Engineering Technology Pathways Career Opportunity: Mechanical Design Technician
My Story
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-Taylor Fields
CAD/CAM
Description
Mechanical design technicians help engineers design, test and manufacture machinery, consumer products and other equipment. They assist in selecting mechanical components and materials, and they may conduct product tests and develop prototypes. During design, they make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates and report on their findings. During production, they prepare CAD models and working drawings, and they may work closely with production staff.
Working environment
Mechanical design technicians usually work in an office environment, although they have limited exposure to shop, fabrication and manufacturing facilities. Full-time technicians work a standard of 40 hours a week, but they may sometimes work overtime. They typically work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and opportunities to work from home are very limited. A few part-time positions may be available. Travel is usually not required in this position.
Job duties
Mechanical design technicians work with CAD software, applied engineering concepts and industry standards.
Draft and detail parts and assemblies, including dimensions, fastening methods, tolerances and fits
Select pre-fabricated mechanical components for design
Select materials appropriate for equipment’s environment and use
Assist in creating and testing prototypes
Modify existing designs based on engineer’s specifications and industry and standards
Make design calculations and estimates under engineer’s guidance
Work with others to address electronic and robotic components of a design
Wage range
Average starting hourly wage: $15.80
Median hourly wage: $24.34
Average annual income: $50,608
Employment outlook
Current employment: About statewide average
Employment growth: About statewide average
Job opening projection: About statewide average
Links
Oregon Labor Market Information System: Includes data on current employment trends and future Career Opportunities, along with tools for finding a variety of occupational information.
International Organization for Standardization: The ISO sets worldwide standards requirements for products, services, processes, materials and systems, as well as compliance management.
American National Standards Institute: Coordinates the development and use of thousands of voluntary industrial standards, including ISO 9000 (quality) and ISO 14000 (environmental).
American Society of Mechanical Engineers: Represents 120,000 professionals focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and technology community.
Chemeketa Community College: Offers a one-year certificate program for entry-level positions, a two-year associate’s degree or engineering coursework for transfer to OSU or PSU.
Autodesk Inc.: The world's leading design software company for manufacturing, infrastructure, building, media and entertainment and wireless data services.
Solidworks: Provides 3D CAD tools used in industrial, medical, scientific, consumer, educational, technology, and transportation markets.
eFunda: Provides an online engineering reference with concise, reliable information on materials, design, processes, units, formulas and math.
