Program Overview

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Engineering Technology: Mechanical Engineering Technician at Cerritos College

Certificate of Achievement

The Engineering Technology program prepares students for employment in technical fields. By completing the certificate, students acquire knowledge of the fundamentals of engineering technology and are able to specialize in one of three options. The first option is Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, the second option is Mechanical Engineering Technology and the third option is Industrial Engineering Technology. Careers in engineering technology involve assisting engineers in researching, developing, manufacturing, servicing, and maintaining a wide variety of products. Students with the Certificate of Achievement in Engineering Technology: Mechanical Engineering Technician finds jobs with variety of job titles such as research and development, design, testing, and manufacturing.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $37,000 to $165,000 with an average salary of $80,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to change little nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• Traffic Technicians
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +3.5%
  • Average Salary: $73k
  • Salary Range: $53k - $92k
• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +8.3%
  • Average Salary: $93k
  • Salary Range: $74k - $110k
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.4%
  • Average Salary: $68k
  • Salary Range: $42k - $108k
• Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +0.9%
  • Average Salary: $81k
  • Salary Range: $64k - $96k
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +0.8%
  • Average Salary: $85k
  • Salary Range: $62k - $101k
• Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +4.5%
  • Average Salary: $49k
  • Salary Range: $38k - $56k
• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: -2.7%
  • Average Salary: $89k
  • Salary Range: $62k - $100k
• Engineers, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.3%
  • Average Salary: $136k
  • Salary Range: $98k - $165k
• Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.2%
  • Average Salary: $77k
  • Salary Range: $60k - $89k
• Mechanical Drafters
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: -7.2%
  • Average Salary: $83k
  • Salary Range: $62k - $98k
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +0.6%
  • Average Salary: $80k
  • Salary Range: $60k - $97k
• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -7.5%
  • Average Salary: $46k
  • Salary Range: $37k - $50k

Education levels are meant to represent what is typical for entry into the career, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Program Outline

• Drafting and design: Students learn to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create engineering drawings and models, as well as interpret existing technical drawings.
• Manufacturing: The program covers various manufacturing processes, including machining, welding, and fabrication.
Students gain hands-on experience in the machine shop and welding lab.
• Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics: Students study the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, which are essential for designing and analyzing mechanical systems.
• Control systems: This course covers the basics of control systems, including electrical circuits, sensors, actuators, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Materials science: Students learn about the properties and applications of different engineering materials, such as metals, polymers, and composites.
• Mathematics and physics: The program emphasizes the importance of mathematics and physics in engineering, providing students with a strong foundation in these subjects.

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Assessment

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Assignments: Students complete assignments, both individual and group, to demonstrate their ability to apply the learned concepts.
• Projects: Students work on individual and group projects to gain practical experience in engineering design and problem-solving.
• Presentations: Students present their work to their peers and instructors, developing their communication and presentation skills.

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Teaching

The program is taught by experienced faculty with industry experience. The instructors use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, hands-on activities, group work, and projects. The college also provides access to various resources, including a machine shop, welding lab, and computer labs.

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Careers

Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering Technician program can pursue a variety of careers in various industries, including:

• Manufacturing
• Design and drafting
• Project management
• Quality control
• Maintenance
• Research and development

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Other

The program also offers opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as the Engineering Club and the SkillsUSA competition. The college also provides career counseling and placement services to help students find jobs after graduation.