, and plumbing.
  • Develop FEA base models using ANSYS to evaluate and compare the structural deformation of various rotor components and facilitate design changes.

Mechanical engineering technologist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 8% of Mechanical Engineering Technologists are proficient in CAD, Solidworks, and Prototype. They’re also known for soft skills such as Listening skills, Analytical skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Mechanical Engineering Technologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • CAD, 8%

    Developed and redesigned on CAD first article assembly of automated pharmacy dispensing cabinets in accordance with engineering specifications and prints.

  • Solidworks, 7%

    Utilized SolidWorks and AutoCad designed machinery for baby care and feminine care sectors.

  • Prototype, 6%

    Conducted extensive thermal analysis and testing of early prototypes and contributed to the development of related specifications and design requirements.

  • Engineering Drawings, 5%

    Reviewed all engineering drawings, standards for plan specifications, regulations and other applicable references.

  • Hand Tools, 4%

    Used various hand tools and pneumatic equipment for assembly and testing.

  • Mechanical Systems, 4%

    Assisted with Preventative Maintenance data gathering and PM implementation for mechanical systems.

Common skills that a mechanical engineering technologist uses to do their job include "cad," "solidworks," and "prototype." You can find details on the most important mechanical engineering technologist responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform mechanical engineering technologist duties is analytical skills. Mechanical engineering technologists responsibilities require that "industrial engineering technologists and technicians assess changes in conditions, operations, and the environment to help industrial engineers figure out how systems should work." Mechanical engineering technologists also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "assisted clients and engineers filing p&ids;, mechanical drawings and inputting drawing numbers in database. "

Communication skills. For certain mechanical engineering technologist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a mechanical engineering technologist rely on this skill, as "industrial engineering technologists and technicians must listen carefully to instructions from engineers and must clearly articulate problems to their supervisors." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what mechanical engineering technologists do: "performed hvac calculations for valve station control rooms & telecommunications building. "

Detail oriented. Another crucial skill for a mechanical engineering technologist to carry out their responsibilities is "detail oriented." A big part of what mechanical engineering technologists relies on this skill, since "industrial engineering technologists and technicians must record precisely what they measure and observe." How this skill relates to mechanical engineering technologist duties can be seen in an example from a mechanical engineering technologist resume snippet: "revise and create engineering drawings and documentation, including boms, and detail revisions through the reporting of change notices. "

See the full list of mechanical engineering technologist skills

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Compare different mechanical engineering technologists

Mechanical engineering technologist vs. Engineer

Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.

We looked at the average mechanical engineering technologist salary and compared it with the wages of an engineer. Generally speaking, engineers are paid $34,668 higher than mechanical engineering technologists per year.Even though mechanical engineering technologists and engineers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require cad, solidworks, and troubleshoot in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between mechanical engineering technologists and engineer. For instance, mechanical engineering technologist responsibilities require skills such as "prototype," "engineering drawings," "hand tools," and "mechanical systems." Whereas a engineer is skilled in "python," "cloud," "c++," and "c #." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $97,672. On the other hand, mechanical engineering technologists are paid more in the automotive industry with an average salary of $61,158.engineers tend to reach higher levels of education than mechanical engineering technologists. In fact, engineers are 7.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Mechanical engineering technologist vs. Product engineer

A product engineer specializes in designing and developing commercial materials and services. They are primarily responsible for conducting thorough research and analysis of the latest trends and marketing conditions to come up with new ideas and products for the public. Moreover, they are also responsible for producing reports and presentations, coordinating with the development team of their company. Product engineers also reach out to vendors and suppliers for the raw materials, set regulations and standards for the product, and even conduct a rigorous and regular quality check.

On average, product engineers earn a $32,236 higher salary than mechanical engineering technologists a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both mechanical engineering technologists and product engineers have skills such as "cad," "solidworks," and "engineering drawings. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that mechanical engineering technologist responsibilities requires skills like "prototype," "hand tools," "mechanical systems," and "mechanical equipment." But a product engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "product design," "project management," "c++," and "data analysis."

Product engineers may earn a higher salary than mechanical engineering technologists, but product engineers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $90,301. On the other hand, mechanical engineering technologists receive higher pay in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $61,158.In general, product engineers achieve higher levels of education than mechanical engineering technologists. They're 7.2% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Mechanical engineering technologist vs. Co-operations engineer

A Co-Operations Engineer ensures that operations-related activities are performed in compliance with company standards and regulations. They optimize the overall efficiency of business.

On average, co-operations engineers earn lower salaries than mechanical engineering technologists, with a $14,791 difference per year.mechanical engineering technologists and co-operations engineers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "cad," "solidworks," and "engineering drawings," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from mechanical engineering technologist resumes include skills like "prototype," "hand tools," "mechanical systems," and "troubleshoot," whereas a co-operations engineer is more likely to list skills in "lean manufacturing," "python," "c++," and "data analysis. "

Co-operations engineers make a very good living in the energy industry with an average annual salary of $51,087. On the other hand, mechanical engineering technologists are paid the highest salary in the automotive industry, with average annual pay of $61,158.Most co-operations engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to mechanical engineering technologists. For example, they're 2.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Mechanical engineering technologist vs. Student engineer

A student engineer is an individual who trains to become a full pledge professional engineer by gaining working experience in the field of engineering. By using their knowledge in the principles of science and mathematics, student engineers should help other professionals develop economical solutions and solve technical problems. They are required to engage themselves in the testing, production, or maintenance of newly developed products. Student engineers are also required to work closely with their senior managers or supervisors.

Student engineers typically earn higher pay than mechanical engineering technologists. On average, student engineers earn a $14,538 higher salary per year.While their salaries may vary, mechanical engineering technologists and student engineers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "cad," "solidworks," and "engineering drawings. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between mechanical engineering technologists and student engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a mechanical engineering technologist might have more use for skills like "prototype," "hand tools," "mechanical systems," and "troubleshoot." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of student engineers require skills like "gpa," "c++," "c #," and "co-op. "

Student engineers enjoy the best pay in the transportation industry, with an average salary of $86,592. For comparison, mechanical engineering technologists earn the highest salary in the automotive industry.In general, student engineers hold similar degree levels compared to mechanical engineering technologists. Student engineers are 2.0% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of mechanical engineering technologist

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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