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Mechanical Design Technologist

Mechanical design technologists design products for production. They work on their own or with mechanical engineers, industrial designers, or project coordinators / managers.

Also Known As

Industrial Design Technologist, Engineering Design Technologist, Method Specialist

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2232.1: Mechanical Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • C132: Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2232: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2232: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22301: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22301.01: Mechanical engineering technologists
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Mechanical design technologists finalize products for production. They may work on their own or with engineers and industrial or mechanical designers. Specific duties vary based on the size and type of employer and the field in which they work. Some work for companies that produce commercial or consumer products. Others work on industrial assemblies. Some help with mechanical or electronic parts.

In general, mechanical design technologists:

  • Research and study design and production goals
  • Create mechanical designs that meet marketing and performance goals
  • Ensure details of parts are right for the technology used
  • Develop product designs that meet client needs and adhere to a high standard of form, fit, function, appearance, and quality
  • Work with manufacturers to make sure designs can be made
  • Develop computer-generated 3D models according to set standards and procedures
  • Select fasteners and parts for assemblies
  • Review shop drawings to make sure designs meet the needs specified
  • Prepare drawings that show dimensions and tolerances
  • Manage the production of prototypes and rapid prototypes
  • Assess prototypes and revise the models as required
  • Send the final product design (and specifications) to production
  • Work with others (such as architects, engineers, contractors, and clients)
  • Manage projects
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Mechanical design technologists often work indoors in offices, workshops, and production facilities. They may sit at a computer for long periods of time. They may have to work overtime to meet project deadlines.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists

2006 NOC: 2232.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working with instruments to design moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures for use in manufacturing processes

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing results of tests conducted on machines, components and materials to determine their performance, strength, response to stress and other characteristics

METHODICAL

Interest in supervising and monitoring installations, construction projects, maintenance programs and operations of mechanical plants; and in preparing operations and maintenance standards and schedules of mechanical plants

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Mechanical design technologists need:

  • Creativity
  • Attention to detail
  • Speaking and writing skills
  • The ability to see objects in 3D based on 2D drawings
  • Math skills
  • The ability to solve mechanical problems
  • Organizational skills
  • The ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced setting
  • The ability to work well as part of a team

They should enjoy:

  • Doing precise work
  • Designing products
  • Taking a methodical, step-by-step approach to their work

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2232

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jul 13, 2023 and Mar 28, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Prepare and interpret engineering design, drawings and specifications
Tasks: Assist in inspection of mechanical installations and construction
Tasks: Participate in machinery installation, repair and maintenance
Tasks: Assist in preparing design, drawings and specifications
Tasks: Supervise, monitor and inspect mechanical installations and construction projects
Tasks: Design tools, moulds, jigs and fixtures
Tasks: Carry out a limited range of mechanical tests and analyses of machines, components and materials
Tasks: Assist in the design of moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures
Tasks: Estimate costs and materials
Tasks: Test machines and equipment
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Mechanical design technologists need to understand:

  • Mechanical system design (such as hydraulics, electronics, and power transfer)
  • Production technologies (how things are made)
  • Material, manufacturing, and assembly costs
  • Engineering standards and accepted industry practices
  • CAD, engineering drawings, sketching, and model making (for prototypes)

Mechanical design technologists may come from a wide range of educational backgrounds. For example, they may have an Engineering Design Technology diploma with computer software training in 3D design. Or they may have diplomas in mechanical or electronics engineering technology.


Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.


Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CETs) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need to be supervised by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) is a protected title. This means that to call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Some mechanical design technologists are self-employed. Others work for manufacturers, engineering companies, or design firms. With time on the job and further education and training, technologists may advance. Prospects include mechanical, industrial, or product designer positions.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 2232: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians occupational group, 76.2% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 2232: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Earnings can vary a lot based on the location, size, and type of employer. Employers in large cities tend to pay more than those in smaller centres.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2232
Average Wage
$45.06
Per Hour
Average Salary
$92,218.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.4
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2232 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $20.00 $69.71 $35.89 $32.68
Overall $25.00 $82.10 $45.06 $41.83
Top $30.00 $96.81 $54.06 $45.23

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Manufacturing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
36%
36%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
6%
6%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Business, Management and Administrative Studies
  • Communications
  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies
  • Fine Arts and Performing Arts
  • Human Ecology, Fashion and Food Sciences
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training

Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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