Holding The World In Your Hands: Becoming An Engineering Technician
If you loved playing with blocks or Legos as a child, you’d love a future career as an engineering technician.
Engineering technicians are behind the highways, bridges, and infrastructure you commute through on a daily basis.
They are also responsible for developing many different important products, from children’s toys to household electronics, cars, and airplanes – even spaceships!
Engineering technicians enjoy embracing the newest tools and technology and using them to create essential items found in homes and workplaces around the world.
For a job with prestige and significance, which offers opportunities for growth and long-term career stability, consider becoming an engineering technician.
Engineering Technician Information Table
| Official Job Title | Engineering Technician |
| Average Salary | $74,676 |
| Stress Level | Very High |
| Work/ Life | Average |
| Job Satisfaction | Average |
| Career Advancement | High |
Engineering Technician Job Description
What Is An Engineering Technician?
An engineering technician is someone who maintains equipment and works alongside engineers to design products and equipment.
Engineering technicians might work on electronics, machines, or infrastructure depending on the company which employs them.
What Does An Engineering Technician Do On A Daily Basis?
Working with other members of the engineering team, engineering technicians plan and design various types of items.
These could be buildings, home electronics, manufacturing equipment, or infrastructure like roads and bridges.
Taking accurate measurements, determining the right materials for parts, and making sure the engineering equipment works properly are all parts of the engineering technician’s job.
Once the products have been mapped out, engineering technicians may test items to ensure they work properly before going into large-scale manufacturing and sales.
Engineering technicians may also inspect and maintain finished products and do research to test efficiency and overall performance.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of An Engineering Technician
Engineering technicians support engineers and scientists during the planning, testing, and construction stages.
Handling and performing regular upkeep on the tools and software used by engineers ensures the results are precise and functional.
They work with teams to create blueprints and drawings which will eventually be turned into structures, electronic devices, or roads and bridges.
Depending on the field, engineering technicians may work on all different types of projects, from road planning to aerospace.
Engineering technicians are also testers.
It is their job to verify that prototypes perform as intended and function as expected before the item is mass-produced or built to scale.
If a prototype isn’t working properly, an engineering technician should be able to determine what is wrong and make suggestions for improving the item.
Engineering Technician Salary
Average Salary
The average salary for an engineering technician is $74,676, according to Glassdoor.com.
Individuals with post-secondary education and strong performance history earn more than those without a university degree or significant experience.
$40,963 is the average entry-level salary offered to new candidates possessing at least a 2-year university degree (associate’s) and several years of technician experience, according to Indeed.
It may be possible to become an engineering technician without post-secondary education and a lower starting salary.
Individuals with significant experience in the field earn an average of $88,615 annually, according to Zippia.
Those with 4-year or doctoral studies can earn much more, up to $123,000/year.
How To Become An Engineering Technician
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
Becoming an engineering technician usually requires you to possess a 2-year university degree in engineering.
There are many specialties to consider depending on the kind of industry where you hope to work, such as civil engineering, industrial engineering, or aerospace engineering.
While a small number of engineering technicians go to work immediately after secondary school, the pay is often significantly lower, and they are unlikely to advance to higher levels.
After completing a 2-year degree or certification, you will usually need several years of work experience as an entry-level technician before you can become an engineering technician.
Alternatively, you can take a 4-year degree and even a post-graduate degree and immediately move into the role after your degree is complete.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
Being an engineering technician usually requires professional certification.
You might obtain this before you start work or during your first few years on the job.
Many different organizations offer engineering technician certification.
In the USA, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers a variety of professional certifications.
Engineering technicians generally require advanced mathematics ability.
Algebra, trigonometry, and calculus are essential skills in this career.
Applied scientific skills are also important.
Candidates should understand material properties, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics, to name just a few scientific concepts.
Understanding technology and CAD (computer-aided design) is also quite useful in this profession.
How Long Does It Take To Become An Engineering Technician?
For most candidates, it will take 4-6 years to become an engineering technician.
