Engineering Technicians support engineering activities by using the principles and theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve technical problems in construction, inspection, maintenance, manufacturing, sales, and research and development. Their work is more limited in scope and more application-oriented than that of scientists and engineers. Those working in quality control may collect data, conduct tests, and inspect products/processes. Those in manufacturing may assist in product design, development, or production. Those involved in research and development assist engineers and/or scientists in building or setting up equipment, preparing and conducting experiments, collecting data, and calculating or recording results. They may make prototype versions of newly designed equipment and assist in other design work, often using design and drafting (CADD) software and equipment.
Most Engineering Technicians specialize, learning their skills by working closely with engineers in their same discipline. Thus, occupational titles of Engineering Technicians tend to reflect their engineering specialties. Civil Engineering Technicians aid civil engineers in planning and constructing highways, buildings, bridges, dams, wastewater treatment systems, and other structures, as well as undertake related research. They may be assigned to estimate construction costs and specify materials to be used in the construction and even to prepare drawings or perform land-surveying tasks. Electrical and electronics Engineering Technicians make up over one-third of the labor force of Engineering Technicians.
They help design, develop, test, and manufacture electrical and electronic equipment such as communication equipment, radar, industrial monitoring or control devices, and computer equipment. They may work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, modify, and repair developmental or operational electrical machinery and electrical control equipment and circuitry in industrial or commercial plants and laboratories. They may be assigned to modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies, and systems to correct functional deviations, as well as collaborate with electrical engineers and other personnel to identify, define, and solve developmental problems. They often write procedures for electrical installations and prepare project cost and work-time estimates.
Electromechanical Engineering Technicians combine fundamental principles of mechanical engineering technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits to design, develop, test, and manufacture electric and computer- controlled mechanical systems. Environmental Engineering Technicians work closely with environmental engineers and scientists to develop methods and devices used in the prevention, control, or correction of environmental hazards. They aid in inspecting and maintaining equipment related to air pollution and recycling. Some inspect water and wastewater treatment systems to ensure that pollution control requirements are met and standards are maintained.
Industrial Engineering Technicians study the efficient use of personnel, materials, and machines in factories, power plants, 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, develop, test, and manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, and other equipment. They may assist in product testing, make sketches and rough layouts, and write orders and purchase requests for work furnished by outside contractors. They record and analyze data, comparing test results to design or rated specifications/test objectives, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings to engineers and project managers.
When planning production, mechanical Engineering Technicians prepare layouts and drawings of the assembly process and of the parts to be manufactured. They devise, fabricate, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery/ equipment or coal-mining drilling equipment and measuring instruments. They estimate labor costs, equipment life spans, and plant space. Some may be assigned to test and inspect machinery and equipment, or work with engineers on quality control and the elimination of any potential production problems.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings in May 2004 of Engineering Technicians ranged from US Dollars 38,480 to US Dollars 52,500, depending upon their specialty. Median annual earnings of electrical and electronics Engineering Technicians were US Dollars 46,310 in May 2004. Their yearly salaries ranged from a low of US Dollars 29,000 to a high of US Dollars 67,900. Median annual earnings of civil Engineering Technicians were US Dollars 38,480 in May 2004. Their yearly income ranged from a low of US Dollars 24,180 to a high of US Dollars 57,550. Median annual earnings of mechanical Engineering Technicians in May 2004 were US Dollars 43,400, and the average annual salary for environmental Engineering Technicians was US Dollars 36,530.
In their joint annual salary survey of 2006, the American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians (ASCET) and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) found that the largest percentage of Engineering Technicians were earning yearly salaries between US Dollars 40,000 and US Dollars 65,000.
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