# Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

> Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 17-3027.00
- **Summary:** Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

## Aliases

- Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech)
- Mechanical Designer
- Mechanical Technician (Mechanical Tech)
- Research and Development Technician (R and D Tech)
- Engineering Laboratory Technician (Engineering Lab Technician)
- Engineering Technical Analyst
- Engineering Technologist
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician (Manufacturing Engineering Tech)
- Process Engineering Technician (Process Engineering Tech)
- Process Technician
- Apparatus Engineering Technologist
- Automation Design Checker

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings. | Core | 4.A.4.a.1.a |
| Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.h |
| Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.2.c |
| Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation. | Core | 4.A.4.b.6.d |
| Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.c |
| Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops. | Core | 4.A.2.b.2.o |
| Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications. | Core | 4.A.2.a.4.l |
| Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.i |
| Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills. | Supplemental | 4.A.2.a.4.e |
| Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy. | Core | 4.A.2.b.2.o |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment. | 4.A.2.b.2.o |
| Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications. | 4.A.3.b.6.m |
| Review technical documents to plan work. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment. | 4.A.1.b.2.l |
| Analyze test or validation data. | 4.A.2.a.4.l |
| Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality. | 4.A.2.a.4.e |
| Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects. | 4.A.2.b.1.h |
| Document design or operational test results. | 4.A.3.b.6.i |
| Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations. | 4.A.1.a.2.b |
| Estimate operational costs. | 4.A.1.b.3.b |
| Test products for functionality or quality. | 4.A.1.b.2.c |
| Analyze green technology design requirements. | 4.A.2.a.4.e |
| Assemble equipment or components. | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Design industrial equipment. | 4.A.3.b.2.c |
| Assist engineers or scientists with research. | 4.A.4.a.2.b |
| Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data. | 4.A.2.a.4.l |
| Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance. | 4.A.4.b.6.e |
| Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects. | 4.A.2.a.4.e |
| Assemble mechanical components or machine parts. | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Fabricate devices or components. | 4.A.3.a.2.aa |
| Collaborate with others to develop or refine designs. | 4.A.4.a.2.h |
| Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information. | 4.A.4.a.1.a |
| Schedule operational activities. | 4.A.2.b.5.b |
| Create graphical representations of industrial production systems. | 4.A.2.b.2.o |
| Document technical design details. | 4.A.3.b.6.i |
| Provide technical guidance to other personnel. | 4.A.4.b.6.d |
| Test characteristics of materials or structures. | 4.A.1.b.2.c |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engineering and Technology | knowledge | 4.15 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 4.14 |
| Design | knowledge | 4.01 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 4 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 4 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.88 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.88 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.75 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.75 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.75 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.75 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.75 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.66 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Writing | essential_skill | 3.5 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.5 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3.5 |
| Number Facility | ability | 3.5 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.5 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.49 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Written Expression | ability | 3.38 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | ability | 3.38 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.38 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.38 |
| Computers and Electronics | knowledge | 3.37 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.3 |
| Mathematics | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Systems Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.25 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.25 |
| Physics | knowledge | 3.21 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Systems Evaluation | transferable_skill | 3.12 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft SharePoint | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft Project | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Access | Specialized Skill |
| Autodesk Revit | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Promodel | Specialized Skill |
| PTC Creo Parametric | Specialized Skill |
| Autodesk Inventor | Specialized Skill |
| Ansys Simulation Software | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Dassault Systemes SolidWorks | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | yes |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | no |
| Autodesk Revit | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | no |
| Bentley MicroStation | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | no |
| C++ | Object or component oriented development software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Project | Project management software | yes | no |
| Microsoft SharePoint | Document management software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Visual Basic | Development environment software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | yes | no |
| The MathWorks MATLAB | Analytical or scientific software | yes | no |
| Ansys Fluent | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| ANSYS Mechanical | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| ANSYS simulation software | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Autodesk Inventor | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| CNC Mastercam | Computer aided manufacturing CAM software | no | no |
| Computerized numerical control CNC programming software | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Corel WordPerfect Office Suite | Office suite software | no | no |
| Dassault Systemes CATIA | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Data acquisition software | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Finite element method FEM software | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| IBM CATIA | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Intellisense Intellisuite | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Mathsoft Mathcad | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| MSC Software Adams | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| National Instruments LabVIEW | Development environment software | no | no |
| ProModel | Process mapping and design software | no | no |
| PTC Creo Parametric | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| PTC Pro/ENGINEER Mechanica | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Robotic control software | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Soft Servo Systems LadderWorks PLC | Industrial control software | no | no |
| Spectral Dynamics Star Acoustics | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Spectral Dynamics Star Modal | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems | Computer aided manufacturing CAM software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.71 |
| Contact With Others | 4.56 |
| E-Mail | 4.54 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.34 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.32 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4.28 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.17 |
| Time Pressure | 4.08 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.04 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.02 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.91 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.88 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.85 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 3.77 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.76 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.74 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.73 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 3.69 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.6 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.54 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.27 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.27 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.25 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.24 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.14 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.1 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 3.1 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 3.07 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 2.95 |
| Level of Competition | 2.93 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.81 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.77 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.76 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.7 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 2.69 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 2.63 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 2.59 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.56 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.53 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.22 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 3
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- **Experience:** Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- **Svp Range:** (6.0 to < 7.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| Bachelor's Degree | 36.52 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 32.84 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 14.09 |
| Some College Courses | 8.76 |
| High School Diploma | 7.8 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 6.78 |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.26 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 6.19 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 5.37 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.76 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 3.52 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 3.46 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.67 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.47 |
| Information Technology | specific_interest_area | 2.46 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 2.38 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 2.22 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 2.19 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.01 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.96 |
| Innovation | work_style | 1.94 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 17-3028.00 | role-17-3028-00 | Calibration Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 17-3023.00 | role-17-3023-00 | Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 17-3021.00 | role-17-3021-00 | Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 17-3024.01 | role-17-3024-01 | Robotics Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 17-3026.00 | role-17-3026-00 | Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 17-3013.00 | role-17-3013-00 | Mechanical Drafters | Primary-Long |
| 17-3027.01 | role-17-3027-01 | Automotive Engineering Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 17-3029.08 | role-17-3029-08 | Photonics Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 17-3022.00 | role-17-3022-00 | Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 17-3026.01 | role-17-3026-01 | Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 17-2141.00 | role-17-2141-00 | Mechanical Engineers | Supplemental |
| 17-2199.05 | role-17-2199-05 | Mechatronics Engineers | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |
| Supply Chain & Transportation | supply-chain-transportation |

