Engineering
technicians use the principles and theories of science, engineering, and
mathematics to solve technical problems in research and development,
manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance. Their
work is more narrowly focused and application-oriented than that of
scientists and engineers.
Many
engineering technicians assist engineers and scientists, especially in
research and development. Others work in quality control, inspecting
products and processes, conducting tests, or collecting data. In
manufacturing, they may assist in product design, development, or
production.
Engineering technicians who work in research and development build
or set up equipment, prepare and conduct experiments, collect data,
calculate or record results, and help engineers or scientists in other
ways, such as making prototype versions of newly designed equipment.
They also assist in design work, often using computer-aided design and
drafting (CADD) equipment.
Most engineering technologists specialize in certain areas, learning
skills and working in the same disciplines as engineers.
Occupational titles, therefore, tend to reflect those of engineers.
- Electrical
and electronic engineering technologists make up 42 percent of all
engineering technologists.
- Because the
type and quality of training programs vary considerably,
prospective students should carefully investigate training
programs before enrolling.
- Opportunities
will be best for individuals with an associate degree or
extensive job training in engineering technology.
There is a wide range of options when it comes to
educational preparation in engineering
technology. Most employers prefer to hire engineering technologists
with at least a 2-year associate degree in engineering technology.
Some universities offer two year associate degrees, others offer
three or four year BS degree programs, and some offer both
types of degrees.
|
Engineering Technology Resources |
|
Online |
Overview:
Overview of Engineering Technology |
Engineering Technology Disciplines:
Descriptions of Specific Engineering Technology Degree Fields |
Preparation:
Admission Requirements, Alternate Degree Paths, Graduate
Programs, Accredited Programs |
Day in the Life:
Teams and Coworkers,
Tasks, the Workplace |
Earnings:
Employer Options, Salary Ranges, Types of Employers |
Employment:
Statistics, Industries, Employers |
Career Path Forecast:
Predictions, Employers |
Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support |
Internet Resources:
 American Academy of
Environmental Engineers
American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics
American Institute of Chemical
Engineers
American Nuclear Society
American Society of
Agricultural Engineers
American Society of Civil
Engineers
ASME
Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers
Institute
of Industrial Engineers |
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
|
|
