Mechanical engineering technicians help engineers design and test products and equipment. When engineers develop new ideas, mechanical engineering technicians draw plans for producing the machines and other products. Technicians may design new tools or modify old ones.

Mechanical engineering technicians invent tests to use on new and existing machines. They may test machines to prevent problems. They record test results and plot graphs of the data. The results show how well the equipment does its job and how long it will last.

Mechanical engineering technicians in product engineering make drawings of new products. They help plan new ways to put products together. They help figure the labor and equipment costs. They make sure there is enough room in the factory to build the product.

Mechanical engineering technicians also make up and conduct tests on new and old products. Some test competitors' products and compare results.

Hours & Conditions
Most technicians work about 40 hours a week. Some work on factory production lines.

Work Locations
Mechanical engineering technicians work for manufacturers or for private consulting engineers.

Pros & Cons
Mechanical engineering technicians like the responsibility and independence their job offers. They enjoy the variety of tasks and the learning involved.

They feel that their pay is low. Without further training, their chances to advance are limited. Some say the work can be dull. They must work with the engineer's ideas rather than develop their own.

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