what is a mechanical technician?
A mechanical technician provides an essential service for any mechanical equipment and product. You develop parts using shop tools and assemble products. The job description of a mechanical technician varies depending on the company. All mechanical technicians have a hands-on role in installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining product or equipment designs. Most report to a mechanical engineer and help bring designs to life. You also evaluate designs for faults and make recommendations to improve product efficiencies, cost effectiveness, or reliability.
responsibility overview
Generally, mechanical technicians support manufacturing companies' operations and production processes. You ensure all equipment and products are safe and working efficiently. For example, a mechanical technician in the car manufacturing industry will help test cars by setting up vehicle crash tests. Mechanical technicians work in a variety of environments, including working on oil rigs, managing unmanned submarines, or operating and checking aircraft. You also work with different skills depending on specific qualifications. For instance, an optical mechanical technician must be familiar with testing equipment such as light meters and goniophotometers.
transitioning into higher-level positions
A mechanical technician career provides an increase in salary as you gain more experience. There are also opportunities to transition into other higher-level positions such as:
- Mechanical designer
- Maintenance supervisor
- Mechanical engineering technician
- Facilities manager
- Production supervisor
- Manufacturing manager
- Director of facilities
- Engineering director
average salary of a mechanical technician
Mechanical technicians and engineers make an average salary of around £32,500 per year.
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experience and salary
Workers in the higher salary range usually have more years of experience or higher levels of education. You earn the following percentage increase in salary depending on where you are in your career:
- 3% for mid-career mechanical technicians with 5-9 years of experience
- 17% for experienced mechanical technicians with 10-19 years of experience
- 27% for late-career mechanical technicians with 20 years of experience or more
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skills impacting salary
Regardless of the industry, different skills will also affect your salary. The top five skills that increase your salary are:
- Plant maintenance: 29%
- System troubleshooting: 14%
- Team leadership: 8%
- Electronic troubleshooting: 4%
- Computer aided drafting and design (CADD): 4%
types of mechanical technicians
Depending on the company's size and industry you work in, your job title will be specific or broad. For example, mechanical technicians specialize in some of the following areas:
- Aerospace
- Automobiles
- Environmental engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Optics
You will also be a mechanical technician in charge of general troubleshooting, repairs, or assembly. Most technicians have roles that include one or two of the three. For example, as an assembler, you put the finishing touches of products together and troubleshoot.
similar job titles
Some mechanical technicians also fill roles similar to that of an electrical engineer who solves technical challenges and carries out quality assurance (QA) processes. Other similar job titles are:
- Maintenance technician
- Automotive service technician
- Field service technician
- Mechanical assembly technician
- Mechanical manufacturing technician
- Maintenance mechanic
working as a mechanical technician
Working as a mechanical technician is ideal for you if you enjoy creative thinking and physical work. The job allows you to problem-solve, analyse test procedures, and develop and assemble equipment or products. While you must follow safety precautions at all times, the risk on the job is minimal. You will choose work environments that have you in an office-like setting, outdoors, or even on oil rigs. Additionally, expect a job market growth rate of 3% up until 2029.
Depending on what you specialize in, your job looks different. For an overview of what to expect when working as a mechanical technician, here's information on typical duties, environments, and schedules.
mechanical technician job description
As a mechanical technician, you help design, install, develop, and manufacture tools, machines, engines, and other products or devices. You also test these devices, record and analyse data, and report your findings. Overall, a mechanical technician is responsible for:
- Ensuring project plans follow procedures promptly and meet objectives
- Taking care of tools and maintaining a clean work environment
- Adhering to health and safety practices and policies
- Reporting to the mechanical engineer or maintenance supervisor
Depending on the industry, you also work with different types of equipment and collaborate with different departments. For example, as an optical mechanical technician, you collaborate with operational engineering teams to develop test plans for equipment such as integrating spheres.
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design support
In the design development stage, mechanical technicians usually support mechanical engineers by:
- Preparing sketches and rough layouts of an assembly process using three-dimensional design software
- Evaluating design specifications and identifying any faults
- Recommending cost-effective changes while improving safety
- Making business estimate calculations on labor costs and equipment lifespan
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production
Mechanical technicians bring designs to life by providing hands-on work during the production stage. Your responsibilities include:
- Procuring the necessary materials for production and assembly, such as metal stock, tape, screws, tools, and glue
- Developing parts with shop equipment such as laser cutters, lathes, welding tools, and mills
- Ensuring products are manufactured to specification by collaborating with the design team
- Assembling mechanical parts based on design layouts
- Selecting components and parts used in production
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product testing and maintenance
A mechanical technician provides maintenance and essential services before product launches. Your duties include:
- Creating documents to explain testing procedures
- Testing and inspecting finished products and their components for effectiveness and safety
- Recording testing results and comparing them to test objectives
- Reviewing blueprints and instructions for testing procedures and specifications
- Troubleshooting issues and identifying what parts need fixing or replacing with electrical technician assistance
- Communicating systems updates to relevant departments
work environment
Mechanical technicians work in the public or private sector. The role is mostly independent but requires collaboration with engineers and communication with company departments. You work outdoors, indoors, or a hybrid of indoors with fieldwork once a month. Field technicians generally work outdoors when testing products or in work environments such as construction sites and coordinates with heavy equipment operators as well. Mostly mechanical technicians work indoors in an office setting, machine shop, or lab at a research facility or factory.
