Mechanical engineering technician

Mechanical engineering technicians design, install and repair industrial machines and parts.


Typical Salary

£28,000 – £47,000

per year

Working Hours

37–42

hours per week

Career Area

Engineering technicians

View related courses

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

Skills needed

  • 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

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

Career progression

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.