How to Be Mechanical Manufacturing Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 10, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The need for Mechanical Manufacturing Technicians has grown significantly over the years due to the rise in production of complex industrial machines. As a result, this demand has led to an increase in the number of career opportunities for individuals interested in this field. Mechanical Manufacturing Technicians are responsible for the assembly, maintenance, and repair of various types of equipment including pumps, motors, and other machines.

They must be able to read and understand manufacturing instructions and use a variety of tools such as grinders, drill presses, and lathes to fabricate parts for the machines. Mechanical Manufacturing Technicians need to ensure that the parts they produce meet quality standards and specifications. With the right knowledge, experience, and certifications, Mechanical Manufacturing Technicians can find employment at various factories and industrial sites across the country.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require that applicants for mechanical manufacturing technician positions have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Take classes in technical subjects. To become a mechanical manufacturing technician, you should take classes in mathematics, physics, design, CAD, and engineering principles. These classes will give you a solid foundation of knowledge and skills needed to be a successful technician.
Consider pursuing a post-secondary degree. There are many post-secondary degree programs available in mechanical engineering and manufacturing technology. These programs can provide you with a more comprehensive education in the field and help you stand out to employers.
Gain relevant experience. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have previous experience in the field. Consider gaining some experience through internships or volunteer work while still in school.
Obtain certifications. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have obtained certification from professional organizations such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills or the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council.
Apply for jobs. Once you have obtained your education and experience, you can begin to apply for open positions as a mechanical manufacturing technician. Be sure to highlight your qualifications and experience on your resume and cover letter.

Mechanical Manufacturing Technicians are highly skilled professionals who are responsible for manufacturing and assembling mechanical components. To become a proficient technician requires intensive training, including both classroom and hands-on experiences. In order to become a skilled and competent Mechanical Manufacturing Technician, one must possess a broad understanding of engineering principles, possess excellent problem-solving skills, and be able to read and interpret mechanical drawings.

Furthermore, having a good knowledge of various tools, materials and manufacturing processes is essential. With proper training and experience, a Mechanical Manufacturing Technician can develop the necessary skills to accurately assemble components, troubleshoot and repair complex machinery, and maintain a high level of quality assurance. The combination of these skills will ensure that the technician is competent and skilled enough to meet the needs of the manufacturing industry.

You may want to check Mechanical Reliability Technician, Mechanical Assembler, and Mechanical Controls Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Assemble mechanical components, such as bearings, shafts, gears, and sprockets, according to blueprints, sketches, and written and verbal instructions.
Operate hand and machine tools to cut, bore, grind, and shape mechanical components.
Align and fit components according to specifications.
Monitor the assembly process and make adjustments as needed.
Troubleshoot and repair mechanical components as necessary.
Ensure that mechanical components comply with safety standards and regulations.
Document all work in accordance with established procedures.
Maintain shop tools and equipment in good working order.
Perform preventative maintenance on mechanical components.
Provide technical support to other departments as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and design
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, materials, and equipment
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and schematics
Proficiency in the use of hand and power tools
Knowledge of safety protocols in a manufacturing environment
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical issues
Skilled in the use of computer-aided design (CAD) programs
Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Strong attention to detail and accuracy

Having a strong set of mechanical manufacturing skills is essential for any technician in this field. From the ability to read and interpret blueprints to troubleshooting complex machinery, the ability to understand and operate a variety of mechanical systems is crucial. When working with complex machinery, a technician must also have a thorough understanding of safety protocols, as well as the ability to adhere to all safety protocols when installing or maintaining equipment.

Furthermore, a technician must have knowledge of the principles of physics and mechanics, such as thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, in order to successfully perform their job. problem solving skills are essential for resolving any issues that may arise while working on a mechanical system. By having these skills, technicians can ensure the safe and efficient operation of any mechanical system they are working on.

Mechanical Assembly Technician, Mechanical Component Engineer, and Mechanical Field Service Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a mechanical manufacturing setting?
How have you used precision measuring tools in the past?
Describe a challenging project you have worked on and how you overcame the challenge.
What safety protocols do you follow when working with machinery?
What is your experience with mechanical maintenance and repair?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem with machinery in a manufacturing setting.
How have you implemented lean manufacturing techniques in past roles?
What quality assurance measures do you use when working with manufacturing equipment?
How have you incorporated computer systems into your mechanical manufacturing work?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy when working with mechanical components?

Common Tools in Industry

Drill Press. A machine tool used for drilling holes in materials. (eg: drill press used to drill holes in metal pieces).
Lathe. A machine tool used for shaping metal or plastic workpieces by rotating them against a cutting tool. (eg: lathe used to shape wood into round shapes).
Milling Machine. A machine tool used for shaping and cutting materials. (eg: milling machine used to cut complex shapes from metal and plastic).
Grinding Machine. A machine tool used for grinding material. (eg: grinding machine used to sharpen cutting tools).
Bending Machine. A machine tool used for bending sheet metal, pipes and other materials. (eg: bending machine used to form sheet metal into curved shapes).
Press Brake. A machine tool used for bending sheet metal into specific shapes. (eg: press brake used to bend sheet metal into boxes).
Tapping Machine. A machine tool used for tapping threads in materials. (eg: tapping machine used to create threads in a hole).
Welding Machine. A machine tool used for welding two pieces of metal together. (eg: welding machine used to weld two pieces of steel together).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Machine Tool Distributors Association (AMTDA)
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
Precision Metalforming Association (PMA)
International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)
Automation & Robotics Technology Council (ARTC)
National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)

We also have Mechanical Project Engineer, Mechanical Construction Engineer, and Mechanical Applications Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

CNC Machining. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a process used in the manufacturing industry that utilizes computer-controlled machines to shape and cut materials into precise parts and components.
CAD. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is a computer software used to design objects and components in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional environment.
CAM. CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) is a computer software used to convert a CAD design into instructions for a CNC machine to produce the desired part or component.
Assembly. Assembly is the process of fitting together parts, components, and subassemblies to form an entire product.
Prototype. A prototype is an early model of a product that is used as a test before finalizing the design.
Soldering. Soldering is the process of joining two metal pieces together by melting an alloy material at the joint.
Troubleshooting. Troubleshooting is the process of finding and fixing errors or problems in a product or system.
Quality Control. Quality control is a process used to ensure that a product meets predetermined standards and specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the duties of a Mechanical Manufacturing Technician?

As a Mechanical Manufacturing Technician, duties typically include operating and maintaining machinery, troubleshooting mechanical issues, performing quality control tests, and monitoring production processes.

What qualifications are required for a Mechanical Manufacturing Technician?

A Mechanical Manufacturing Technician typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus specialized training in a technical field such as welding or machining. Some positions may also require a valid driver's license and a certificate or degree in industrial maintenance.

What are the common tools used by a Mechanical Manufacturing Technician?

Common tools used by a Mechanical Manufacturing Technician include calipers, micrometers, welding torches, drill presses, hand tools, and computer numerical control (CNC) machines.

How many hours do Mechanical Manufacturing Technicians typically work?

The number of hours worked by a Mechanical Manufacturing Technician varies depending on the employer and type of position. Generally, full-time positions require 40 hours per week, while part-time positions may require fewer hours.

What are the job prospects for Mechanical Manufacturing Technicians?

Job prospects for Mechanical Manufacturing Technicians are expected to be favorable over the next decade, with an estimated growth of 5% between 2019 and 2029.