It is essential to achieve one of the following prerequisites before applying:
- 2-year degree plus two years of work experience as a technician
- 4-year degree
- 4-6 years of related work experience
Depending on the type of engineering you wish to do, it could take significantly more time.
Those interested in aerospace or infrastructure engineering, for example, may wish to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate in engineering before applying for the job.
Is It Hard To Become An Engineering Technician?
Achieving the goal of becoming an engineering technician is difficult but can be accomplished with dedication and persistence.
For those with the ability to study post-secondary courses, much of the foundation you will need can be learned in a few years.
If you prefer to learn by working with your hands, it may take longer, but can be done.
However, engineering is not a profession that accepts everyone.
It can be competitive and technical work.
Engineering Technician Career Paths
The Engineering Technician Roadmap
Following secondary school, candidates should pursue education in engineering or related fields.
A minimum of a 2-year degree is expected for most positions; earning a 4-year degree or higher credentials will help interested candidates pursue their goals faster.
In many cases, a year or more of technician work experience is required.
Certain fields may also require you to have a few years of work experience in their industry.
After finishing a 4-year degree or higher and obtaining at least 3-4 years of work experience as a technician, you can move on to becoming an engineer.
Projections For Growth In Engineering Technician Jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this occupation is experiencing lower-than-average growth at a rate of 2% annually.
The BLS projected that the number of engineering technician positions will increase by about 900 jobs nationwide by 2031.
While more technology is being used in the field, the career still has a good outlook for people entering the workforce in the next decade.
In Summary: Is Engineering Technician A Good Career?
Being an engineering technician is a difficult job that requires precision and advanced knowledge in mathematics, applied science, and technology.
It can be a very demanding field with no room for error.
In cases of infrastructure or aerospace engineering, minor mistakes could hurt people, and in other fields, errors could result in corporate losses of millions of dollars.
Because of this, engineering technician is considered high-pressure.
However, many engineering technicians find their careers rewarding and enjoy being part of important projects.
Although challenging, the career offers an opportunity to work with different types of industries and companies.
It is also a sustainable career with a good outlook and steady wages.
Working Conditions
Can An Engineering Technician Work Remotely From Home?
The work of an engineering technician typically cannot be done remotely.
With the exception of using design software like CAD, many of the projects and tasks of an engineering technician require them to be on-site.
However, engineering technicians working solely on automated design tasks may be able to work remotely part or full-time.
How Many Hours Does An Engineering Technician Work?
Most engineering technicians work full-time 40 hours/week.
However, during important projects or if the project deadline is looming, engineering technicians may be called upon to perform overtime.
There is no set schedule for engineering technicians.
Although many work from 9 am to 5 pm, others work evenings and weekends depending on the company, industry, and project.
Can An Engineering Technician Work Part-Time?
There are part-time engineering technician positions available.
These are usually entry-level and intended as a way to qualify for a full-time career.
Many are temporary.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of An Engineering Technician?
Engineering technicians enjoy excellent benefits packages.
They typically receive 12-14 paid days off each year.
This includes time off for holidays, personal leave, and sick days.
There is often an allowance of 7-10 days of unpaid sick or personal leave as well.
Senior-level engineering technicians usually enjoy 21-30 days’ worth of paid vacation annually.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to an Engineering Technician
- Computer Engineer
- Safety Engineer
- Sound Engineer
- Product Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- AI Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Maintenance Engineer
- Nuclear Engineer
Engineering Technician Resume Tips
When applying for an engineering technician position, your resume should contain information describing your background and how your education and experience have prepared you for the post.
Emphasize your skills in mathematics, science, and technical fields to show you have a solid foundation on which to launch a career.
If you have completed a degree, highlighting programs or coursework will give the hiring manager more information about the type of work you’re seeking and whether your interest is a good fit.
If you have certifications, make mention of them in a prominent area of the resume.
Your resume should also include any career experience utilizing engineering skills, even if the job title is dissimilar.
For instance, mentioning you’ve taught math as a volunteer shows you have a strong mathematics foundation.
Avoid including work history which has no relation to the job you seek.
Instead, concentrate on explaining why your skills are a good fit for the position.
