Mechanical engineering technician

Mechanical engineering technicians are involved in the design, development, maintenance and operation of all types of machines and their parts. They work in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, process industries, aerospace, defence, food processing, biomedical engineering and information technology.

Work activities

Mechanical engineering technicians help to design, make and repair all types of machinery. Many mechanical engineering technicians are involved in manufacturing industries, where they develop, operate and maintain the mechanical processes that control activities such as mixing raw materials and labelling finished products. They begin by planning the assembly and production systems, and thinking carefully about issues such as materials, costs and efficiency. Some mechanical engineering technicians are responsible for purchasing raw materials and parts, and making sure that they are available on time. Once they have installed the machinery, mechanical engineering technicians monitor production, and inspect and test products to make sure they’ve been made correctly and are capable of performing to the required specification. This may involve calculating and assessing the results of quality assurance tests.

Mechanical engineering technicians plan and operate maintenance programmes to service machinery and provide technical guidance in the diagnosis and repair of faults in industrial equipment and instruments. Mechanical engineering technicians support the work of mechanical engineers across a wide range of activities; for example, helping to design and develop cars that are more fuel economical and developing agricultural equipment. They also help to develop and test the latest IT and telecommunications technology. Some mechanical engineering technicians use their knowledge to help sales and marketing departments. Mechanical engineering technicians may lead teams made up of other technicians and craft workers.

Personal qualities and skills

As a mechanical engineering technician, you need:

• Strong technical skills.
• A logical approach to your work, combined with creativity and imagination to solve problems.
• Strong communication skills.
• To work effectively with other technicians and engineers.
• The ability to read and interpret technical drawings and plans, and to explain these to others.
• To be willing to learn and develop new knowledge and keep up to date with advances in technology.
• The ability to lead and motivate people, as you may be responsible for staff.
• The ability to explain products and technology clearly to people who may not have technical knowledge.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for mechanical engineering technicians vary depending on the company, role and level of responsibility. The pay rates given are approximate. Mechanical engineering technicians earn in the range of £24,000 - £40,000 a year.

Most mechanical engineering technicians work around 37-42 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Early starts, late finishes, and some weekend work may be required. Some may have to work shifts.

Employers throughout the UK are firms across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing and processing, medical engineering, aerospace, automotive engineering, nuclear power and electricity generation.

What’s happening in this work area?

The sector was hard hit by the recent recession suffers from a shortage of high-skilled personnel, and also a shortage of women, with around three in four jobs being taken by men. There are likely to be more roles in the future for those who are skilled at designing and manufacturing with consideration as to how a product will be recycled at the end of its life, as well as being able to design and manufacture products that minimise wastage.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies.

Entry routes and training 

A number of advanced apprenticeships offer a route into this profession:

• Engineering technician (level 3 / advanced)
• Maintenance and operations engineering technician (level 3 / advanced)

You may also be able to enter employment as a trainee, receiving day- or block-release to go to college part-time. Another entry route is to take a full-time college course, leading to a relevant A-level or Edexcel (BTEC) National qualification (e.g. Engineering) before looking for employment.

You may be able to work towards a relevant work-based qualification, such as mechanical manufacturing engineering. Professional registration – known as EngTech – is available for those who have joined a professional engineering institution licensed by the Engineering Council.

Qualifications

To get onto an advanced apprenticeship in this industry, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Candidates with relevant skills are usually welcomed.

Most colleges will consider applications from older candidates who don’t have the usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

Information on pathways to registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) can be found on the Engineering Council’s website.

Related careers

• Aerospace engineering technician
• Automobile engineering technician
• Gas service engineer
• Installation engineer
• Maritime engineering technician
• Mechanic
• Mechanical engineer
• Production engineering technician