Mechanical Technician is a skilled professional who maintains, repairs, and troubleshoots mechanical equipment and machinery from manufacturing products to providing healthcare. These professionals typically have a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and the ability to use a variety of tools and equipment. Mechanical technicians work in a variety of industries, including construction, transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare. They ensure the proper functioning of mechanical systems in various industries. The specific role can vary depending on the industry and company. So, let us dive into the details of the mechanical technician job description.
Post Highlights:
- Position Levels
- Education Level
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Equipment Types
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Demands
- Resume Format
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Position Levels
Some common job titles include-
- Entry-Level Mechanical Technician
- Junior or Assistant Mechanical Technician
- Mechanical Technician
- Senior or Lead Mechanical Technician
- Specialized Mechanical Technician
- Supervisory or Managerial Roles
Education Level
The typical educational levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent:
- Certificate Program (mechanical technology, mechanical engineering technology)
- Associate’s Degree (mechanical technology, mechanical engineering technology)
- Bachelor’s Degree (mechanical engineering technology or a related field)
- Relevant Certification from professional organizations
- Advanced Degrees (Optional) (Master’s or Ph.D.)
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Capstone projects/internships course
- Electro-mechanical systems course
- Fluid mechanics/hydraulic systems course
- Machine shop practice course
- Materials/manufacturing process course
- Mechanical drawing/CAD course
- Mechanical measurements/metrology course
- Mechanical system maintenance/troubleshooting course
- Mechanical Systems Analysis course
- Mechanical Systems Introduction course
- Mechanical systems safety course
- Robotics/automation course
- Thermodynamics/heat transfer course
Certification/License
Some common certifications include-
- Certified Automation Professional (CAP) by ISA
- Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)
- Certified Electronics Technician (CET)
- Certified Fluid Power Technician (CFPT)
- Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT)
- Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)
- Certified Mechanical Technician (CMT)
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) by ASQ
- Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
- Certified Vibration Analyst (CVA)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Manufacturing Technician Certification (MT1)
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Collaboration/communication experience
- Documentation/record-keeping experience
- Equipment upgrades/modifications experience
- Hands-on maintenance/repair experience
- Installation/assembly experience
- Tig welding/laser welding experience
- Internships and apprenticeships
- Leadership/supervisory roles experience
- Preventive maintenance planning experience
- Safety compliance experience
- Specialized training (robotics, automation) experience
- Troubleshooting/problem-solving experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Address any potential safety hazards
- Analyze data related to equipment performance
- Calibrate and adjust mechanical systems
- Collaborate with engineering teams
- Collaborate with engineers and other team members
- Communicate with other team members
- Conduct repairs and replacements
- Conduct scheduled inspections
- Conduct tests and inspections to identify faults
- Coordinate with the procurement team
- Create/update documentation
- Diagnose mechanical issues
- Ensure all mechanical work meets quality standards
- Ensure all work is performed as per safety regulations
- Ensure compliance with industry standards
- Implement corrective actions during equipment failures
- Implement practices that promote environmental sustainability
- Maintain accurate records of working activities
- Manage an inventory of spare parts
- Participate in equipment upgrades/modifications
- Participate in quality control processes
- Participate in the assembly of new mechanical systems
- Perform routine maintenance on mechanical systems
- Provide feedback on equipment performance
- Provide training/guidance to juniors
- Respond to emergency breakdowns efficiently
- Stay informed about changes in regulations
- Stay updated on new industry trends
- Suggest improvements to reduce environmental impact
- Use data to make informed decisions
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Boilers/steam systems
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Conveyors/material handling systems (conveyor belts, pulleys, rollers, and other material handling systems)
- Electro-mechanical systems (motors, sensors, and actuators)
- HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems)
- Hydraulic systems (hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and valves)
- Instrumentation/control systems
- Machinery/manufacturing equipment (milling machines, lathes, and CNC machines)
- Pneumatic systems (valves, cylinders, and actuators)
- Power tools/handheld equipment
- Power transmission systems (gearboxes, couplings, and other components)
- Pressure vessels and tanks
- Robotics (robotic equipment)
- Rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, turbines, and engines)
- Testing/diagnostic equipment
Abilities/Skills
Some common skills include-
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Continuous learning temperament
- Computer literacy
- Customer service orientation
- Electrical knowledge
- Good safety consciousness
- Hands-on skills
- Able to exhibit competence in welding
- Leadership skills (for lead or senior roles)
- Mathematics/analytical skills
- Mechanical drawing/CAD skills
- Organizational skills
- Teamwork spirit
- Problem-solving skills
- Technical proficiency
- Time management skills
- Work adaptability
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Adherence to strict safety protocols
- Breakdowns may require working under time pressure
- Collaborate with team members
- Exposure to vibrations (rotating equipment)
- May be exposed to various environmental conditions
- May need to travel to different sites
- May require emergency repairs or maintenance tasks
- May work in a variety of environments
- Work may involve shifts
- May work with chemicals
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work in climate-controlled settings
- Work with machinery and power tools
- Workload/pressure may vary
Physical Demands
Some common physical demands include-
- Frequently use hand tools/power tools
- May engage in repetitive movements
- May need to lift/carry heavy equipment
- May need to maneuver heavy equipment
- May need to work in confined spaces
- May require climbing ladders, stairs, or platforms
- Noise exposure requires hearing protection.
