Calling all Engineers, GTFIH!

Ascendent · 08-24-2009, 05:45 AM

I need help on choosing which path to take. Basically, I'm asking is mechanical engineer technician a wise choice. I'm currently out of the country, so I can't attend an engineering college but this may give me a boost once I can.

General description:

Mechanical engineering technicians assist mechanical engineers and sometimes scientists in all phases of the design, development, production, testing, operation, and maintenance of mechanical equipment, tools, and industrial machinery. Mechanical engineering technology is a broad field. Technicians work on products that range from automobile engines, air conditioners, and power saws, to nuclear reactors, elevators, and printing presses. They also work on the machines and tools needed to make such products. Sometimes they are concerned with tiny parts for delicate instruments. At other times they deal with huge gears for machines such as bulldozers.

Mechanical engineering technicians have a wide variety of titles. Sometimes they are just called mechanical technicians. If they specialize, they may be called automotive technicians or diesel technicians depending on their field. Others are known as tool designers, mechanical drafters, or production technicians depending on the job they do within their field. Mechanical engineering technicians work in plants and factories in all sections of the country. Most work for private companies that make tools and machinery. Others work for government agencies or consulting firms.

Many mechanical engineering technicians work in design and development. They usually work closely with the mechanical engineers who create or improve products ranging from mechanical pencils to complex spaceships. Many of these technicians spend much of their time at drawing boards. They prepare drawings, or layouts, of the product being developed?for example, an engine for an automobile. They have to make detailed drawings of each screw, nut, bolt, and gear to be used in the engine. They estimate how much it will cost to make the engine and how well it will work. They take into account the friction, stress, strain, and vibration that the various parts of the engine will have to endure. Mechanical engineering technicians often use complex instruments, testing equipment, and gauges in their work. They test models of the engine, write up reports, and suggest better ways to make the engine.

Other mechanical engineering technicians work in production. They help to make layouts of each step to be taken and each part to be made in the production of, for example, the automobile engine. Specialists in tool design make drawings of the tools, jigs, dies, and other devices needed to mass-produce each part for the engine. They often improve the design of existing tools. Other mechanical engineering technicians make estimates of the cost of labor and the best use of plant space. They help with any production problems that may arise. Sometimes they test machinery or the parts being made for the engine. They do studies of the manufacturing process to find out whether it could be done in a better or cheaper way. Many technicians supervise other workers.

Mechanical engineering technicians are also involved in the installation, operation, and maintenance of machinery used to manufacture other products. Some technicians work in technical sales. Others are employed as technical writers.

Technical college, yes but I want to be a mechanical engineer and am basically SOL for the time being. Good choice?

ex3e1989 · 08-24-2009, 05:58 AM

didn't read, but do it phaggot. any kind of experience in the mech field will help you greatly especially when it comes time to look for a job.

James_Byrne · 08-24-2009, 05:59 AM

come do petroleum engineering brah. UT@austin though. UNSW is **** for a petro education. unless u want the sydney lifestyle, which is awesome.

farvacola · 08-24-2009, 06:01 AM

All of my engineering buddies make it seem as though there is a very distinct line between engineers and everyone else (i.e technicians). The workload is probably similar, albeit less intense, so I'd say go for the big guns and can the technician idea.

Ascendent · 08-24-2009, 06:01 AM

Currently deployed for the next 2 years and some, so I can't just go to a four year school.

farvacola · 08-24-2009, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ascendent

Currently deployed for the next 2 years and some, so I can't just go to a four year school.

Ahh gotcha bro, then I'd say do it, never hurts to try and get ahead in knowledge and skill. I know that if you are looking to study engineering at a competitive school down the line entrance can be exhaustingly difficult, so previous experience might be the edge one needs.

samori · 08-24-2009, 06:20 AM

in the world of engineering techs, i really depends on your where you're working. I've seen some techs doing basic labor. I've seen some that were working side by side with PE's with nearly the same pay.

Mech tech opens alot of doors for someone in your situation. Try to find some experience in Maintenance Management. This helps punch some tickets for moving up. Plan on continuing you education though.

If you are military and going to get out. Talk with the guys working Civil service in your field of expertise. They should be able to tell you what contractors they use. This could lead to a Civil Service job.

good luck

Ascendent · 08-24-2009, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samori

in the world of engineering techs, i really depends on your where you're working. I've seen some techs doing basic labor. I've seen some that were working side by side with PE's with nearly the same pay.

Mech tech opens alot of doors for someone in your situation. Try to find some experience in Maintenance Management. This helps punch some tickets for moving up. Plan on continuing you education though.

If you are military and going to get out. Talk with the guys working Civil service in your field of expertise. They should be able to tell you what contractors they use. This could lead to a Civil Service job.

good luck

Thanks for the advice. I plan on continuing my education onto a B.S. As far as my peers, it's a little difficult being out of my MOS. I'm currently on special duty with the DOS so there's some here I can talk to.

Again, thank you.

mophatthedamaja · 08-24-2009, 08:42 AM

are there any online accredited Engineering programs from really good schools out there? Or a bridge program if you have another degree?

tehmaestro · 08-24-2009, 08:53 AM

I'm a junior in M.E. right now at uni. Given your situation, I'd definitely go for that 2 year. At the very least it'll teach you knowledge you can use while getting your bachelor's. Some of the **** we're doing...I really wish I'd had previous exposure to. It can't hurt brah.

Ascendent · 08-24-2009, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tehmaestro

I'm a junior in M.E. right now at uni. Given your situation, I'd definitely go for that 2 year. At the very least it'll teach you knowledge you can use while getting your bachelor's. Some of the **** we're doing...I really wish I'd had previous exposure to. It can't hurt brah.

Thanks, man. That quite a good answer.

bezonato · 08-24-2009, 09:02 AM

i knew a few mechanical designers who took the 2 year path and landed themselves jobs.

they are now in their 30s and are working towards their bachelors degree. (mostly part time)

hitman83 · 08-24-2009, 09:04 AM

it's a start, but an ME degree from an accredited university should be your goal.