The goal of the Mechanical Engineering Technology program is to provide students with the necessary training and education so they can provide high-level technical support to a variety of industrial, commercial, consulting, and governmental organizations. The emphasis of the program is in the application of scientific and engineering principles. Technical communication in oral and written form is also emphasized.
Graduates are expected to appreciate the ethical and societal responsibilities of a technologist, the concepts of Continuous Quality Improvement, and the continuing impact of globalization of design, manufacturing, and marketing of technical goods and services. Graduates are trained to deal with choice of materials and methods that are safe, environmentally and aesthetically acceptable, and economically competitive.
Typical responsibilities that may be assigned to graduates are the development and evaluation of machines and mechanisms; development, organization and supervision of manufacturing processes and procedures; the instrumentation, control and testing of a process; quality control; technical marketing and sales; design of mechanical systems for heating and cooling; and energy management.
Career Opportunities
Mechanical Engineering Technology is a broad engineering discipline that provides a number of career possibilities. The work of mechanical engineering technologists varies by industry and function and can be found within manufacturing plants, engineering and business service companies, and federal, state, and local government. Some mechanical engineering technologists work in manufacturing, where their responsibilities may include the development and evaluation of machines, design of mechanical systems, facilitating operation and management, quality control, and supervision of workers. These positions can be found in consumer product, transportation equipment, automobile, aircraft, and industrial machinery industries. MET graduates may also work in research where they may build or set up equipment, complete experiments and design prototype mechanical systems. Additional opportunities exist for MET graduates in the growing areas of consulting, technical sales, production operations, and administration.
Job Titles
Most graduates of Mechanical Engineering Technology programs at the bachelor’s degree level work for businesses and corporations. Fewer are found in positions within education, government and nonprofit settings. Some common job titles for entry-level graduates include: Automotive Technician, Automotive Engineer, Decision Analyst, Design Engineer, City Planner, Logistics Manager, Materials Manager, Maintenance Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Operations Manager, Power Engineer, Production Engineer, Reliability and Testing Engineer, Research Assistant, Systems Support Technician, Technical Engineer, Technical Salesperson, Technical Writer, and Quality Assurance Assistant.
Job Outlook
Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates should experience good employment potential. Opportunities are expected to grow to keep pace with the demand for technical products. Many of the job openings will result from employment growth and the need to replace retiring workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for Mechanical Engineering Technologists will grow at a rate of 16 percent, or 35,000 additional jobs through 2016.
Accreditation and Licensure
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Penn State Harrisburg is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical Engineering Technology and Similarly Named Programs.
MET graduates who wish to continue their professional development can take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in Pennsylvania, a prerequisite for taking the Professional Engineering examination.
Student Organizations
All MET students are encouraged to join the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the premier worldwide professional organization of Mechanical Engineers and Technologists. This opportunity provides links to both students and professionals in the career of mechanical engineering. MET students are active in the ASME students club and the ASME Susquehanna chapter.
Selection of Major in Engineering or Engineering Technology
Excellent guidance for students, parents, friends, and others regarding the similarities and differences between engineering and engineering technology is provided at TryEngineering.org.
Documents
- Prerequisite Flowchart (program planning tool)
