Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.38%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$44,110
Median$64,020
High (90th %)$96,740
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Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
The automation risk for the occupation "Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians" stands at 48.4%, which is slightly below the base risk of 49.2%. This moderate risk reflects a balanced blend of routine and non-routine tasks within the profession. A significant portion of the work involves responsibilities amenable to automation, but several core duties retain a strong human element, limiting full automation. As technological advancements accelerate, many standard procedures can be streamlined by artificial intelligence and robotics, increasing the likelihood that some repetitive work will be automated in the coming years. However, the risk remains below 50%, indicating that this occupation still depends heavily on human oversight and judgment. The most automatable tasks in this role include assembling or disassembling complex mechanical systems, interpreting engineering sketches or drawings, and calculating required capacities for machinery to meet performance specifications. These tasks involve well-defined processes and logic that lend themselves readily to programming and automation. For instance, modern robotic systems can be programmed to assemble components with high precision, while advanced software can interpret digital blueprints and make calculations rapidly and accurately. This trend suggests that some routine aspects of the job are susceptible to being replaced by automation tools, making those functions less reliant on manual labor or human intuition. Conversely, the tasks most resistant to automation emphasize decision-making, interpersonal communication, and hands-on problem-solving. Monitoring, inspecting, or testing mechanical equipment requires human senses and judgment to spot subtle issues that may elude automated systems. Collaborating with staff to discuss design or process changes necessitates flexibility, creativity, and negotiation skills that machines find difficult to replicate. Moreover, devising, fabricating, or assembling novel mechanical components requires originality—a skill with reported bottleneck levels of just 3.1–3.3%—demonstrating that unique, creative problem-solving remains challenging for AI and robotics. These human-centric duties act as bottlenecks to full automation, helping to keep the overall automation risk for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians under 50%.
Filter by Automatable Status
Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
Non-Automatable
Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
Partially Automatable
Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
Automatable
Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
Partially Automatable
Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
Partially Automatable
Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
Partially Automatable
Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
Partially Automatable
Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
Partially Automatable
Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
Partially Automatable
Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
Partially Automatable
Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
Partially Automatable
Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.
Partially Automatable
Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
Partially Automatable
Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
Partially Automatable
Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.
Partially Automatable
Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.
Automatable
Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
Non-Automatable
Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.
Partially Automatable
Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.
Partially Automatable
Estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing.
Partially Automatable
Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.
Partially Automatable
Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.
Partially Automatable
Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, and plant space.
Partially Automatable
Devise, fabricate, or assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.
Partially Automatable
Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, or drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
Partially Automatable
Monitor, inspect, or test mechanical equipment.
Partially Automatable
Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.
Partially Automatable
Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
Automatable
Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Education and TrainingTherapy and CounselingAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageHistory and ArcheologyProduction and Processing
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationProcessing InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Mathsoft MathcadMicrosoft Visual BasicProModelMicrosoft Visual BasicWolfram Research MathematicaCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitRobotic control softwareC++ANSYS simulation softwareFinite element method FEM softwarePTC Creo ParametricAnsys FluentAutodesk InventorMSC Software AdamsIBM CATIAStereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systemsMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareWeb browser softwareCNC MastercamBentley MicroStationDassault Systemes CATIAComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareMathsoft MathcadData acquisition softwareANSYS MechanicalIntellisense IntellisuitePTC Pro/ENGINEER MechanicaSpectral Dynamics Star AcousticsSpectral Dynamics Star ModalTekSoft CAMWorksThe MathWorks MATLABRobotic control softwareAutodesk AutoCAD MechanicalAnsys FluentANSYS simulation softwareAutodesk InventorAutodesk AutoCAD MechanicalMSC Software AdamsCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitIBM CATIAC++Microsoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointSAP softwareCNC MastercamDassault Systemes CATIABentley MicroStationComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareWolfram Research MathematicaData acquisition softwareProModelANSYS MechanicalIntellisense IntellisuitePTC Pro/ENGINEER MechanicaSpectral Dynamics Star ModalTekSoft CAMWorksSoft Servo Systems LadderWorks PLCMicrosoft OutlookFinite element method FEM softwarePTC Creo ParametricComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareDassault Systemes SolidWorksDassault Systemes SolidWorksNational Instruments LabVIEWNational Instruments LabVIEWThe MathWorks MATLABStereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systemsSpectral Dynamics Star AcousticsSoft Servo Systems LadderWorks PLCComputerized numerical control CNC programming softwareComputerized numerical control CNC programming softwareThree-dimensional 3D solid modeling softwareThree-dimensional 3D solid modeling softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Access
Software Developers
Medium51.32%
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Aerospace Engineers
Medium49.06%
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
Electrical Engineers
Medium51.39%
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Medium47.85%
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Industrial Engineers
Medium52.84%
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
Manufacturing Engineers
Medium46.99%
Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.
Mechanical Engineers
Medium50.83%
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.
Mechatronics Engineers
Medium50.13%
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Medium56.65%
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
Mechanical Drafters
Medium57.37%
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium52.78%
Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Robotics Technicians
Medium42.51%
Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.78%
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium51.17%
Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.
Automotive Engineering Technicians
Medium49.22%
Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Photonics Technicians
Medium49.31%
Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Medium43.09%
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Medium49.05%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Cost Estimators
Medium45.75%
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Logistics Engineers
Medium48.28%
Design or analyze operational solutions for projects such as transportation optimization, network modeling, process and methods analysis, cost containment, capacity enhancement, routing and shipment optimization, or information management.
Geodetic Surveyors
Medium60.06%
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Medium49.00%
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
Chemical Engineers
Medium50.90%
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Civil Engineers
Medium50.63%
Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
Computer Hardware Engineers
Medium46.34%
Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Medium47.18%
Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology. Investigate and analyze characteristics of human behavior and performance as it relates to the use of technology.
Validation Engineers
Medium45.72%
Design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements.
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Medium49.96%
Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
Materials Engineers
Medium47.91%
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
Fuel Cell Engineers
Medium50.01%
Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.
Automotive Engineers
Medium48.94%
Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.
Petroleum Engineers
Medium51.23%
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
Microsystems Engineers
Medium45.90%
Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Photonics Engineers
Medium48.01%
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
Robotics Engineers
Medium49.96%
Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.
Wind Energy Engineers
Medium49.16%
Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Medium55.34%
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Medium46.60%
Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.30%
Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Medium44.70%
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
Materials Scientists
Medium49.08%
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
Chemical Technicians
Medium50.77%
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Medium52.73%
Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.
Quality Control Analysts
Medium49.25%
Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium40.92%
Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium49.25%
Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction, mechanics/repair, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology, primarily to students who have graduated from or left high school. Teaching takes place in public or private schools whose primary business is academic or vocational education.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Medium44.65%
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Sales Engineers
Medium44.20%
Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Low26.36%
Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.
Medical Equipment Repairers
Medium44.39%
Test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electromedical equipment.
Team Assemblers
Medium51.70%
Work as part of a team having responsibility for assembling an entire product or component of a product. Team assemblers can perform all tasks conducted by the team in the assembly process and rotate through all or most of them, rather than being assigned to a specific task on a permanent basis. May participate in making management decisions affecting the work. Includes team leaders who work as part of the team.
Medical Appliance Technicians
Low24.63%
Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
High68.97%
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.