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17-3027.00 · Task explorer

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

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This source lists 30 tasks, including 19 marked Core and 7 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2022, 11/2020.

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30 tasks shown

Core · Task 22072 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.

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Core · Task 22082 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.

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Core · Task 1485 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.

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Core · Task 1476 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.

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Core · Task 22086 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.

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Core · Task 22087 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.

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Core · Task 1475 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.

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Core · Task 1482 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.

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Core · Task 1486 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.

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Core · Task 22085 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.

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Core · Task 1487 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.

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Core · Task 22077 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.

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Core · Task 1477 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.

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Core · Task 22078 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.

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Core · Task 22075 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.

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Core · Task 1480 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.

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Core · Task 22073 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.

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Core · Task 22084 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.

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Core · Task 22083 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.

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Supplemental · Task 1489 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.

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Supplemental · Task 1483 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.

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Supplemental · Task 22070 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.

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Supplemental · Task 1474 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.

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Supplemental · Task 1488 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing.

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Supplemental · Task 22074 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.

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Supplemental · Task 22076 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.

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Unspecified · Task 22071 · 11/2020 · Analyst

Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, and plant space.

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Unspecified · Task 22079 · 11/2020 · Analyst

Devise, fabricate, or assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.

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Unspecified · Task 22080 · 11/2020 · Analyst

Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, or drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.

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Unspecified · Task 23944 · 08/2022 · Analyst

Monitor, inspect, or test mechanical equipment.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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