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employer types
Mostly, you work at the location of your company. Most mechanical technicians work for manufacturing companies in the private sector. The largest employers of mechanical technicians are:
- Architectural firms
- Engineering companies
- Machinery manufacturers
- Transportation equipment manufacturers
- Scientific research and development entities
- Computer and electronic product manufacturers
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other notable aspects
Mechanical technicians seldom travel unless you are a contractor and commute to different client sites. The work environment sometimes exposes you to hazards from chemicals, toxic materials, and equipment, especially if you work in a factory or on a construction site. However, when you follow procedures and safety regulations, the risk of illness or injury is low.
work schedule
Most mechanical technicians work full time. However, some companies contract mechanical technicians from the engineering or consulting industries. Hiring contractors allows companies to reduce their costs in comparison to employing in-house technicians. Typical hours of a full-time mechanical technician are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a half-hour break. You are less likely to work nights or weekends when production isn't in process unless there is an emergency. However, these hours differ depending on the industry and type of company. For example, as an electro-mechanical technician working on an oil rig or unmanned submarine, expect to work over 40 hours a week. These hours include nights if the equipment you're responsible for is in operation. Similarly, if you're a mechanical technician on a construction site, your hours align with construction shifts.
job outlook
Mechanical engineering technologist and technician employment is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029. It is also projected an average of 3,800 openings each year over the next decade. These openings will be due to workers retiring or moving to different occupations.
education & skills
Most entry-level mechanical technician positions require a relevant degree. Computer science, math, and science classes may be taken as the right foundation for this career. Having a certification or specialized training from an accredited technical school also qualifies you for this job. Some employers require you to have a relevant bachelor's degree or a degree from an accredited program.
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additional credentials
Depending on the specifics of your position as a mechanical technician, you need additional credentials. For example, you need a fire sprinkler inspection and testing certification to examine water-based fire protection systems.
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prior experience
With the relevant degrees, you don't need prior working experience for entry-level positions. However, most companies expect you to have experience in a recognised apprenticeship or similar technical qualification. Although positions will vary as to specific job requirements, some examples of additional experience that employers prefer include:
- Working in a high-volume manufacturing environment
- Using calibration, setting, and testing gauging equipment
- Using micrometers
- Fabrication and welding of parts
- Knowledge of mounting and dismounting of large bearings
- Ability to read schematic drawings and identify faults
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with designers and engineers
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skills & competencies
The main skill you need to be a mechanical technician is to have a working knowledge of the layout, systems, design, and performance of the equipment and machines for which you're responsible. You must also have problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities to identify issues with the equipment and machines before fixing them. As a successful mechanical technician, you have the ability to work independently while maintaining communications with relevant company departments. You also have a strong commitment to quality, environmental, and health and safety standards.
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additional skills
Additional skills required to be a mechanical technician include:
- Math: for troubleshooting, analysis, and design
- Communication: to clearly explain required changes in a test or design procedure
- Organised: to maintain inventory of repair equipment and replacement parts
- Detail oriented: when making precise measurements and keeping accurate records
- Mechanical abilities: to fix or make new components for equipment and machinery and operate machineries such as grinders, drill presses, and engine lathes
- Problem solving: to troubleshoot repairs and overcome challenges that emerge during development or manufacturing
- Critical thinking: to evaluate issues and determine the best course of action
- Proactive: to provide sufficient preventative measures for equipment and machinery
- Self-improving: to keep up with changes in technologies and best practices
If your position requires maintenance in the field or using large commercial-style vehicles to transport equipment or parts, you also need to be able to drive and have a commercial driver's license.
FAQs
Here are the most asked questions about working as a mechanical technician.
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What are the duties of a mechanical technician?
The main duties of a mechanical technician are to develop, assemble, test, and maintain equipment or products. You must follow health and safety regulations and procedures during these tasks. You also help with designing layouts and testing procedures. Depending on the industry, mechanical technicians have additional duties specific to their employer's products or services.
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What is the difference between mechanical engineers and mechanical technicians?
A mechanical technician usually reports to a mechanical engineer. The mechanical engineer creates theories and design plans for making industrial machinery or equipment. The mechanical technician is more hands-on, bringing the designs to life and being responsible for troubleshooting, fixing, and maintaining the machinery or equipment. Technicians also keep accurate records to share with mechanical engineers.
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What is the work of a technician?
The main responsibilities of a technician involve assembling mechanical products, working with complex systems, and running diagnostic tests. Other work requirements vary depending on the industry and company. Technicians focus on production, provide technical services to customers, and work indoors or outdoors.
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What are mechanical skills?
Hands-on mechanical skills include product assembly and using shop tools to develop parts. Most mechanics also create design layouts with software such as AutoCAD. Other essential mechanical skills are analytical thinking, project management, communication, and attention to detail.
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a rewarding path
Providing equipment and product maintenance and testing is an essential part of most industries, especially in manufacturing, technology, and research. This widespread availability of opportunities makes being a mechanical technician a reliable job. The role also comes with benefits once you gather experience. It is a good career option to invest in and expect higher pay rates in return. There are multiple senior-level positions to transition into, such as supervisor and director roles. Overall, being a mechanical technician is a great option for technical people who enjoy using their hands and being intellectually stimulated.
