Engineering technician

An engineering technician is primarily trained in the skills and techniques related to a specific branch of engineering, with a practical understanding of the relevant engineering concepts.[1] Engineering technicians often assist engineers and technologists in projects relating to research and development, or focus on post-development activities like implementation or operation. An engineering technician is between a skilled craft worker and a technologist.

Not to be confused with Engineering technologist.
An Engineering Technician explains instrument readings

The Dublin Accord was signed in 2002 as an international agreement for the recognition of engineering technician qualifications. The Dublin Accord is analogous to the Washington Accord for engineers and the Sydney Accord for engineering technologists.

Nature of work

Engineering technicians help solve technical problems in many ways. They build or set up equipment, conduct experiments, and collect data and calculate results. They might also help to make a model of new equipment. Some technicians work in quality control, where they check products, do tests, and collect data. In manufacturing, they help to design and develop products. They also find ways to produce things efficiently. There are multiple fields in this job such as; software design, repair, etc.[2] They may also be people who produce technical drawings or engineering drawings.

Engineering technicians are responsible for using the theories and principles of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics in order to solve problems and come up with solutions in the research, design, development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance of systems and products.[3] Engineering technicians help engineers and scientists in researching and developing, while some other engineering technicians may be responsible for inspections, Quality control, and processes which may include conducting tests and data collection.[3]

Education

Engineering technician diplomas and 2-year degrees are generally offered by technical schools and non-university higher education institutions like colleges of further education, industrial schools, and community colleges. Many 4-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in engineering technology, but engineering technologists are somewhat different from technicians.[4]

In some countries, there are polytechnic institutes that award the title without explicitly conferring the degree.

Both Portugal and Spain use the title of engenharia técnica/ingeniería técnica, literally "technical engineering", for the professionals who were awarded a short-cycle 3- to 4-year undergraduate degree (associate degree or bachelor's degree) in a technical engineering field by colleges or technical engineering institutes in the case of Portugal, and universities in Spain. Spanish "technical engineers" have full competency in their respective professional field of engineering, being the difference that the three or four year Engineers have competence only in their speciality (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, etc.)and the "Engineering Superior School" Engineers have wider competences.

In the United States, the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) grants 2-year associate degree programs to students that meet a set of specified standards. These programs include at least a college algebra and trigonometry course and, if needed, one or two basic science courses at any accredited school. The number of math and science prerequisite courses depends on the branch of engineering that the student chooses.

Engineering technicians apply scientific and engineering skills usually gained in postsecondary programs below the bachelor's degree level or through short-cycle bachelor's degrees. However, some university institutions award undergraduate degrees in the field of engineering which may confer the title of Engineering technician to the student, who is, however, eligible to become a fully chartered engineer after further studies at the master's degree level. Engineering technicians are called professional engineers in the UK only.

Technical Engineering

Engineering Technician disciplines align with other engineering professionals. Their field is engineering technology and focus on the technical aspects of engineering in their respective discipline. They also collaborate cross-discipline when under the supervision of another professional.

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering Technicians work closely with licensed civil engineers to design and construct infrastructural projects.[5] They rely heavily on math and science skills to aid in the construction of infrastructure.  A typical day on the job for civil engineering technicians may include; prepping and planning for a worksite, design, reading and reviewing blueprints, inspections, problem identification, solutions, and documentation by means of reports and notes. [6]

Much of the time spent for an civil engineering technician is in an office, however it is normal for civil engineering technicians to be on site of infrastructure to inspect field conditions and test materials.[6]

Civil Engineering technicians should have a strong foundation in math skills, critical thinking skills, and be able to work under deadlines and be efficient in their work. [6]

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electronics Engineering Technicians work under electrical and electronics engineers. These technicians design, develop, and manufacture equipment and electrical systems. A variety of tools are available to them to help in the fabrication, operation, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance of these systems and equipment.

Electronics Technicians working under product development work near electrical engineers to draw blueprints for systems and products. The technicians are then responsible for the creation of the prototype. A test is usually completed soon after by the technician and engineer to decide if modifications are needed.

Electronics Technicians working under manufacturing and production (electronics manufacturing and production technicians) work with applying skills to the day-to-day handling of production problems, schedules, and costs. These technicians typically install, maintain, and repair assembly and apply lean thinking.

Technicians working under technical services are responsible for the maintenance and repair of complex electronic systems and computers. Many tools are available such as measurement and diagnostic tools and hand tools. Technicians are often responsible for careful measurements such as sensitivity index when measuring signal-to-noise ratio or dealing in rack units.

Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering technicians are responsible for working in lab and outside where they can conduct and record observations and test results. [7] Pollution surveys, water, soil, and air surveys are all responsibilities of environmental engineering technicians in order to come up with solutions to the effects of pollution. [7]  Observational, critical thinking, good communication, and problem solving are skills that all environmental engineering technicians must learn.[7]  Typical entry level positions to become an environmental engineering technician is an Associate degree in Environmental technology or Environmental engineering. It is possible to obtain certain environmental engineering technician jobs without training, however a 2-year associate degree is sought after. [8]

Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineering technicians are responsible for creative, effective, practical, and formulated work systems that are made to be user friendly and save money. [9]

Industrial engineering technicians will be working with a team that involves the technician, engineers, and production workers solutions to problems. Problems that these technicians usually solve are to make layouts of plant facilities, handling of materials, production, designs of work-stations, services, profit, quality control, and analysis of costs more practical. [9]

Certifications are preferred for this occupations as is validates skills and proves that someone is competent to perform the actions that is required of them as an industrial engineering technician. [9] The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies and Society of Manufacturing Engineers provides certifications for this occupation. [9]

Within the industrial engineering technicians, there are options for specific types of work. These specialization are: methods engineering technicians, materials handling technicians, plant layout technicians, work measurement and time study technicians, production control technicians, inventory control technicians, quality control technicians, cost control technicians, and budget technicians. [9]

Skills and traits expected of all industrial engineering technicians are accuracy, detailed orientated, good organizational skills, writing and speaking skills, problem solving, patience, thoroughness, and teamwork. [9] Subjects that industrial engineering technicians must be fluent in are science, computer applications, mathematics, English, technologies education, and drafting and Mechanical systems drawings. [9] Technicians of this field are expected to perform different and challenging tasks by following direction with logical approaches and make precise decisions

Duties and tasks of industrial engineering technicians may include preparing charts, graph, analysis and reports, planning, examination, time and motion studies, suggestions, and supervising. [9] Computers, calculators, handbooks, notebooks, mechanical and electronics instruments, drafting equipment, cameras and camcorders, diagrams, charts, prints, and graphs are tools and instrumentation that industrial engineering technicians are provided. [9]

Certification

Even though the term engineering technicians used throughout, it is mindful that these roles are often termed differently within the specific jurisdictions. It also includes roles such as; certified or professional technician, which may also be called engineering associates.[10]

Canada

The individual professional title Certified Technician and post-nominal C.Tech. are protected by provincial legislation and can only be used by registrants certified by engineering and applied science member organizations. The nine provincial professional associations are unified federally through Technology Professionals Canada, which advocates for the profession within the provincial associations and respective regulatory body. The designation is not an engineering license however the contribution is recognized on a quid pro quo basis.

The Canadian Armed Forces[11] is a premier employer of technicians in Canada and reliability status is required for security clearance of civilian technicians wishing to participate in military contracts.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the term Engineering Technician and post-nominals EngTech are protected in civil law, and can only be used by technicians registered with the Engineering Council UK.[12]

Engineering Team

Engineering Technicians usually perform tasks and duties while under the direction and supervision of an technicians Engineer, Engineering technologist, Scientist, or another engineering technician.[13]

Engineering Ethics

Engineering is an impactful and accomplished profession. [14] As engineers and technicians, the primary objective is to provide for the community through work that is accomplished with the highest standards of honesty and integrity. [14] Honor and dignity are other traits that must be supported through the work of engineering technicians. [15] Engineering has a fundamental impact on the quality of life for all people. Honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equality are traits should be devoted to the benefit to the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. [14]

See also

References
  1. US Department of Labor job Description
  2. Engineering Technician
  3. Occupational outlook handbook 2006-2007. United States. Department of Labor. (2006-2007 ed.). Indianapolis, Ind.: Jist Works. 2006. ISBN 1-59357-248-4. OCLC 63787406.CS1 maint: others (link)
  4. "Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians". Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  5. ""Civil Engineering Technician" by Reese, Susan - Techniques, Vol. 89, Issue 4, April 2014 | Online Research Library: estia". www.questia.com. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
  6. "What Is a Civil Technician?". work.chron.com. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
  7. Peterson, Bryanne. "Career connections, environmental engineering technicians". The Elementary STEM Journal.
  8. "Environmental Engineering Technician | Science & Engineering Career". Science Buddies. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
  9. Moore, Pam (Mar 2004). "INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN". Tech Directions; Ann Arbor. 63 (8): 26–27. ISSN 1062-9351 – via ProQuest.
  10. "About THE DUBLIN ACCORD". International Engineering Alliance. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  11. "Canadian Armed Forces". Canada. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  12. "Engineering Council - Professional Titles". The Engineering Council. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
  13. Occupational outlook handbook 2006-2007. United States. Department of Labor. (2006-2007 ed.). Indianapolis, Ind.: Jist Works. 2006. ISBN 1-59357-248-4. OCLC 63787406.CS1 maint: others (link).
  14. "Code of Ethics | National Society of Professional Engineers". www.nspe.org. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  15. "Code of Ethics - American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians". ascet.org. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
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