Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians — Tasks

Task statements

• Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, and plant space.
• Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
• Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
• Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
• Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
• Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
• Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
• Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
• Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
• Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
• Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.
• Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
• Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
• Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
• Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
• Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.
• Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
• Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
• Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.
• Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.
• Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
• Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
• Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.
• Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.
• Estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing.
• Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.
• Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.
• Devise, fabricate, or assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.
• Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, or drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
• Monitor, inspect, or test mechanical equipment.