rolling-stock-engineer/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — rolling stock engineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 17-3027.00 (Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 2144; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

Task statements

• [Supplemental] Prepare parts sketches and write work orders and purchase requests to be furnished by outside contractors.
• [Core] Draft detail drawing or sketch for drafting room completion or to request parts fabrication by machine, sheet or wood shops.
• [Core] Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems such as redesign.
• [Core] Review project instructions and specifications to identify, modify and plan requirements fabrication, assembly and testing.
• [Core] Set up and conduct tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
• [Core] Analyze test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
• [Supplemental] Evaluate tool drawing designs by measuring drawing dimensions and comparing with original specifications for form and function using engineering skills.
• [Core] Calculate required capacities for equipment of proposed system to obtain specified performance and submit data to engineering personnel for approval.
• [Core] Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods.
• [Core] Read dials and meters to determine amperage, voltage, electrical output and input at specific operating temperature to analyze parts performance.
• [Supplemental] Estimate cost factors including labor and material for purchased and fabricated parts and costs for assembly, testing, or installing.
• [Supplemental] Set up prototype and test apparatus and operate test controlling equipment to observe and record prototype test results.
• [Supplemental] Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.
• [nan] Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, and plant space.
• [Core] Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
• [Core] Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
• [Supplemental] Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.
• [Core] Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.
• [Supplemental] Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.
• [Core] Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
• [Core] Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
• [nan] Devise, fabricate, or assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments.
• [nan] Discuss changes in design, method of manufacture and assembly, or drafting techniques and procedures with staff and coordinate corrections.
• [Core] Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
• [Core] Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.
• [Core] Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.
• [Core] Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.
• [Core] Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
• [Core] Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
• [nan] Monitor, inspect, or test mechanical equipment.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
• Analyze green technology design requirements.
• Analyze test or validation data.
• Assemble equipment or components.
• Assemble mechanical components or machine parts.
• Assist engineers or scientists with research.
• Collaborate with others to develop or refine designs.
• Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
• Create graphical representations of industrial production systems.
• Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.
• Design industrial equipment.
• Document design or operational test results.
• Document technical design details.
• Estimate operational costs.
• Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
• Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
• Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
• Fabricate devices or components.
• Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
• Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
• Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
• Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
• Review technical documents to plan work.
• Schedule operational activities.
• Test characteristics of materials or structures.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
• Test products for functionality or quality.