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Career Profile:

Mechanical Engineering Technician and Technologist

U.S. Navy, 2015
U.S. Navy, 2015

$60,835

Median Yearly
Income

fair

Work
Prospects

2

Prospective
Employers

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services or may work independently in mechanical engineering fields such as the design, development, maintenance and testing of machines, manufacturing plants and equipment.

Work type:

full-time, self-employed

Most likely to work in:

Halifax, Cape Breton

Most employees have:

Non-university certificate or diploma

Certification:

TechNova - Right to title

What you do



In the oceans technology sector, mechanical engineering technicians and technologists play a key role in assisting engineers in designing and developing innovative machinery and robotics for applications such as oceanography, meteorology, defence, search and rescue, fishing, marine transportation and offshore energy exploration and development.



A Mechanical Engineering Technician and Technologist performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Prepare and interpret conventional and computer-assisted design (CAD) engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for machines and components;
  • 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; and
  • Design moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.




What you need

  • Enjoy technical work and mathematics, and have an interest in science;
  • Possess a high degree of manual dexterity and mechanical ability;
  • Able to be precise, analytical, and work individually or in a group environment;
  • Good oral and written communication skills are important;
  • Experience with computers is also required; and
  • Physical stamina may be required for field work.




Who might be hiring?







References and further reading



* The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is "fair", which indicates the changes of a qualified individual finding work is around average.





Your Career Pathway

Opportunities for Hands-on Experience


Secondary School
Co-op Options and Opportunities (Science Streams)
Oceans 11
Not-for-Profits
Techsploration
Skills Canada


Post-Secondary Educational Programs


Certificates, Diplomas, Community College
Cape Breton University: Mechanical Engineering Technology
3 years, $2,000 / year
Nova Scotia Community College: Mechanical Engineering Technology
2 years, $3,130 / year

This program is accredited with the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB), a standing committee of The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT). Graduates may be eligible for membership with TechNova.