/
/
/
Engineering technician

Engineering technician - overview

As an engineering technician, you’ll give help and support to engineers in several different areas. You’ll also assist engineers in designing products and solving problems. Keep reading to learn about working as an engineering technician and what you need to do to get a job.

Learn what the role involves below.

icon

What does an engineering technician do?

Engineering technician roles are based in all kinds of environments. You could support engineers in work locations like manufacturing plants, labs, offices, factories and construction sites. You could be employed across a variety of sectors for any organisation in need of engineers, be that structural, electrical, mechanical, civil etc.

Job specifications will vary depending on the type of engineering you’re supporting and the sector you’re working in. But, generally, your job will be to help and support engineers across a variety of technical aspects, like research, design, development, manufacturing and maintenance. It’s a hands-on job that allows you to contribute to creation, so it can be really rewarding.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

  • Looking for faults in equipment and systems and reporting them once found
  • Estimating the quantity of materials and equipment needed for projects
  • Setting up equipment for engineers to use
  • Carrying out research and tests
  • Using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create drawings and models
  • Visiting worksites and clients

FAQs

How much can you earn as an engineering technician?

The average salary for an engineering technician in the UK is £31,200. Graduates start at around £31,500.

Does an engineering technician role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Most of your work will likely take place in one location, like a lab, office or factory, so travel opportunities in this job are fairly limited. You may need to travel to meetings with clients on occasion to hear a brief. Overseas travel is also unlikely unless you work for a non-UK-based organisation.

Can you work from home as an engineering technician?

There isn’t really the opportunity to work from home as an engineering technician as your work will mainly take place on-site.

Find your perfect career

Use our Career Matcher to see which industries and roles align best with your interests.