Explore a possible path

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
  • Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
  • Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
  • Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
  • Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
  • Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
  • Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
  • Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

6.3 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

5.4 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.2 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.2 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.1 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

4.8 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2022-08

3.8 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2022-08

3.8 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2022-08

3.8 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2022-08

3.6 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2022-08

3.6 / 5

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2022-08

3.5 / 5

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

2022-08

3.5 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2022-08

3.4 / 5

Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

2022-08

3.3 / 5

Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

2022-08

3.3 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 3 of 5 · 2022-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician →

Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician →

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians, Other →

Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/Technician →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 17-3027.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.