Nature of the Job
Engineering technician jobs require the use of the theories and principles of math, engineering and science to solve technical problems. These problems may be in sales, construction, manufacturing, R&D, and other fields, and can occur in the civilian sector, or in military jobs. Unlike scientists and engineers, engineering technicians have fairly narrowly focused, application oriented work.
Engineering technicians are likely to assist scientists and engineers, particularly in research and development operations. In R&D, engineering technician jobs involve building and setting up equipment, collecting data, recording and calculating results, conducting experiments, and making prototypes of equipment that has newly been designed. Engineering technicians may also help with design work, often using CADD equipment.
The majority of engineering technicians, both in civilian and in military jobs, specialize in the same way as engineers. They learn many of the same skills and work in the same disciplines. The titles of engineering technician jobs will tend to reflect this, with many engineering technicians having similar job titles to those held by engineers.
Training, Qualifications and Advancement
Most technicians enter their field with an associate's degree. This training can be found at community colleges, university and college extensions, technical institutes, vocational and technical schools and in the Armed Forces. The type and quality of a given training program is unpredictable, so prospective students should take a good look at any prospective program before enrolling.
It is sometimes possible to qualify for engineering technician jobs without formal training. However, the majority of employers would rather hire candidates with a minimum of a two year degree in the field. In some cases, people who have taken math, science and engineering courses in college can qualify. They may require additional training and experience, however. The exact type of technical courses required for engineering technician jobs will depend on the specialty.
Initially, most engineering technician jobs involve performance of routine duties while supervised by more experienced technicians. Scientists and engineers may also supervise. After technicians gain experience, they'll be given harder assignments and less supervision. Advancement to supervisory positions is possible.
Job Outlook for Engineering Technicians
Projected growth for this field and prospects vary by specialty, though opportunities will generally be better for people with extensive job training or associate's degrees. More jobs will become available as competitive pressures force companies to improve their facilities and designs. However, growth in some fields may be dampened by increasing globalization. Electronics and computer related technician specialties are most likely to be affected.
Operations and engineering technicians in aerospace fields are expected to have a slightly higher growth rate, since increases in the scope and number of military projects may create new jobs. In addition, commercial aircraft are expected to make use of many new technologies, spurring demand for engineering technician jobs. Civil engineering technicians also have a good job outlook, due to population growth and decaying infrastructures.
For environmental engineering technicians, prospects are especially good, with growth over the next decade expected to grow by a quarter. That's because increasing environmental regulations and hazards will require new technologies and designs. A shift toward prevention rather than control of existing problems, and increasing concerns about public health will mean that many more companies are interested in employing environmental technicians.
On average, engineering technician jobs tend to pay between $40,000 and $60,000, with salaries varying by specialty. The highest ten percent of technicians earned more than $73,000 and the lowest ten percent less than $30,000.
Overall, engineering technician jobs are an excellent opportunity, particularly for those interested in environmental, civil, or aerospace engineering fields. Mechanical, electronic, and electrical engineering technician jobs are also viable fields, but may suffer from globalization of these industries. Pay rates for these jobs are high, in relation to the amount of education required, and advancement opportunities are good.
Military training has a particularly good reputation, but its uses can be limited outside the Armed Forces, depending on the specialty. Those looking for training as engineering technicians should take care to choose the program that best follows their goals, since the quality and scope of these programs can vary significantly.
