MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

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You do not have to be a mechanical engineer to have a career in solving problems with machines.  A career path called Mechanical Engineering Technology focuses on the application of ideas and scientific principles, but does not require the extensive background in science and mathematics that mechanical engineers have.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists take four years of college, usually graduating with a bachelor's of science or a bachelor's of engineering technology degree.  Many take their first two years at a junior college before transferring to a four-year school.  The college curriculum for a Mechanical Engineering Technologist usually involves a great amount of "hands-on" experience, and less emphasis on analytical mathematics.  Many who are interested in mechanical engineering work, but do not have the background or interest in mathematics, are interested in Mechanical Engineering Technology.  Some with degrees in Mechanical Engineering Technology go back to school for advanced mathematics and later become mechanical engineers after gaining job experience as Technologists.  On the job, Mechanical Engineering Technologists often work under the direction of mechanical engineers.  Many Technologists become involved in technical sales, operations and maintenance of advanced equipment, and production supervision at manufacturing plants.  Occasionally, Mechanical Engineering Technologists are involved in routine product design, although that field of work usually belongs to mechanical engineers.

ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS.  Even if you decide not to earn a college degree, there s a place for you in the mechanical engineering field.  Some schools, especially junior colleges, offer a two-year associate's degree for Engineering Technicians.  These technicians usually work under the direction of mechanical engineers or mechanical engineering technologists.  Technicians generally work in plant and equipment service and maintenance positions, distribution, and, occasionally, sales.  Salaries for Engineering Technicians are typically 20 to 30 percent lower than those for Mechanical Engineering Technologists.

Mechanical engineering technologists and engineering technicians also work in the mechanical engineering field, usually under the direction of a registered mechanical engineer.