what is a mechanical technician?

A mechanical technician provides an essential service for any mechanical equipment and product. You develop parts using shop tools and assemble products. The job description of a mechanical technician varies depending on the company. All mechanical technicians have a hands-on role in installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining product or equipment designs. Most report to a mechanical engineer and help bring designs to life. You also evaluate designs for faults and make recommendations to improve product efficiencies, cost effectiveness, or reliability.

responsibility overview

Generally, mechanical technicians support manufacturing companies' operations and production processes. You ensure all equipment and products are safe and working efficiently. For example, a mechanical technician in the car manufacturing industry will help test cars by setting up vehicle crash tests. Mechanical technicians work in a variety of environments, including working on oil rigs, managing unmanned submarines, or operating and checking aircraft. You also work with different skills depending on specific qualifications. For instance, an optical mechanical technician must be familiar with testing equipment such as light meters and goniophotometers.

transitioning into higher-level positions

A mechanical technician career provides an increase in salary as you gain more experience. There are also opportunities to transition into other higher-level positions such as:

  • Mechanical designer
  • Maintenance supervisor
  • Mechanical engineering technician
  • Facilities manager
  • Production supervisor
  • Manufacturing manager
  • Director of facilities
  • Engineering director
technician jobs
1

average salary of a mechanical technician

Mechanical technicians and engineers make an average salary of around £32,500 per year.

2

types of mechanical technicians

Depending on the company's size and industry you work in, your job title will be specific or broad. For example, mechanical technicians specialize in some of the following areas:

  • Aerospace
  • Automobiles
  • Environmental engineering
  • Industrial engineering
  • Optics

You will also be a mechanical technician in charge of general troubleshooting, repairs, or assembly. Most technicians have roles that include one or two of the three. For example, as an assembler, you put the finishing touches of products together and troubleshoot.

similar job titles

Some mechanical technicians also fill roles similar to that of an electrical engineer who solves technical challenges and carries out quality assurance (QA) processes. Other similar job titles are:

  • Maintenance technician
  • Automotive service technician
  • Field service technician
  • Mechanical assembly technician
  • Mechanical manufacturing technician
  • Maintenance mechanic
3

working as a mechanical technician

Working as a mechanical technician is ideal for you if you enjoy creative thinking and physical work. The job allows you to problem-solve, analyse test procedures, and develop and assemble equipment or products. While you must follow safety precautions at all times, the risk on the job is minimal. You will choose work environments that have you in an office-like setting, outdoors, or even on oil rigs. Additionally, expect a job market growth rate of 3% up until 2029.

Depending on what you specialize in, your job looks different. For an overview of what to expect when working as a mechanical technician, here's information on typical duties, environments, and schedules.

mechanical technician job description

As a mechanical technician, you help design, install, develop, and manufacture tools, machines, engines, and other products or devices. You also test these devices, record and analyse data, and report your findings. Overall, a mechanical technician is responsible for:

  • Ensuring project plans follow procedures promptly and meet objectives
  • Taking care of tools and maintaining a clean work environment
  • Adhering to health and safety practices and policies
  • Reporting to the mechanical engineer or maintenance supervisor

Depending on the industry, you also work with different types of equipment and collaborate with different departments. For example, as an optical mechanical technician, you collaborate with operational engineering teams to develop test plans for equipment such as integrating spheres.

man wearing protective eye glasses and gloves
man wearing protective eye glasses and gloves

work environment

Mechanical technicians work in the public or private sector. The role is mostly independent but requires collaboration with engineers and communication with company departments. You work outdoors, indoors, or a hybrid of indoors with fieldwork once a month. Field technicians generally work outdoors when testing products or in work environments such as construction sites and coordinates with heavy equipment operators as well. Mostly mechanical technicians work indoors in an office setting, machine shop, or lab at a research facility or factory.

work schedule

Most mechanical technicians work full time. However, some companies contract mechanical technicians from the engineering or consulting industries. Hiring contractors allows companies to reduce their costs in comparison to employing in-house technicians. Typical hours of a full-time mechanical technician are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a half-hour break. You are less likely to work nights or weekends when production isn't in process unless there is an emergency. However, these hours differ depending on the industry and type of company. For example, as an electro-mechanical technician working on an oil rig or unmanned submarine, expect to work over 40 hours a week. These hours include nights if the equipment you're responsible for is in operation. Similarly, if you're a mechanical technician on a construction site, your hours align with construction shifts.

job outlook

Mechanical engineering technologist and technician employment is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029. It is also projected an average of 3,800 openings each year over the next decade. These openings will be due to workers retiring or moving to different occupations.

focused female operating a machine
focused female operating a machine
4

education & skills

Most entry-level mechanical technician positions require a relevant degree. Computer science, math, and science classes may be taken as the right foundation for this career. Having a certification or specialized training from an accredited technical school also qualifies you for this job. Some employers require you to have a relevant bachelor's degree or a degree from an accredited program.

Womale operating a touch-screen display.
Womale operating a touch-screen display.
5

FAQs

Here are the most asked questions about working as a mechanical technician.

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