Mechanical engineering technician

Mechanical engineering technicians test, modify, make and adjust machinery and equipment. They assemble and install mechanical devices like tools, engines and machines.

Also known as

Aeronautical engineering technician, aeronautical technician, building and engineering technician, general mechanical engineering trades worker, hydraulic controls technician, mechanical technician, fluid power technician

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work shifts
  • Usually work in workshops, factories, power plants and on building sites and may travel locally
  • May work in noisy, dirty and hazardous conditions
  • Need to be accurate, safety conscious and identify and solve problems

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$50K-$125K 50000

Typical tasks

  • Test machinery and equipment
  • Repair machinery and equipment
  • Help engineers with design work
  • Create drawings of machines and equipment
  • Check designs to make sure they work
  • Work out resource needs for projects
  • Decide how projects are built
  • Read technical documents to plan work
  • Analyse test results

Outlook

Mechanical engineering technicians continue to play an important role in supporting engineering, manufacturing and infrastructure projects. In New Zealand and globally, greater use of automation, digital design tools and advanced manufacturing technologies is changing how technical work is completed. Organisations are increasingly using digital systems to improve efficiency, accuracy and product development processes.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong technical and practical problem-solving skills
  • Understanding of engineering equipment and systems
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Confidence using technical software and tools
  • Ability to interpret technical information and drawings
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.