Engineering Technician Interview Questions
Q1: Describe why careful attention to detail is important in this job.
Why it works: Attention to detail is crucial in engineering.
Mistakes can be very costly and even result in dangerous products or unsafe infrastructure.
Making sure the candidate understands why paying close attention and double-checking their work assures the hiring manager the applicant realizes the significance of the job.
Applicants who seem unwilling to pay close attention or who allow things to slide could end up causing serious problems for the company.
Q2: How has your education and/or work experience prepared you for this role?
Why it works: Engineering technician is usually not an entry-level role.
Candidates are expected to have some post-secondary education or several years of experience for this position.
Asking about their training gives candidates an opportunity to prove they understand what will be expected of them and come into the job prepared.
This question also allows HR to determine what type of training and oversight will be necessary for new employees in this role.
Q3. Imagine you receive a blueprint containing errors. How will you resolve this problem?
Why it works: A good engineering technician must be able to problem-solve.
Mistakes in blueprints, plans, or sketches can result in faulty, unreliable products and waste company time and money.
The hiring manager will want to verify the applicant feels confident in their ability to challenge other team members when mistakes have been made.
Applicants who lack confidence may not speak up when necessary, resulting in serious setbacks for the business.
A strong candidate must be able to work effectively as part of a team, neither bullying others nor allowing others to push poor-quality work through.
The right candidate will also have ideas in mind for quickly making changes and correcting issues before deadlines and under budget.
Q4. Why are you the ideal applicant for this company and position?
Why it works: Weed out sub-par candidates by asking why they are a good fit for the business and the role they hope to fill.
Quality candidates will be invested in getting the job.
They will have done research on the company and the position, so they will understand why their particular skill set is right for the opening.
If a candidate doesn’t have a good answer, they may not have bothered to look into the company, and this lack of interest and follow-through may carry over into their work.
The best applicants will be enthusiastic and bring something special to the table.
This question gives them a chance to highlight unusual skills or experiences or to showcase something unique about their background which prepared them for the job.
Jobs Related To Engineering Technician
- Aerospace Engineer
- Biomedical Equipment Technician
- CAD Technician
- Civil Engineer
- Construction Technician
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Engineer
- Engineering Test Technician
- Field Engineering Technician
- Field Service Engineer
- Maintenance Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Operator
- Quality Control Technician
- Software Engineer
- Test Engineer
- Test Technician
For the HR Manager: Tips For Hiring An Engineering Technician
Key Characteristics To Look For In An Engineering Technician
- Creative:
- Engineering technicians must be capable of finding creative solutions to engineering problems.
- There may not be a template or earlier model to learn from, so applicants for the post should have the ability to think outside the box and come up with original ideas.
- Engineering technicians often create products like consumer electronics or commercial manufacturing equipment.
- Ingenuity and flexibility are essential to ensure the company’s products won’t be identical to those of competitors.
- Attention to detail:
- Engineering technicians do work which requires precision.
- Blueprints, product designs, and mathematical or scientific calculations all require the engineering technician to be exacting and careful.
- Having the ability to pay attention to detail prevents clumsy, careless mistakes from being made.
- It also gets the work done faster and eliminates the need for retrofitting, recalls, or urgent patches.
- Mathematically Gifted:
- Working as an engineering technician requires the person to understand all mathematic functions.
- Part of the daily routine will include making measurements, performing calculations, determining qualities like aerodynamics or speed, and evaluating research statistics.
- The candidate must possess strong math skills and can factor in issues relating to angles, weights, positions, and so forth when planning infrastructure or object design.
- Someone who struggles with mathematics is unlikely to make an adequate engineer.
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
For most positions, a minimum of a 2-year degree or certification is required.
More advanced or senior positions will require 4+ years of post-secondary education.
Generally, an engineering technician should have 1-3 years of previous technician experience, although some may be hired at entry-level without relevant experience and trained on-site.
Possessing post-secondary-level skills in mathematics and science is essential.
Some positions will have a mathematics and applied sciences tests applicants need to pass in order to be considered.