- Often requires prolonged periods of standing/walking
- Possess precise hand movements
- Require fine motor skills
- Vibration exposure can lead to physical fatigue
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work often involves bending, stooping, or kneeling
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Linkedin Profile (if applicable)
Summary or Objective
- Highlights your skills, and experience briefly
Professional Experience
- List your work experience (most recent first)
- For each position, include-
Job title
Company name and location
Dates of employment (month and year)
Add key responsibilities and achievements
Education
- List educational background (most recent first)
- List your degree, major, institution, and graduation date
- Add any relevant honors or achievements
Skills
- List your both technical and soft skills
- Also, include a mix of hard skills
Certifications
- List all relevant certifications
- This can include the certification name, issuing organization, and date obtained
Projects (if applicable)
- Highlight any significant projects
- Demonstrate your skills and contributions
- Also, include the project name, a brief description, and your role
Awards/Honors (if applicable)
- List any awards or honors related to your work
Professional Memberships (if applicable)
- List any relevant professional memberships or affiliations
Additional Sections (if applicable)
- May add sections like Publications, Languages, or Professional Development
References
- Generally, not required (available upon request)
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Emphasizing the most relevant skills/experiences
- Keep your resume concise (1-2 pages)
- Proofread your resume (no grammatical or spelling errors)
- Tailor your resume for each job application
- Use a professional layout (11-12 points)
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Aerospace/Aviation Sectors
- Automotive Industry
- Chemical/Pharmaceutical Industry
- Construction/Engineering Firms
- Educational Institutions
- Energy/Utilities Facilities
- Government Agencies
- Hospitals/Healthcare Facilities
- Maintenance/Repair Services
- Manufacturing Industry
- Mining Industry
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Research/Development Facilities
- Transportation/Logistics Companies
- Utility Companies
- Water Treatment Plants
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician
- Automation Technician
- Automotive Technician
- Biomedical Equipment Technician
- Elevator Technician
- Field Service Technician
- HVAC Technician
- Instrument/Controls Technician
- Instrumentation Technician
- Machinist
- Manufacturing Technician
- Maintenance Technician
- Material Testing Technician
- Mining Technician
- Power Plant Technician
- Quality Control Technician
- Research/Development Technician
- Robotics Technician
- Test Technician
- Water Treatment Technician
Salary Information
The average hourly wage of a Mechanical Technician in the United States is $25. But, factors like education, experience, skills, location, industry type, and employer type affect salary trends.
However, the approximate salary ranges for Mechanical Technicians include.
Hourly Wage
- Entry-Level – $16 to $25
- Mid-Level – $20 to $30
- Experienced – $25 to $40 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-Level – $2,800 to $4,300
- Mid-Level – $3,500 to $5,200
- Experienced – $4,300 to $6,800 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-Level – $34,000 to $52,000
- Mid-Level – $42,000 to $62,000
- Experienced – $52,000 to $82,000 or more
These salary ranges are just estimates and actually salary can vary from place to place depending on various local circumstances and market trends. Additionally, Mechanical Technicians may earn higher salaries in industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or pharmaceuticals.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Bonuses/Performance Incentives
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Employee Discounts
- Flexible Work Schedule
- Health Insurance
- Health/Wellness Facilities
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Profit-Sharing Programs
- Recognition Programs
- Relocation Assistance
- Retirement Plans (401k)
- Social Events/Team Building
- Tool/Equipment Allowances
- Training/Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Uniforms/Safety Gear Provision
- Wellness Programs
Summary
Mechanical Technicians play a vital role in maintaining and advancing the machinery. They ensure the efficient operation of mechanical systems, contributing significantly to various sectors. They offer diverse opportunities across industries, requiring a blend of technical skills and hands-on experience. The specific duties may vary depending on the industry type. They receive good salaries along with various job benefits, and perks. Overall, mechanical technicians are responsible for the smooth functioning of mechanical systems, and the productivity of a company or organization.