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Technician Versus Engineer

http://www.ndt-ed.org/Careers/TechvsEng/techvseng.htm
The title of this page may be a little misleading. Generally, technicians and
engineers are not in competition unless it is on the ball field. They often work side-byside on projects and their job functions commonly overlap. The difference is probably
most pronounced right after graduating from school. Engineers tend to go to work
applying the science and mathematics knowledge to solve problems and design processes
and products. Technicians tend to start their careers performing tests, collecting data, and
assisting engineers. As the technician becomes more knowledgeable about the work he or
she is doing, they may take on new responsibilities that include things like designing
tests, and they are often given an engineering title by their company. In the field of
nondestructive evaluation (NDE), engineers with NDT backgrounds work on developing
new inspection equipment and procedures. Technicians usually start their careers in NDT
performing tests that follow an established procedure. As they progress in their work
experience and knowledge, many NDT technicians find themselves also developing
inspection procedures. Both NDT technicians and engineers with NDT backgrounds are
in high demand by industry.
A Closer Look at Engineers
In the simplest of terms, an engineer is a problem solver. They take basic science
information and use the rules of mathematics to solve problems and design new products.
They generally have a desire to want to make our world a better place to live and work.
Engineers invent new technologies that revolutionize the way we handle information.
They design and develop tools, toys, furniture, computers, and almost every other
manufactured product that we use. They improve our buildings, roads, and vehicles. They
develop systems to clean our water, process our foods, make our fuels burn more
efficiently, and recycle our waste.
More than 1.2 million engineers work in the United States today, making engineering the
nations second largest profession. According to the US Department of Labor, the demand
for qualified engineers will remain strong well into the next millennium. An engineering
degree is also an excellent background for other careers. Because engineering courses
enhance creativity, problem solving skills, and understanding of technology, they provide
a strong foundation for further studies in medicine, law, business, dentistry, and almost
any other field.
A Closer Look at Technicians
Technicians are the "doers." They are workers that
are highly trained to perform specific tasks. They
generally follow procedures developed by doctors
or engineers. In the medical industry technicians
use very sophisticated equipment and techniques

to analyze body fluids and tissue at the request of the doctor. Mechanical and material
testing technicians are often responsible for operating large test systems that pull,
compress, or twist materials and products to learn about their performance characteristics.
Automotive technicians are trained to diagnose and fix car problems. NDT technicians
perform inspections on materials and critical components, looking for flaws that may
have adverse affects.
According to the US Department of Labor, there were approximately 519,000
engineering support technicians working in the US in 2000. The demand for engineering
support technicians is high and will continue to remain high. In the field on
nondestructive testing specifically, some industries are projecting large needs for
qualified technicians.