Mechanical Engineering Technician

Also known as
Mechanical maintenance technician

Become a “hero of science"

These amazing engineers design, make, and fix industrial machines and parts. If you like hands-on work with science, math, design, and IT... then this is for you!

At a glance

What can you expect from this role?
Average salary per year
£24000
Starter
Experienced
£24000
£40000
Typical hours
37 to 42 a week
You could work evenings / weekends on shifts
Flexible working hours?
Need a lab coat?
Not for this role!

What to expect

Day-to-day tasks

As a mechanical engineering technician, you could:

  • use computer aided design (CAD) software to draw parts
  • test ideas to improve existing systems and solve problems
  • install and test instruments and machinery
  • identify and repair faults
  • meet performance and safety targets

Working environment

You could work in a factory or in an office.

Your working environment may be noisy and outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

More Information

Further information

You'll find more details about careers and training through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Tomorrow's Engineers.

Explore the different ways to get into this role

People in these types of job started their career paths after studying courses like the ones below.

University

You can do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in mechanical engineering. Entry requirements You'll usually need: 4 or…
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College

You can take a college course which would teach you some of the skills needed to become a mechanical engineering…
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Apprenticeship

You can become a mechanical engineering technician by doing an advanced apprenticeship, such as: Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Level…
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Discover the skills you need for this role

People in these types of job possess skills like the ones below.

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Career progression

Career progression opportunities include

With experience, you could manage a team or a project.

You could specialise in areas like CAD design or quality control.

You could also qualify as an engineer by completing a degree in mechanical engineering.

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