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Job Definition
View MovieApply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, and test machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Interests
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Tasks
Inspect lines and figures for clarity and return erroneous drawings to designer for correction.
Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
Confer with technicians and submit reports of test results to engineering department and recommend design or material changes.
Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
Estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing.
Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
Operate drill press, grinders, engine lathe, or other machines to modify parts tested or to fabricate experimental parts for testing.
Test equipment, using test devices attached to generator, voltage regulator, or other electrical parts, such as generators or spark plugs.
Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
Devise, fabricate, and 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, and drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $54,120.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $32,930.00 and $80,590.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 6,000 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 6,600 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 60 openings due to growth and about 120 replacement openings for approximately 180 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician - A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in the design and development phases of a wide variety of projects involving mechanical systems. Includes instruction in principles of mechanics, applications to specific engineering systems, design testing procedures, prototype and operational testing and inspection procedures, manufacturing system-testing procedures, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
Similar Occupations
Marine Engineers - Design, develop, and take responsibility for the installation of ship machinery and related equipment including propulsion machines and power supply systems.
Marine Architects - Design and oversee construction and repair of marine craft and floating structures such as ships, barges, tugs, dredges, submarines, torpedoes, floats, and buoys. May confer with marine engineers.
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers - Determine the location and plan the extraction of coal, metallic ores, nonmetallic minerals, and building materials, such as stone and gravel. Work involves conducting preliminary surveys of deposits or undeveloped mines and planning their development; examining deposits or mines to determine whether they can be worked at a profit; making geological and topographical surveys; evolving methods of mining best suited to character, type, and size of deposits; and supervising mining operations.
Petroleum Engineers - Devise methods to improve oil and gas well production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice to achieve economical and satisfactory progress.
Machinists - Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic - Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects.
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers - Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.
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