Engineering technicians assist engineering staff in aspects of design,
development, and testing.
Engineering Technicians
(O*NET 17-3021.00, 17-3022.00, 17-3023.01, 17-3023.02, 17-3023.03,
17-3024.00, 17-3025.00, 17-3026.00, 17-3027.00, 17-3029.99)
Signifi cant Points
● Because the type and quality of training programs vary
considerably, prospective students should carefully
investigate training programs before enrolling.
● Electrical and electronic engineering technicians make
up 34 percent of all engineering technicians.
● Employment of engineering technicians often is
infl uenced by the same local and national economic
conditions that affect engineers; as a result, job outlook
varies with industry and specialization.
● Opportunities will be best for individuals with an as-
sociate degree or extensive job training in engineering
technology.
Nature of the Work
Engineering technicians use the principles and theories of sci-
ence, engineering, and mathematics to solve technical problems
in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construc-
tion, inspection, and maintenance. Their work is more lim-
ited in scope and application-oriented than that of scientists and
engineers. Many engineering technicians assist engineers and
scientists, especially in research and development. Others work
in quality control, inspecting products and processes, conducting
tests, or collecting data. In manufacturing, they may assist in prod-
uct design, development, or production. Although many workers
who repair or maintain various types of electrical, electronic, or
mechanical equipment are called technicians, these workers are
covered in the Handbook section on installation, maintenance,
and repair occupations.
Engineering technicians who work in research and devel-
opment build or set up equipment; prepare and conduct ex-
periments; collect data; calculate or record results; and help
engineers or scientists in other ways, such as making prototype
versions of newly designed equipment. They also assist in
de