Engineering technicians use the principles and theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance.
Related job titles are: Electrical Technician, Engineering Technician, Electrical Engineer, Electronic Engineer, Audio Engineer, Sound Engineer, Audio Operator, Sound Technician, or Broadcast Technician.
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Important Engineering Technician Degree Information -Top of Page-
- Electrical and electronic engineering technicians make up 33 percent of all engineering technicians.
- Technical school, community college, or college training in broadcast technology, electronics, or computer networking provides the best preparation.
- Opportunities will be best for individuals with an associate degree or other postsecondary training in engineering technology.
How much does an Engineering Technician make in Salary? || Engineering Technician Pay -Top of Page-
Median annual wages of wage and salary electrical and electronic engineering technicians were $53,240 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $41,550 and $64,120. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $32,490, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $78,560. In May 2008, median annual wages for aerospace engineering and operations technicians in the aerospace products and parts manufacturing industry were $52,150, and the median annual salary for environmental engineering technicians in the architectural, engineering, and related services industry was $39,510. Median annual wages for civil engineering technicians in the architectural, engineering, and related services industry were $43,880. The median annual wage for industrial engineering technicians in the semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing industry was $43,760. In the architectural, engineering, and related services industry, the median annual wage for mechanical engineering technicians was $47,130. Electro-mechanical technicians earned a salary of a median annual wage of $44,580 in the semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing industry.
What Does an Engineering Technician Do?
Engineering Technician Jobs, Job Description, and Responsibilities -Top of Page-
Many engineering technicians assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development. Others work in quality control, inspecting products and processes, conducting tests, or collecting data. In manufacturing, they may assist in product design, development, or production. Although many workers who repair or maintain various types of electrical, electronic, or mechanical equipment are called technicians.
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians operate and maintain equipment used to test aircraft and spacecraft. They may also program and run computer simulations that test new designs virtually. Using computer and communications systems, aerospace engineering and operations technicians often record and interpret test data.
Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers plan and oversee the construction of highways, buildings, bridges, dams, wastewater treatment systems, and other structures.
Electrical and electronic engineering technicians help design, develop, test, and manufacture electrical and electronic equipment such as communication equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and computers. They may work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment.
Environmental engineering technicians work closely with environmental engineers and scientists in developing methods and devices used in the prevention, control, or remediation of environmental hazards.
Mechanical engineering technicians help engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, and other equipment
Working Conditions for Engineering Technicians -Top of Page-
Most engineering technicians work 40 hours a week in laboratories, in offices, in manufacturing or industrial plants, or on construction sites. Some may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials, but incidents are rare as long as proper procedures are followed.
How to become an Engineering Technician || Engineering Technician Classes and Degree Programs -Top of Page-
Although it may be possible to qualify for certain engineering technician jobs without formal training, most employers prefer to hire someone with a 2-year associate degree or other postsecondary training in engineering technology. Workers with less formal engineering technology training need more time to learn skills while on the job. Prospective engineering technicians should take as many high school science and math classes as possible to prepare for programs in engineering technology after high school.
The type of technical classes required depends on the specialty. For example, prospective mechanical engineering technicians may take classes in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and mechanical design; prospective electrical engineering technicians may need classes in electrical circuits, microprocessors, and digital electronics; and those preparing to work in environmental engineering technology need classes in environmental regulations and safe handling of hazardous materials.
Technical institutes offer intensive technical training through application and practice, but they provide less theory and general education than do community colleges. Many technical institutes offer 2-year associate degree programs and are similar to or part of a community college or State university system. Other technical institutes are run by private organizations, with programs that vary considerably in length and types of classes offered.
Vocational-technical schools, another source of technical training, include postsecondary public institutions that serve local students and emphasize training needed by local employers. Most schools that offer training to become an engineering technician require a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission.
Where are the Engineering Technician Jobs? -Top of Page-
Engineering technicians held 497,300 jobs in 2008. Approximately 33 percent were electrical and electronic engineering technicians, as indicated by the following tabulation.
Electrical and electronic engineering technicians 164,000
Civil engineering technicians 91,700
Industrial engineering technicians 72,600
Mechanical engineering technicians 46,100
Environmental engineering technicians 21,200
Electro-mechanical technicians 16,400
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians 8,700
Engineering technicians, except drafters, all other 76,600
About 34 percent of all engineering technicians worked in manufacturing. Another 25 percent worked in professional, scientific, and technical service industries, mostly in engineering or business services companies that do engineering work on contract for government, manufacturing firms, or other organizations.
Engineering Technician Job Opportunities and Outlook -Top of Page-
Overall employment of engineering technicians is expected to grow by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, slower than the average for all occupations. Competitive pressures will force companies to improve and update manufacturing facilities and product designs, although increased efficiencies and automation of many support activities will curtail job growth for engineering technicians.Job prospects will vary by specialty and location, as employment is influenced by economic conditions similar to those which affect engineers. In general, opportunities will be best for individuals with an associate degree or other technical or college training in engineering technology. As technology becomes more sophisticated, employers will continue to look for technicians who are skilled in new technology and who require little additional training. Even in specialties that are expected to experience job declines, there will still be job openings resulting from the need to replace technicians who retire or leave the labor force for any other reason.