Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

Many engineering technicians are involved in continuous production for manufacturing industries, where they develop, operate and maintain the mechanical processes that control activities such as mixing raw materials or labelling finished products.

They work in many sectors including:

• Manufacturing: constructing engine and gear compartments, building and maintaining conveyer equipment.
• Power and Processing: designing and making industrial plant machinery.
• Building Services: servicing lifts and escalators.
• Transport: repairing components on rail engines and signalling equipment.

They may begin each job by planning the assembly and production systems, thinking carefully about issues such as materials, costs and efficiency. Some technicians are responsible for purchasing raw materials and parts, and making sure that they are available on time.

Once they have installed the machinery, mechanical engineering technicians monitor production and inspect and test products to make sure they have been correctly manufactured and are capable of performing to the required specification. This may involve calculating and assessing the results of quality control tests.

Mechanical engineering technicians plan and operate maintenance programmes to service machinery, and provide technical guidance in diagnosing and repairing faults in industrial equipment and instruments. Technicians may estimate and cost products, or parts of products, to meet customers' requirements. Mechanical engineering technicians support the work of engineers across a very wide range of activities.

For example, they may help engineers to design and develop cars that are more economical on fuel, test jet engines, develop agricultural equipment or maintain the systems used on offshore oil and gas platforms. They help to develop and test the latest information and telecommunications technology, including the Internet, mobile telephones and games consoles.

Some engineering technicians may use their knowledge to help sales and marketing departments. Mechanical engineering technicians may lead teams made up of other technicians and craft workers.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• 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.
• Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
• Analyse test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
• Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
• Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyse parts performance.
• Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
• Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
• Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
• Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.

Further Information

• Engineering Maintenance Fitter- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Engineering Maintenance Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Mechanical Engineering Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

There are many pathways to developing your skills and readiness for a career in (OEM) Original Equipment M.anufacturing

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: engineering operations, OEM, manufacturing.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM).

This is a 3 year programme.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: mechanical, engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

A list of Engineering Technician accredited programmes is available from Engineers Ireland

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €75k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Sigmar / Collins McNicolas/ Lincoln/ WEI

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Mechanical engineers; Electrical engineers; Electronics engineers; Engineering professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

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