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Mechanical Engineers Go Back to List
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
 Technology used in this occupation:
 
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  •  Tasks
     
  • Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
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  • Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
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  • Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, or other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, or maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
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  • Provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs.
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  • Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, or repair to ensure that machines or equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications.
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  • Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems.
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  • Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
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  • Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
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  • Establish or coordinate the maintenance or safety procedures, service schedule, or supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition.
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  • Write performance requirements for product development or engineering projects.
  •  Skills
     
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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  • 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.
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  • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
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  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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  • Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
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  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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  • Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
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  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  •  Knowledge
     
  • Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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  • Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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  • Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
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  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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  • Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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  • Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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  • Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
  •  Search for Jobs on Connecticut's Labor Exchange (CTJOBcentral)
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     Education & Training
      Education:   Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
      Related Experience:   A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
      View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.
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     Wage Information
     
    Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range 
    Annual  Hourly 
    Statewide $106,055.00 $50.99  $36.53  $41.39 - $60.75 
    Bridgeport/Stamford $115,131.00 $55.35  $40.18  $47.50 - $62.31 
    Danbury $92,763.00 $44.60  $30.90  $34.64 - $50.04 
    Hartford $106,388.00 $51.15  $35.49  $40.33 - $60.75 
    New Haven $104,062.00 $50.03  $35.47  $39.94 - $59.17 
    Waterbury $99,825.00 $47.99  $32.64  $36.39 - $58.43 
    Torrington $91,683.00 $44.08  $28.37  $31.87 - $51.40 
     Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 )
    Average Annual Job Openings:   420
      Employment in this occupation is expected to grow faster than average, and the number of annual openings will offer very good job opportunities.
    ONET Resource Center Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
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