Engineering Technician

QUALIFICATIONS

An Engineering technician diploma, an associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering; e.g. in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, manufacturing engineering, design engineering etc., or technology study program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); Related Engineering certifications like AutoCAD certifications, Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM), the Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CME) from the Society for Manufacturing Engineers, the Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) from the American Society for Quality, etc.; encompassing at least 2-year requisite study and practice credit hours in the area or field of Engineering and technology; combined with – On the Job Training (OJT) programs, Apprenticeships, Engineering Technician Workforce Job Training or Experience; covering technical or engineering work topics including Engineering fundamentals, concepts and principles, and depending on the field of specialization, related subjects like; maths, science, technologies including “hands-on” technical planning and prepping, technical inspections; reading and understanding and adhering to technical specifications, problem identification, computation and technical troubleshooting & problem-solving, codes, guidelines, regulations and safety protocols, environment protection, quality assurance and quality control (QA/ QC) etc.

AVERAGE HOURLY PAY
(Credits: www.payscale.com)

PROJECTED GROWTH
(Credits: www.bls.gov)

Engineering Technician is an in-demand occupation, in which employment is expected to grow at an average of 3 percent from 2019 to 2029.

SKILLS/ TRAITS NEEDED

Besides technical qualifications and skills, the Engineering needs to be “hands-on”, research-oriented, self-driven with strategic, creative, critical, and lateral thinking; a methodical approach, structured thinking & planning, analysis, design to produce innovative technical solutions with strong visualizing, computation and problem-solving & troubleshooting skills and strong scientific aptitude; ability to follow read, understand and follow processes, procedures, techniques, technologies, designs, plans, blueprints, diagrams, sustainability, standards & best practices, the statutory and safety protocols, and documentation. Ability to work under pressure for lengthy periods, endurance, extreme focus, memory, attention to detail, math & technical acumen, computer software knowledge, strong written and verbal communication, time management, prioritization, reporting, inter-personal & soft-skills, memory, patience, and perseverance, are the vital ingredients of a successful Engineering Technician.

WORK FUNCTIONS

Engineering technicians work alongside Engineers, as part of a team – mostly involved in technical troubleshooting & solutions, implementation, deployment, and commissioning; their work could encompass reading, reviewing, understanding, and adhering to specifications, drawings, designs, planning, controlling, ensuring quality standards, and compliance to technical specs, supervising and coordinating activities, procurement, adhering to codes, guidelines, regulations and safety protocols, environment protection, quality assurance and quality control (QA/ QC); it may also involve site & client visits, oversight and status reporting, maintenance, liaising with statutory authorities, and organizing operations, identifying and resolving technical pain points, handling contractors; and implementing strategic, cost-effective, innovative, and robust technical solutions, technical inspections and status reporting, and documentation. Engineering Technicians may set up their own business and work independently, or work for the government, or private contractors and employers. They may be needed to work in shifts.