Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
Career Overview
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians support a wide variety processes in machinery and power transfer systems.
People in this occupation:
- Help design, develop, test and maintain machines, components, tools, industrial robotics, heating and ventilating systems, power generation and power conversion plants, manufacturing plants and equipment
- Solve design or repair problems in machinery or tools
- Are employed by consulting engineering, manufacturing and processing companies, mechanical equipment companies, institutions and government departments
Good math and computer skills, as well as good interpersonal and problem solving skills help individuals to be successful in this occupation.
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians also:
- Have an interest in precision work with tools and equipment
- Require manual dexterity with an attention to detail, as well as skills in organization, analysis and teamwork
Job Titles
Duties
Mechanical Engineering Technologists:
- Prepare and interpret conventional and computer-assisted design (CAD) engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for machines and components, power transmission systems, process piping, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems
- Prepare cost and material estimates, project schedules and reports
- Conduct tests and analyses of machines, components and materials to determine their performance, strength, response to stress and other characteristics
- Design moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures for use in the manufacturing process and inspect mechanical installations and construction
- Prepare contract and tender documents
- Supervise, monitor and inspect mechanical installations and construction projects
- Prepare standards and schedules, supervise mechanical maintenance programs or operations of mechanical plants, and may sell and service mechanical equipment and systems
Mechanical Engineering Technicians:
- Assist in preparing conventional and CAD engineering designs, drawings and specifications and carry out a range of mechanical tests and analyses of machines, components and materials
- Assist in the design of moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures for use in the manufacturing process and assist in inspection of mechanical installations and construction projects
- Participate in the installation, repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
2,815% Employed Full Time
70%Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically work 40 hours per week, however, overtime may be a regular requirement.
On the job, they use computers daily for communications, as well as for design and other functions. Those specializing in design will work at CAD stations, but will also spend a small percentage of their time working on site.
Most technicians and technologists work in offices, factories and labs, and some work in other settings, such as warehouses, power stations, mills or construction sites or in a combination of these environments.
Mechanical engineering technicians and technologists work alongside engineers to provide technical support and services or they may work independently.
These technicians wear protective gear as appropriate, including hard helmets, boots, eyewear and earplugs for noise when working on sites. Those working long hours at a computer workstation employ ergonomic work practices.
Career Pathways
Technicians can advance to mechanical technologist positions with further education and experience. Technologists may progress from designer or engineering assistant positions to supervisory or technical management positions or they can enter a degree program to become a mechanical engineer or pursue studies in management in technology and engineering. They may become involved in research and development, technical sales or drafting technology.
Members of this occupational group may specialize in one of the following areas: aeronautical technology, CAD/CAM, energy systems, fire protection, naval architecture, marine engineering, mechanical design, mechanical technology, power engineering, robotics or tool and die design.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.
For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Education, Training and Skills
While work as a Mechanical Engineering Technologist or Technician is not restricted by legislation in British Columbia, many agencies and employers recognize or require the professional certification provided by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC).
Certification and registration as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT designation) or Certified Technician (CTech designation) in the Mechanical Discipline requires completion of a diploma of technology (or equivalent) for the AScT designation or completion of a technician certificate (or equivalent) for the CTech designation. Certification for AScT or CTech also requires a minimum of two years work experience.
College training programs eligible for AScT or CTech certification may be accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) for the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT). Full-time students may apply for student membership with ASTTBC.
Graduates are eligible for Graduate Technologist or Graduate Technician membership and may apply for full registration after completing the required minimum two years of relevant experience.
For more information, see the ASTTBC website at www.asttbc.org.
Education programs in B.C.
Top Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Watching gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure that a machine is working properly.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Talking to others to share information effectively.
Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
2,815Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 65 | 2.3% |
| Kootenay | 75 | 2.7% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 1,800 | 63.9% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 45 | 1.6% |
| Northeast | 60 | 2.1% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 280 | 9.9% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 505 | 17.9% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
1,470Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 40 | 1.5% |
| Kootenay | 20 | 0.6% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 1,050 | 1.9% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 10 | 1.1% |
| Northeast | 20 | 0.6% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 150 | 1.7% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 170 | 0.8% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
| Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 620 |
| Manufacturing | 390 |
| Construction | 150 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 70 |
| Wholesale Trade | 50 |
Insights from Industry
Job openings will arise due to both new job creation and the need to replace experienced workers who retire.
It is expected that the demand from the energy and environmental fields will drive job growth in regions outside of the Lower Mainland in upcoming years.
Industry sources also expect there will be a significant shortage of skilled trades people to meet the demand in the HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) mechanical systems industry.
Mechanical engineering technicians and technologists who are able complete their tasks in a cost-effective manner will be more competitive due to pressure to increase productivity in the Manufacturing industry. Knowledge of database applications and other computer applications will be increasingly useful to these workers, as they perform work duties in environments that have become more computer-controlled.
Resources
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Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC)www.asttbc.org
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Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia – Job Postingswww.acec-bc.ca/resources/job-postings.aspx
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Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of British Columbia (ACEC-BC)www.acec-bc.ca
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Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT)www.cctt.ca
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Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE)www.csce.ca
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Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia (MCABC)www.mcabc.org
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SkilledTradesBCskilledtradesbc.ca/
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Structural Engineers Association of British Columbia (SEABC)seabc.ca/links.html
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The Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME)www.csme-scgm.ca/