Description

Mechanical technicians assist mechanical engineers with design, building, and evaluation of machines and systems that generate and use energy, including both fossil fuel- and electricity-based HVAC/R systems. These jobs also sometimes have the title mechanical engineering technician.

Mechanical technicians need to be detail-oriented since they support the design process by reviewing and understanding project requirements and technical specifications, collecting measurements, and preparing plans or drawings to accurately implement engineers’ designs. They perform tests on mechanical systems, gather and record data, and then carry out calculations and analyses to ensure that equipment is operating properly. They may suggest adjustments be made to the equipment or assembly to increase efficiency or functionality of the mechanical system. Mechanical technicians also provide maintenance support by troubleshooting and fixing mechanical malfunctions, which requires good hand control to work on mechanical components that may be delicate.

As clean energy HVAC/R systems become more commonly used in buildings, mechanical technicians need training to learn how the equipment differs from that used in more traditional oil or gas burning systems. Understanding the mechanics, efficiency ratings, and proper installation of variable refrigerant flow systems and air or ground source heat pumps (as examples of cleaner technologies), as well as how HVAC/R systems connect to automated or smart building controls, will allow mechanical technicians to properly assess whether these systems are operating in a way that maximizes energy and cost efficiency.

Mechanical technicians need to document their work, which may include producing technical reports that explain the testing processes and their recommendations, so they need to be effective writers. They should be comfortable using computers, and may use spreadsheet, word processing, or design software (e.g., AutoCAD) to complete their job duties.

Mechanical technicians often collaborate with designers and mechanical engineers, so it is necessary that they have strong interpersonal skills, communicate well, and enjoy working as part of a team.

Mechanical technicians spend time at offices and also visit worksites to conduct tests on equipment and systems and investigate problems. Most of them work full-time.

Job Outlook

According to the New York State Department of Labor, there are approximately 1,500 mechanical engineering technicians in New York State and opportunities for employment are expected to be favorable through 2028 – they project this occupation to grow by 110 jobs between 2018 and 2028.

Entering the Field

Mechanical technicians typically need to have an associate degree or trade certificate in mechanical engineering technology or a related program. Junior technicians without prior experience generally work under the supervision of a trained engineer for a few years to gain job skills and knowledge. Several years of experience working on heating, cooling, or ventilation equipment or systems (including modern electricity-based technologies) may be advantageous for mechanical technicians looking for a job in the HVAC/R field, particularly those who do not have an associate degree. HVAC/R installers and service technicians, for example, who want to transition into a more engineering-focused job in the field can apply their knowledge of buildings’ mechanical systems to a mechanical technician role supporting the design and evaluation process.

Wages

In New York State, the median wage for mechanical technicians is approximately $57,500. Entry-level workers earn about $42,900 and experienced workers earn about $67,600.

Annual Wage (Q1 2021 dollars, rounded to 100s) – Statewide and by Labor Market Region

Source: New York State Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Survey, SOC Code 17-3027 (Mechanical Engineering Technicians); N/A denotes wage data that is not available.

Employers

Mechanical technicians employed in the HVAC/R field often work for companies that provide mechanical engineering design services or manufacturers that produce HVAC/R equipment. Jobs for these positions may be advertised with the alternative title mechanical engineering technician. Check the job boards of engineering or HVAC/R manufacturing firms or search online job ads for the titles mechanical technician or mechanical engineering technician. Keywords like “HVAC,” “heat,” “cooling,” “refrigeration,” or “mechanical engineering” help identify job opportunities to work in this occupation.

Labor Unions

Most workers in architectural and engineering occupations, including mechanical technicians, are not members of unions. Check with local private employers in the HVAC/R field that hire mechanical technicians to see if they have a union affiliation. Mechanical technicians employed by New York State or local governments might be members of public sector unions.

Education and Training Programs

Most regions in New York State have schools that offer associate degrees in mechanical engineering technology or mechanical technology that prepare students to work as mechanical technicians in the HVAC/R field. Some schools also offer degrees in mechatronics, which may be relevant to automated equipment and systems. In addition to the schools listed in the table below, new or experienced mechanical technicians seeking training specific to energy efficient and electricity-based HVAC/R systems should check to see what opportunities are offered by the following organizations:

Some HVAC/R equipment manufacturers and distributors offer training that is targeted to system design professionals (in addition to courses aimed at installation and service workers). See which companies partner with NYSERDA through Clean Heat Connect and check with individual manufacturers and distributors for a complete list of online or in-person offerings.

Steven Winter Associates, Inc. offers a Building Electrification Training Series that lists design professionals among the target audience for its series of seven courses covering topics such as heat pumps and strategies for implementing clean energy mechanical systems.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) offers HVAC/R design training (with online and in-person options) for mechanical design professionals with limited or no experience in the HVAC/R field or for those who want to learn about modern technologies.

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