What do Engineering Technologists Do?
Technicians and Technologists who work in the engineering field have many different activities that they perform. Technician level education and training is usually a two year fulltime program, or slightly longer as a part-time student.
In Construction Engineering Technology, technicians work with designers, project managers, as well as program managers to assist in the leadership and problem-solving at construction sites.
In Electrical Engineering Technology, technicians work in research, design facilities, and in industrial settings solving problems that are electrical or electronic in nature.
In Manufacturing Engineering Technology, technicians work in manufacturing facilities and are responsible for maintaining efficient product flow through the manufacturing system. This requires problem-solving skills that are applied to the manufacturing system.
In Mechanical Engineering Technology, technicians design, work with, and manufacture mechanisms that are used in laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and design facilities.
In Electrical Contracting Technology, technicians carry on the activities of contractors in the field of construction electrical contracting. They have to have a technician’s level of electrical knowledge as well as management skills required to run a job site.
Most engineering technicians work as part of a team that includes other key personnel who are also involved with the various projects that are part of engineering.
Engineering Technologists have a higher level of education and responsibility than technicians do. They generally have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree. They have an area of technical specialty that was developed as part of their associate degree education, however, in addition to that technical specialty, they have a more rounded education that includes high level communication skills, management skills, and additional technical education in areas that are outside of their technical specialty. They have the ability to communicate on all levels with skilled trades people, technicians, managers, and engineers.
In addition to engineering technology, there are other degrees that work in close unison with technicians and technologists.
What do Engineering Tech Managers Do?
In the area of Industrial Management, we have people who have managerial and leadership capabilities that include managing people, processes, and manufacturing activities. They may work in an office or they may be involved on the shop floor carrying out the responsibilities that are needed to assure that production is optimum. Industrial managers are often responsible for efficiency throughout the manufacturing system. The best degree for this kind of work is the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management.
In the area of Technology Management, we have people who have managerial responsibilities but they have a technical specialty as well as business and management skills. They may have a technical specialty in manufacturing, computer science, construction, etc. These people have the ability to communicate with people on the shop floor, construction site, computer center, etc.
In the area of Construction Management, we have people who have the ability to communicate with architects, engineers, technicians, and laborers. They have a level of technical specialty that makes them viable on a construction site for problem solving. They also have the management skills needed to management a job site, estimate jobs, project management, etc.
It should be noted that all three of the management degrees mentioned are earned through the College of Engineering. This is a result of the degree of rigor that is expected of management students in the Engineering Technology Department.