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.

Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
	Wire cathode electrode discharge machine
	Grinding or polishing machines
	Machine mounts or vibration isolators
	Cold forming presses
	Semiconductor process systems

Technology used in this occupation:
	Analytical or scientific software
	Computer aided design CAD software
	Development environment software
	Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
	Industrial control software

Tasks
		Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
		Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
		Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, or other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, or maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
		Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications.
		Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, and maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements, applying knowledge of engineering principles.
		Investigate equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation, and to make recommendations to maintenance crew.
		Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products using drafting tools or computer-assisted design (CAD) or drafting equipment and software.
		Provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs.
		Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, or repair to ensure that machines or equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications.
		Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems.

Skills
		Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
		Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
		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.
		Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
		Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
		Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
		Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
		Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
		Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
		Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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.
		Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
		Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
		Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
		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.
		Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
		Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
		English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
		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.
		Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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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.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide Units $81,062 $38.97  $27.08  $30.30 - $45.35  Bridgeport/Stamford $84,709 $40.72  $29.01  $31.71 - $45.71  Danbury $76,787 $36.91  $26.90  $30.28 - $43.48  Hartford $78,104 $37.55  $28.89  $31.48 - $43.56  New Haven $78,266 $37.62  $28.30  $30.40 - $42.50  New London/Norwich $85,509 $41.11  $26.14  $29.49 - $50.01  Springfield, MA $66,930 $32.17  $23.13  $25.16 - $38.58  Waterbury $66,799 $32.11  $23.68  $25.69 - $37.96  Worcester, MA $83,412 $40.11  $28.13  $31.32 - $45.60  Torrington $82,419 $39.63  $31.42  $34.86 - $44.83  Danielson $76,797 $36.92  $26.04  $27.10 - $46.64

Occupation Outlook ( 2010 - 2020 )   Average Annual Job Openings:   184   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, but the number of annual openings will offer very good job opportunities.

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	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.