Engineering Technician

Engineering technicians often assist engineers and scientists, using science, engineering and mathematical principles to solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance. The work of engineering technicians is more application oriented and more limited in scope than that of engineers. To become an engineering technician one must generally earn an associate degree in engineering technology. Engineering technicians held 497,300 jobs in 2008. There were 164,000 electrical and electronic engineering technicians, 91,700 civil engineering technicians, 72,600 industrial engineering technicians, 46,100 mechanical engineering technicians, 21,200 environmental engineering technicians, 16,400 electro-mechanical technicians, and 8,700 aerospace engineering and operations technicians.

Educational Requirements for Engineering Technicians:

Those who want to work as engineering technicians should have at least an associate degree in engineering technology, although some employers will hire candidates who don't have formal training. Those who plan to become engineering technicians can expect to take courses in college algebra and trigonometry and basic science. Other coursework depends on specialty. For example, those who want to become electrical engineering technicians will take classes in electrical circuits, microprocessors and digital electronics.

Advancement for Engineering Technicians:

Engineering technicians initially work under the supervision of more experienced technicians, technologists, engineers or scientists. As they gain experience they are given more difficult assignments with limited supervision. Eventually they may become supervisors.

Job Outlook for Engineering Technicians:

Employment of engineering technicians, across all disciplines, is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2018. The outlook, however, will vary by specialty. For example, job growth for environmental engineering technicians is projected to be faster, through 2018, than it will be for other occupations requiring post-secondary training or an associate degree. Civil engineering technicians will also see an increase in employment as it grows faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of electro-mechanical engineering technicians will decline.