Mechanical Engineering Technicians

Employers

Many of the 42,600 mechanical engineering technicians employed in the United States work in durable goods manufacturing, primarily making electrical and electronic machinery and equipment, industrial machinery and equipment, instruments and related products, and transportation equipment. A sizable percentage work in service industries, mostly in engineering and business services companies that do contract work for government, manufacturing, and other organizations.

The federal government employs mechanical engineering technicians in the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Agriculture, and Interior as well as the Tennessee Valley Authority and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. State and municipal governments also employ mechanical engineering technicians.

Starting Out

The career services offices in schools that offer associate's degrees in mechanical engineering technology and two-year technician programs usually help graduates find employment. At most colleges, in fact, company recruiters interview prospective graduates during their final semester of school. As a result, many students receive job offers before graduation. Other graduates may prefer to apply directly to employers, newspaper classified ads, or apply through public or private employment services.