Production engineering technician
Also known as: production engineering technician, production engineering instrument mechanic, production engineering test inspector, production engineering inspection supervisor, production engineering inspection mechanic, production engineering inspection inspector
About this occupation
Production engineering technicians plan production, follow up production processes and develop and test solutions to solve technical problems. They work closely with engineers and technologists, inspect products, conduct tests, conduct tests collect data.
A specialisation of mechanical engineering technician.
Essential skills and knowledge
- record test data
- analyse production processes for improvement
- create solutions to problems
- CAE software
- production processes
- troubleshoot
- collaborate with engineers
- adjust engineering designs
- engineering processes
- conduct routine machinery checks
- resolve equipment malfunctions
- analyse test data
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 17-3027.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
- Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
- Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
- Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
- Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
- Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving, Writing
US median pay: US$74,510 a year (2025), 36,190 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.1)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.1)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.0)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Robotics Technicians
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Mechanical Drafters
- Automotive Engineering Technicians
- Photonics Technicians
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.