The Mechanical Engineering Technology curriculum equips the graduate for performing a key role in the mechanical design process; installing, calibrating, troubleshooting and repairing mechanical and electro-mechanical equipment; programming robots, CNC machine tools, computers and programmable controllers; and performing general maintenance functions.
Since industry is mechanical in nature, there will always be a need for the Mechanical Engineering Technology specialist.
Technicians in this field may be required to:
assist in the design of tools, machine elements and industrial equipment
assist in the planning and operation of heat, steam, gas and water distribution systems
prepare and/or check design sketches and layouts
evaluate strength and cost of materials, physical and heating requirements and other necessary information
test components and systems and compile test reports
give technical information, aid and instruction to production workers
relay production, assembly and functional problems to engineers
Technicians in this field commonly experience:
plants or office environment
different tasks
little supervision
some stresses due to deadlines
occasional overtime
working in teams
generally: mildly active - some standing, walking
light lifting (up to 20lbs.) due to working environment
Technicians in this field should have:
problem-solving skills
good communication skills
good social skills (essential for career advancement)
ability to work with numbers, symbols, concepts and tools
excellent spatial aptitude (comprehend two-dimensional objects; recognize relationships resulting from the movement of objects)
mechanical reasoning (understand mechanical principles and devices; understand how things work and how to fix them)
Employment statistics for 2009-2011 PTC graduates, who found jobs in this field, are as follows:
salary average: $50,110 per year according to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics website at: http://www.bls.gov/ooh for the most current Occupational Outlook statistics.
100% placement rate
entry level positions include: mechanical technician, maintenance technician, junior engineer
advancement comes with experience and further education; positions include field service representative, engineering sales representative, product engineer design engineer
employment in cities and towns of all sizes
Some recent graduates have found work at:
D & D Electronic Services