Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Engineering Laboratory Technician (Engineering Lab Technician)

Engineering Technical Analyst

Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech)

Engineering Technologist

Manufacturing Engineering Technician (Manufacturing Engineering Tech)

Mechanical Designer

Mechanical Technician (Mechanical Tech)

Process Engineering Technician (Process Engineering Tech)

Process Technician

Research and Development Technician (R and D Tech)

What is a Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians?

Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians are professionals who support the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical devices and systems. They apply principles of mechanical engineering, along with their technical expertise, to assist engineers in bringing their concepts and designs to fruition. Typically, they work in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, aerospace, automotive, and energy, amongst others. Their work often involves operating and maintaining machinery, conducting experiments and tests, analyzing data, and preparing detailed reports and documentation.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$44110.0 - $96740.0

New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

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.

Technology Skills

Computer aided design CAD software
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint 365
Analytical or scientific software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Industrial control software

Tools Used

Power grinders
Screwdrivers
Compression testers
Amplifiers
Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

3 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R24,512pm

How to Know if You Are Ready to Be a Mechanical Engineering Technologist or Technician in South Africa

The engineering landscape in South Africa is currently vibrant and full of opportunity. With 4 active jobs currently available and an average salary of R24,512pm, the demand for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between theory and practical application is high. Market data indicates a positive upward trajectory for remuneration, with average monthly earnings projected to rise from R21,570.67 in early 2024 to approximately R26,963.34 by December 2024.

Is Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this career path, evaluate your natural inclinations against these essential professional traits:

Analytical Aptitude: Do you enjoy breaking down complex problems into manageable components to find a logical solution?
Technical Curiosity: Are you fascinated by how machinery, engines, and thermal devices are designed and manufactured?
Spatial Awareness: Can you easily visualise three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional technical drawings?
Precision and Detail-Orientation: Are you committed to accuracy, knowing that a margin of error in engineering can have significant safety and financial implications?
Resilience: Are you comfortable working in high-pressure environments where equipment failures require rapid, effective troubleshooting?
Collaborative Spirit: Can you communicate effectively with both engineers on the design side and artisans on the workshop floor?

A Day in the Life of a South African Mechanical Specialist

In South Africa, your daily environment can be as diverse as the country itself. You might start your morning in a climate-controlled design office in Midrand, using sophisticated CAD software to refine a component for a new manufacturing plant. By midday, you could be on-site at a mining operation in the North West or a power station in Mpumalanga, overseeing the installation of high-pressure systems or conducting vibration analyses on rotating machinery. Your role is essentially that of a "practical problem solver." You ensure that the mechanical infrastructure keeping our economy moving—from transport systems to production lines—operates at peak efficiency and complies with rigorous safety standards.

Education & Upskilling

The journey begins with a solid academic foundation. In South Africa, you generally pursue a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (to become a Technician) or a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEng Tech) at a University of Technology or traditional University to qualify as a Technologist. These programmes are designed to be hands-on and industry-aligned.

However, a formal qualification is merely the entry point. To truly excel, you must embrace the following:

Professional Registration: Aiming for registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is vital for career progression and legal recognition.
Short Courses: Specialising in niches like Mechatronics, CNC Programming, or Project Management through accredited short courses can significantly increase your market value.
Continuous Learning: The industry evolves rapidly with the rise of Industry 4.0. Staying updated with the latest in robotics, 3D printing, and sustainable energy systems is not optional—it is essential for long-term success.

Next Steps

Mechanical Engineering is the backbone of South African industry, and for the right candidate, it offers a lifetime of challenge and reward. With the steady growth in sector salaries and a consistent increase in job openings, the environment is ripe for dedicated professionals to make their mark. Are you prepared to take the lead in our nation's industrial future? Test your readiness now by completing our professional assessment to see if your skills and personality align with this dynamic career path.

Skills

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

37 %
Post-secondary certificate

33 %

Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Associate's degree

14 %

Work Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Assemble equipment or components.
Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
Test products for functionality or quality.
Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
Review technical documents to plan work.

Work Interests

Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.