Skip to content
Back to Career Guides

How to become an Engineering Technician

Engineering Technician

Career progression and salary expectations for an Engineering Technician

1

Engineering technician

| Up to £30,000
2

Engineering supervisor

| Up to £40,000
3

Engineering project manager

| Up to £70,000

The role of an Engineering Technician

Are you always tinkering with things to see how they work? A job as an engineering technician could be the ideal career path for you...

An engineering technician works alongside engineers, assisting them in the research and development of new technologies. Engineering technicians are project based and are responsible for gathering and analysing data collected from research, testing products to identify any flaws and areas for improvement, helping to conduct tests and record data. 

Engineering technicians can work in several fields, including: mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, electrical and electronic engineering.

The tasks an engineering technician performs will depend on what field they work in, but may include: 

  • Working alongside engineers to design, build and test solutions for different engineering problems
  • Reviewing and modify existing designs 
  • Conducting research, analysing data and writing up reports with findings of the research
  • Using Computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop designs and incorporate feedback from engineers
  • Maintaining accurate records
  • Preparing presentations 
You’ll need strong analytical thinking and mathematical skills to become an engineering technician, as a large proportion of your work will involve analysing data collected from research, tests and roundtable discussions. The findings of this analysis may be used to modify existing designs or shape the development  of new designs, so excellent attention to detail is similarly essential. Other skills needed to become an engineering technician include: 

  • An understanding of the latest engineering technology
  • Proactivity, and self-motivational skills
  • Flexibility
  • Patience 
  • Research skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 
"I’ve been working as an engineering technician for the past two years, and I’m finding it to be a rewarding career choice. The job is very hands-on, and you get to be involved with exciting projects and shaping the final design of new technologies. Being a self-starter definitely helps in the job, and you’re largely given a lot of autonomy. The best part is getting to work on evolving technologies and working alongside skilled professionals is a great way to further my knowledge."

Get qualified as an Engineering Technician

Most employers specify that candidates need to have a degree in the field they want to work in (e.g. bachelor's degree in civil engineering). Another route is to take on an apprenticeship, which usually lasts between two to four years.  A course  can also teach you some of the skills needed to become an engineering technician, if you don’t yet know whether you want to commit to it as a full-time career.

Recommended Engineering Technician courses

  • Engineering Technician - CPD Certified

    Academy for Health & Fitness
    QLS Endorsed & CPD Certified | 6 Courses Bundle | 60 CPD Points | Free PDF Certificate| Lifetime Access
    • Online
    • 28 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 60 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    ...your Engineering Technician skills, our comprehensive Engineering Technician course is perfect for you. Designed for success, this Engineering Technician course covers everything from basics to advanced topics in Engineering Technician. Each lesson in this Engineering Technician course …
    £39

  • Aerospace Engineering Technician

    Compliance Central
    6-in-1 Special Bundle | Free 6 PDF Certificates Worth £24 | CPD Accredited | Lifetime Access | Expert Support —Enrol Now
    • Online
    • 43 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 70 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    ...Airplane Engineering: Basic to Advanced Course 02 : Interplanetary Spacecraft and Satellite Engineering Course 03: Flight Mechanics: Certification of Aircraft Course 04: Power Electronics for Electrical Engineering Course 05: MATLAB Simulink for Electrical Power Engineering Course …
    £41
Want to see more?
View all Engineering Technician courses

Engineering Technician jobs

All Engineering Technician jobs

Similar Career Guides

View all Career Guides