what is a mechanical technician?
Mechanical technicians are crucial for a company's operations and production line. As a mechanical technician, you are responsible for developing and assembling products, as well as the maintenance and safety of a company's machines and equipment. You analyze test procedures, troubleshoot issues, and perform tasks in compliance with government and company regulations.
Mechanical technicians provide essential services for mechanical equipment and products. You assemble products and develop parts using specialized shop tools. The job description of a mechanical technician varies depending on the company. All mechanical technicians have a hands-on role in installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining product or equipment designs.
Most mechanical technicians report to a mechanical engineer and help bring designs to life. You also evaluate designs for faults and make recommendations to improve product efficiencies, cost-effectiveness, or reliability.
Generally, mechanical technicians support manufacturing companies' operations and production processes. You ensure all equipment and products are safe and working efficiently. For example, a mechanical technician in the car manufacturing industry helps test cars by setting up vehicle crash tests. Mechanical technicians work in various environments, including working on oil rigs, managing unmanned submarines, or operating and checking aircraft. You also work with different skills depending on specific qualifications. For instance, optical-mechanical technicians should be familiar with testing optical equipment, such as light meters and goniophotometers.
Would working as a mechanical technician suit your troubleshooting skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a mechanical technician role.
view jobsaverage mechanical technician salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a mechanical technician in Canada is $65,000 per year. That means you earn an average hourly rate of $33.50. When you are new to the role, you start with a salary of $51,000 per year. The most experienced mechanical technicians make up to $81,500 per year.
how to increase your salary as a mechanical technician
Your earnings as a mechanical technician vary based on experience and expertise. When you are starting, you have minimal experience. That means you start with a lower salary. As you improve your experience and expertise, your earnings increase gradually. Experienced mechanical technicians can handle complex duties and responsibilities.
The industry you work in also influences your earnings. Some mechanical technicians work on complex machinery and heavy equipment in manufacturing industries. The advanced knowledge and experience required to execute the duties improve your earning potential. Working in aerospace also increases your salary potential due to the complexity of the role. If you work in a large organization, you are likely to earn more than a mechanical technician working in a small company.
types of mechanical technicians
Depending on the company's size and the industry you work in, your job title will be specific or broad. For example, mechanical technicians specialize in some of the following areas:
- aerospace
- automobiles
- environmental engineering
- industrial engineering
- optics
You can also be a mechanical technician in charge of general troubleshooting, repairs, or assembly. Most technicians have roles that include one or two of these responsibilities. For example, as an assembler, you put the finishing touches of products together and troubleshoot problems.
working as a mechanical technician
Working as a mechanical technician is ideal if you enjoy creative thinking and physical work. For an overview of what to expect when working as a mechanical technician, take a look at the typical duties, environments, and schedules.
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what does a mechanical technician do?
Some of the duties of a mechanical technician include:
- repairing and maintaining machinery: as a mechanical technician, you handle equipment or machine malfunctions. Your job is to diagnose the issues in machinery and make the corresponding repairs. When you identify the issues, you resolve them to minimize downtimes.
- performing preventive maintenance: as a mechanical technician, you ensure routine maintenance of equipment or machinery. You develop routine maintenance plans to prevent malfunctions. Keeping up with maintenance routines saves the company money on repairs and ensures the equipment complies with workplace safety laws.
- troubleshooting electrical systems in machines: electronically controlled machines are efficient in production but are a nightmare during breakdown. As a mechanical technician, you resolve the issues associated with electrical controls and ensure the equipment is efficient.
- keeping records of machine service: as a mechanical technician, you prepare service reports for equipment or machines. Maintaining a service history saves your company time and money since future issues can be addressed swiftly. Maintaining service records is also an important compliance requirement to ensure safety in operating heavy equipment.
- running diagnostic tests: as a mechanical technician, you assist in assembling machine parts. After installation, you perform a diagnostic test to ensure the machine runs optimally. You adjust the settings to ensure the equipment is efficient and effective.
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work environment of a mechanical technician
Mechanical technicians work in the public and private sectors. The role is mostly independent, but it requires collaboration with engineers and communication with company departments. You work outdoors, indoors, or a hybrid of indoors with fieldwork once a month. When testing products or employed in work environments such as construction sites, field technicians generally work outdoors and coordinate with heavy equipment operators. Mostly, mechanical technicians work in an office setting, machine shop, research laboratory or factory.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the company you work for, you are likely to interact with mechanical engineers, maintenance technicians and maintenance engineers. You also work alongside industrial engineers, electrical engineers and maintenance workers.
