Engineering technicians work with engineers and scientists to solve technical problems using math and science fundamentals. They specialize in various fields such as energy development, electronics, and civil engineering. They typically work a standard forty-hour week and require an associate degree in engineering technology or related fields. Certification is optional but can give technicians an advantage.
When technical problems arise in various fields, an engineering technician is often called to the scene. An engineer tech works with other engineers and scientists to solve problems using engineering, science, and math fundamentals. He or she usually specializes in a single area to learn and fully understand how engineering applies to that single discipline.
Many different job sectors may require an engineering technician. The fields of sales, inspection, research and development, construction, maintenance and manufacturing all require the expertise of an engineering technician at some point. Each field has its own individual needs, however, which require engineers with specialized training.
Some specialist areas an engineer may choose to work in may include energy development such as nuclear, petroleum or mining, and geothermal concentrations. Others may choose a chemically inclined route that deals with biomedical or chemical materials. Engineers who enjoy gadgets might work with electronics or computer hardware, while those who appreciate the outdoors and architecture might choose mechanical, industrial, and material concentrations. Still other specialized fields include civil, aerospace, environmental and agricultural fields.
The day-to-day life of an engineering technician varies according to his focus. He or she might build and configure equipment, collect data, work on projects with computer-aided design equipment, and run experiments if working in research and development. If operating in the quality control field, however, tasks may include product inspection, data collection, product design, and assisting other engineers in general product development and production.
Although an engineering technician may have an assistant engineer, he or she also often works under the supervision of a senior engineer, scientist, or technologist. The more experienced an engineer becomes, the more difficult tasks he can be given. Eventually, engineers who become very experienced can become supervisors. Electrical engineers may design or test electrical equipment, while civil engineers help design bridges and road systems.
An engineering technician can typically be expected to work a standard forty-hour work week. The location of the workplace varies according to the area of concentration. Laboratories, factories, offices, construction sites and many other places can serve as a workplace. People working in this profession may be at risk of being exposed to hazardous materials, depending on the field.
People who want to become engineering technicians must have a strong background in math, science, and related fields. An associate degree is typically a minimum requirement for an engineering position, although some engineers are hired based on experience. Degrees must be in engineering technology or comparable fields. Specialized courses must also be completed based on the preferred area of concentration. While certification is optional in this field, it can give technicians an advantage.
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