Description
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Interests
- Realistic
- Investigative
- Conventional
Work Values
- Recognition
- Achievement
- Independence
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Dependability
Tasks
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
- Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
- Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
- Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
- Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
Work Activities
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
- Working with Computers
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Thinking Creatively
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Detailed Work Activities
- Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Instant messaging software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Development environment software
- Object or component oriented development software
Abilities
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
Skills
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Director of Maintenance/EquipmentCertifying Organization
North American Transportation Management Institute
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical DesignCertifying Organization
Autodesk, Inc.
Type
Product/Equipment
Certifying Organization
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Fluid Power EngineerCertifying Organization
International Fluid Power Society
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
GDTP (Y14.5) Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Professional Certification - 2009 Technologist LevelCertifying Organization
American Society of Mechanical Engineers International
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $65,830 |
| Median (50%) | $95,548 |
| High (90%) | $134,926 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $78,569 |
| Mid Level | $95,886 |
| Senior Level | $107,390 |
| Expert Level | $136,829 |
Employability
There are currently 291,900 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 323,900 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 11%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 11%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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