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mechanical technician work schedule
Most mechanical technicians work full-time hours. A typical workday of a full-time mechanical technician is from 8 am to 5 pm, with a half-hour break. You are less likely to work nights or weekends when production isn't in process, except in case of emergencies. However, these hours differ depending on the industry and type of company. For example, expect to work over 40 hours a week as an electro-mechanical technician working on an oil rig or unmanned submarine. These hours include nights if the equipment you're responsible for is in operation. Similarly, if you're a mechanical technician on a construction site, your hours align with construction shifts.
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career opportunities as a mechanical technician
As a mechanical technician, you understand the ins and outs of machinery and equipment. That means you can work in industrial, transportation and manufacturing companies. You have multiple areas of specialization, including electro-mechanical technician or industrial technician. Some mechanical technicians progress to other related roles, such as mechanical, industrial, or electro-mechanical engineering.
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advantages of finding a job as a mechanical technician through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
mechanical technician skills and education
Some of the educational requirements for becoming a mechanical technician include:
- college program: join the role by completing a two or three-year college course in mechanical engineering technology. Alternatively, start with a one- or two-year college program in mechanical engineering technology to become a technician. Some provinces require certification to work as a technician. For instance, in Alberta, you need certification from the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals (ASET), while in Manitoba, you get certification from the Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba. Mechanical engineering technicians in New Brunswick are certified by the New Brunswick Society of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists.
- work experience: aside from gaining certifications, you require work experience to excel in the role. Find internships and entry-level technician jobs to gain relevant experience and familiarize yourself with the industry.
competencies and characteristics of mechanical technicians
Some of the skills and competencies for mechanical technicians include:
- math: as a mechanical technician, you are involved with designing and analyzing mechanical systems. You rely on your math skills for troubleshooting, analysis, and design.
- communication: as a mechanical technician, you collaborate with various professionals. You rely on your communication skills to clearly explain required changes in a test or design procedure. Good listening skills are also important in following instructions.
- organized: as a mechanical technician, you maintain repair equipment and replacement parts inventory. Since a company has numerous equipment and machines, having a maintenance schedule is useful.
- detail-oriented: when making precise measurements and keeping accurate records, being detail-oriented is critical. Your attentiveness to details helps you make accurate repairs.
- mechanical abilities: as a mechanical technician, you rely on your mechanical abilities to fix or make new components for equipment and machinery. With your mechanical knowledge, you operate machinery such as grinders, drill presses, and engine lathes.
- problem-solving: as a mechanical technician, you need problem-solving skills to troubleshoot repairs and overcome challenges that emerge during development or manufacturing. Critical thinking skills help you evaluate issues and determine the best course of action.
- proactive: as a mechanical technician, you should identify issues to provide sufficient preventative measures for equipment and machinery.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a mechanical technician.
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what is the role of a mechanical technician?
As a mechanical technician, you maintain and repair diverse equipment and systems in various industries. You work with mechanical engineers when designing equipment or machinery. Other duties include troubleshooting mechanical issues, documenting machine safety and repairing equipment.
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how much do mechanical technicians make in Canada?
As a mechanical technician, you make an average salary of $65,000 per year. Your earnings fluctuate depending on your experience and educational qualifications. You start with a salary of $51,000 per year, but the earnings increase gradually, and you are likely to make over $81,500 annually.
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how do I become a mechanical technician?
To become a mechanical technician in Canada, pursue a college program in mechanical engineering technology. The course takes one to two years or up to three years for advanced knowledge in mechanical engineering. You also require trade certification from a provincial association.
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what is the difference between a mechanic and a mechanical technician?
A mechanic handles a wide variety of repairs and replacements of machine parts. While a mechanical technician also performs maintenance and repair duties, mechanics are more practical. As a mechanical technician, you are more focused on the computer-derived and data-driven aspects of machines. That’s why you perform routine maintenance duties.
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what skills do you need to become a mechanical technician?
As a mechanical technician, you rely on your diagnostic skills to identify issues in machines and equipment. Your troubleshooting and problem-solving skills help you resolve issues in machines. The role also requires interpersonal skills since you perform most of your duties as part of a team.
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how do I find a job as a mechanical technician?
Finding a job near you as a mechanical technician is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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