Nature of the Work:
Engineering technicians use the principles and theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, and customer service. Their jobs are more limited in scope and more practically oriented than those of scientists and engineers. Many engineering technicians assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development. Some technicians work on their own, servicing equipment at customers' worksites. Others work in production or inspection jobs.
Engineering technicians who work in research and development build or set up equipment, prepare and conduct experiments, calculate or record the results, and assist engineers in other ways. Some make prototype versions of newly designed equipment. They also assist in routine design work, often using computer-aided design equipment.
Engineering technicians who work in manufacturing follow the general directions of engineers. They may prepare specifications for materials, devise and run tests to ensure product quality, or study ways to improve manufacturing efficiency. They may also supervise production workers to make sure they follow prescribed procedures.
Engineering technicians also work as field representatives of manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers. They help customers install, test, operate, and maintain complex technical equipment, and may write repair or operating manuals.
Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers plan and build highways, buildings, bridges, dams, wastewater treatment systems, and other structures and do related surveys and studies. Some inspect water and wastewater treatment systems to ensure that pollution control requirements are met. Others estimate construction costs and specify materials to be used.
Electrical and electronics technicians help develop, manufacture, and service electrical and electronic equipment such as radios, radar, sonar, television, industrial and medical measuring or control devices, navigational equipment, and computers, often using measuring and diagnostic devices to test, adjust, and repair equipment Many of these repairers are often incorrectly called electronics technicians.
Industrial engineering technicians study the efficient use of personnel, materials, and machines in factories, stores, repair shops, and offices. They prepare layouts of machinery and equipment, plan the flow of work, make statistical studies, and analyze production costs.
Mechanical engineering technicians help engineers design and develop machinery and other equipment by making sketches and rough layouts. They also record data, make computations, analyze results, and write reports. When planning production, mechanical engineering technicians prepare layouts and drawings of the assembly process and of parts to be manufactured. They estimate labor costs, equipment life, and plant space. Some test and inspect machines and equipment in manufacturing departments or work with engineers to eliminate production problems.
Working Conditions:
Most engineering technicians work regular hours in laboratories, offices, electronics shops, industrial plants, or construction sites. Service representatives usually spend much of their time working in customers' establishments. Some may be exposed to electrical shock hazards from equipment
Employment:
About two-fifths Engineering technicians worked in manufacturing, mainly in the electrical and electronic machinery and equipment, transportation equipment and machinery industries. Over one-fifth worked in service industries, mostly in engineering or business services companies who do engineering work on contract for government, manufacturing, or other organizations.
The Federal Government also employs engineering technicians extensively and most find employment in the Department of Defense; others worked for the Departments of Transportation, Agriculture, and Interior, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Although it is possible to qualify for engineering technician jobs through many combinations of work experience and education, employers strongly prefer applicants with formal technical training, preferably an associate degree in engineering technology or its equivalent Training is available at technic al institutes, junior and community colleges, extension divisions of colleges and universities, and public and private vocational-technical schools. Persons with college courses in science, engineering, and mathematics may also qualify for some positions but may need additional specialized training and experience
In some cases, training can be obtained on the job or through apprenticeship programs or correspondence schools. Some types of Armed Forces training and experience also may qualify one for some engineering technician jobs.
Many types of publicly and privately operated schools provide technical training. The kind and quality of programs vary considerably. Therefore, prospective students should be careful in selecting a program. They should contact prospective employers regarding their preferences and ask schools to provide information about the kinds of jobs obtained by graduates, instructional facilities and equipment, and faculty qualifications.
Technical institutes offer intensive technical training but less theory and general education than junior and community colleges. Many offer 2-year associate degree programs, and are similar to or are part of a community college or are part of State university systems. Other technical institutes are run by private, often for-profit, organizations, sometimes called proprietary schools; their programs vary considerably in length and types of courses offered. Some are 2-year associate degree programs.
Junior and community colleges offer curriculums similar to those in technical institutes but may include more theory and liberal arts. Often there may be little or no difference between technical institute and community college programs. However, courses taken at junior or community colleges are more likely to be accepted for credit at 4-year colleges than those at technical institutes. After completing the 2-year program, some graduates get jobs as engineering technicians while others continue their education at 4-year colleges.
Four-year colleges usually do not offer engineering technician training, but college courses in science, engineering, and mathematics are useful for obtaining a job as an engineering technician. Some employers hire bachelor's degree graduates in engineering and other technical areas as technicians because they are not able to find technicians with the qualifications they seek who have less education. However, it is not necessary to obtain a bachelor's degree for most jobs as an engineering technician.
Area vocational-technical schools are postsecondary public institutions that serve local students and emphasize training needed by local employers. Most require a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission.
Other training in technical areas may be obtained in the Armed Forces. Some additional training may be needed, depending on the military skills acquired and the kind of job, but often this is gained on the job. Some correspondence schools also offer training for engineering technicians.
Prospective engineering technicians should take as many high school science and math courses as possible. Engineering technicians need an aptitude for mathematics and science. For design work, creativity also is desirable. They should be able to work well with others since they are often part of a team of engineers and other technicians. Those in sales and service should be able to work independently and deal effectively with customers.
Engineering technicians usually begin by doing routine work under the close supervision of an experienced technician, engineer, or scientist. As they gain experience, they are given more difficult assignments with only general supervision. Some engineering technicians eventually become supervisors, and a few, engineers.
Job Outlook:
Well-qualified engineering technicians should experience very good employment opportunities through the year. Employment is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations due to anticipated increases in research and development expenditures and expected continued rapid growth in the output of technical products. Competitive pressures and advancing technology will force companies to improve and update manufacturing facilities and product designs more rapidly than in the past.
Despite the projected faster-than-average growth, most job openings will be to replace technicians who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.Many technician jobs are defense related; cutbacks in defense spending could result in layoffs.
Related Occupations:
Engineering technicians apply scientific and engineering principles usually acquired in postsecondary programs below the baccalaureate level. Occupations of a similar nature include science technicians, drafters, surveyors, broadcast technicians, and health technologists and technicians.