## Education Level

- **Category:** Associate's degree

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians | engineering-engineering-related-technologies-technicians |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 68730
- **Mean Wage:** 72450
- **Pct10Wage:** 46940
- **Pct25Wage:** 57330
- **Pct75Wage:** 82980
- **Pct90Wage:** 100890
- **Employment:** 37450
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 19270 | 69640 | 6.22 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 10280 | 72560 | 3.93 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 4410 | 74340 | 15.7 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 2350 | 59350 | 1.6 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 1790 | 61960 | 0.82 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 1290 | 58240 | 2 |
| 541380 | 541380 | Testing Laboratories and Services | National industry | 1020 | 64670 | 24.64 |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 930 | 76360 | 1.36 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 590 | 78390 | 4.24 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 430 | 54750 | 0.13 |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 250 | 94270 | 1.78 |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry | 210 | 58250 | 3.33 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 541380 | 541380 | Testing Laboratories and Services | National industry | 1020 | 24.64 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 4410 | 15.7 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 19270 | 6.22 |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 590 | 4.24 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 10280 | 3.93 |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry | 210 | 3.33 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 1290 | 2 |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 250 | 1.78 |
- **Count:** 21

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.38 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.1192367 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | 0.2558563 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.273681 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 62
- **Percentile:** 61
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 46 | felten_aioe |
| 64 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 75 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.1192367 | 46 | Moderate | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.7959183673469387 | 64 | Moderate | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.22508751084312686 | 75 | High | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.38
- **Percentile:** 43
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.16326530612244897
- **Beta:** 0.47959183673469385
- **Gamma:** 0.7959183673469387

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress. | 0.21126992017550705 | 3.68 |
| Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods. | 0.005648928346938691 | 3.52 |
| Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval. | 0.005135389406307902 | 3.79 |
| Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation. | 0.004005603736920163 | 3.72 |
| Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures. | 0.0034920647962893734 | 3.37 |
| Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy. | 0.003286649220037057 | 3.5 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 0
- **Growth Percentile:** 26
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 3.2
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 39
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 38.3
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 38.3

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 30
- **Skills:** 46
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 44
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** cb6d65ef3fa384b7