Mechanical Design Technologist

Mechanical design technologists design products for manufacture. They work independently or with mechanical engineers, industrial designers or project managers. Also Known As: Industrial Design Technologist NOC Number(s): 2232.1 Minimum Education: 2 years post-secondary education/training

Duties
Mechanical design technologists work independently or with engineers, industrial or mechanical designers to finalize products for production. Duties may vary depending on the size and type of employer but in general, mechanical design technologists: analyze design and production goals to create mechanical designs that meet marketing and performance objectives ensure part details are correct for the manufacturing technology used develop product designs that meet client requirements and adhere to a high standard of form, fit, function, appearance and quality work with manufacturers to ensure designs are completed in such a way that they can be fabricated develop computer-generated three-dimensional models according to established standards and procedures select fasteners and components for assemblies ensure engineering specifications are met in the design prepare two-dimensional drawings with dimensions and tolerances co-ordinate the fabrication of prototypes and rapid prototypes evaluate prototypes and revise the models as required send the final product design and specification to production.

Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on the field in which mechanical design technologists work. For example they may work for companies specializing in commercial or consumer products, industrial assemblies or mechanical or electronic components.

Working Conditions
Mechanical design technologists usually work indoors in offices, workshops and manufacturing facilities. They may sit at a computer for long periods of time. Overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

Personal Characteristics
Mechanical design technologists need the following characteristics: creativity attention to detail good oral and written communication skills the ability to visualize three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings good mathematics and mechanical problem solving skills strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects in a fast paced environment

the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

They should enjoy doing precise work, experimenting with different ways of doing things and taking a methodical approach to their work.

Educational Requirements
Mechanical design technologists need an understanding of: production technologies (how things are made) material, manufacturing and assembly costs engineering standards drafting, sketching and model making (for prototypes).

Mechanical design technologists may come from a wide range of educational backgrounds (for example, drafting and design certificate with additional computer software training in threedimensional design, or mechanical or electronics engineering technology diplomas).

Employment and Advancement

Mechanical design technologists may be self-employed or they may be employed by manufacturers, engineering companies or design firms. Experienced mechanical design technologists with additional education and training may advance to mechanical, industrial or product designer positions. Mechanical design technologists are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 2232: Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians. In Alberta, 79 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the following industries: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction Manufacturing Construction Utilities.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including: trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above) location in Alberta employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions) occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before) size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Salary
According to the 2011 Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupational group earned on average from $27.02 to $50.70 an hour. The mean wage for this group was $40.90 an hour.

Related High School Subjects

Fine Arts (Visual Arts); Mathematics; Natural Resources (Environmental Stewardship); and Science (Chemistry; and Physics)

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study

Business, Management and Administrative Studies; Communications; Computer and Information Technology; Engineering and Science Technologies; Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies; Fine Arts and Performing Arts; Human Ecology, Fashion and Food Sciences; and Trades, Industrial and Related Training