Hutt Valley High School
Mechanical Engineering Technician Kaihangarau Take Pūkaha
Mechanical engineering technicians assist with the design, building and maintenance of machines, such as air-conditioning systems, heating and ventilation units and power plants. They also develop manufacturing quality control systems by studying and improving the mechanical processes and machinery on production lines.
Mechanical engineering technicians may do some or all of the following:
- oversee the assembly of machinery
- make recommendations on how to improve machinery
- calculate costs and the amount of equipment required to build machines
- give advice on installing equipment and machinery
- test and repair equipment and machines
- monitor equipment and machines to improve mechanical processes
- prepare drawings and develop machines according to requirements
- prepare contracts and contact suppliers
- plan and give advice on equipment and machinery maintenance work
- supervise and work with staff at power and manufacturing plants.
Physical Requirements
Some work situations may require mechanical engineering technicians to be agile and to work at heights.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for mechanical engineering technicians includes:
- work in an engineering workshop
- any work using hand tools or operating machinery
- welding and sheet metal work.
Personal Qualities
Mechanical engineering technicians need to be:
- practical and accurate, with an eye for detail
- able to make decisions quickly and work well under pressure
- good at problem-solving
- patient and confident
- motivated and disciplined
- able to work well independently and as part of a team.
- good with computers
- good at technical drawing
- well organised, with good communication and time management skills.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for mechanical engineering technicians includes:
- work in an engineering workshop
- any work using hand tools or operating machinery
- welding and sheet metal work.
Subject Recommendations
To gain entry into the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical), it is recommended that you have a minimum of 48 NCEA credits at Level 2 in four subjects, including at least 12 credits in mathematics. Physics is also highly recommended, and technology subjects may be useful.
Related Courses
Mechanical Engineering Technicians can earn around $40K-$45K per year per year.
Chances of getting a job as a Mechanical Engineering Technician are good due to a shortage of people interested in this type of work.
Experienced mechanical engineering technicians can move into supervisory roles.
They may specialise in a number of different areas that involve mechanical processes and technology. These include:
- air-conditioning
- heating and ventilation
- manufacturing (including dairy, meat and textiles)
- heavy manufacturing
- power generation and roading.
