Mechanical Technology: Mechanical Design, A.A.S. - SUNY Niagara

🎓 Explore Your Future 🏫 SUNY Niagara Open House | November 5 & 7, 2026 |

Learn More & Register
Student using drill press

Mechanical Technology: Mechanical Design, A.A.S.

Book A Tour Apply Now

Program Overview

The Mechanical Technology degree program is a broad-based program that prepares the student to pursue a wide variety of career positions including engineering design, product development, laboratory testing, technical sales, technician, manufacturing, and much more. In addition to the mechanical design based theory, there are several areas of hands-on application courses such as robotics, machining, CNC programming, CADD, and hydraulics and pneumatics.

Graduates from the program are readily accepted by industry and may also transfer to bachelor degree programs such as mechanical engineering technology and industrial technology.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • To offer theory based courses with a mix of hands-on application courses.
  • To prepare the student to transfer into advanced degree programs if they desire.
  • To provide the broad-based skills that allow the graduate to be career ready right out of the program in any of various rewarding and high paying fields.
Catalog Information
Curriculum Overview

Career information and opportunities

Mechanical Technology: Mechanical Design, A.A.S.

SUNY Niagara’s Mechanical Technology A.A.S. combines mechanical design theory with hands-on work in CADD, 3D technology, robotics, hydraulics and instrumentation. It prepares you for technician careers or transfer.

Apply now

Last updated:

What careers does a Mechanical Technology A.A.S. lead to?

  • Mechanical engineering technician
  • Engineering technician
  • Mechanical machine designer
  • Quality assurance technician or inspector
  • Metrologist
  • Specialized service technician, such as for industrial robots or precision instruments

Graduates also work in product development, lab testing, technical sales and manufacturing. Some careers may need more education.

What will I learn to do?

  • Design parts in CADD and 3D
  • Program and work with robots
  • Work with hydraulic and pneumatic systems
  • Use instruments to measure and test
  • Apply mechanics and strength of materials
  • Understand manufacturing processes
Sources

How much can I earn in Western New York?

Yearly pay in Western New York, 2026
Job Starting pay Median pay
Mechanical engineering technicians$62,830$80,400
Industrial engineering technicians$57,320$80,290
Industrial machinery mechanics$54,250$72,170
Mechanical drafters$52,410$71,700
Machinists$44,700$62,490

Starting pay is what newer workers typically earn. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less. The median for all jobs in Western New York is about $51,360.

Western New York includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook in Western New York?

  • Industrial machinery mechanics: Jobs are expected to grow about 9% from 2022 to 2032, with about 145 openings each year.
  • Machinists: Jobs are expected to decline about 9%, but there are still about 200 openings each year.
  • Industrial engineering technicians: Jobs are expected to decline about 8%, with about 35 openings each year.
  • Mechanical engineering technicians: Jobs are expected to decline about 9%, with about 25 openings each year.

Across all jobs in Western New York, employment is expected to grow about 9%. Many mechanical jobs are shrinking here as manufacturing changes, but openings still come up as workers retire. Skills in robotics, automation and maintenance are the most in demand.

Sources

Where do mechanical technicians work?

  • Manufacturing plants
  • Engineering and design firms
  • Testing and quality labs
  • Automation and robotics companies
  • Equipment service companies
  • Technical sales

Where will I get hands-on experience?

  • Labs in robotics, hydraulics and pneumatics, instrumentation, electricity and 3D technology
  • Lab work designed to simulate real industrial situations
Sources

How do I get there?

  1. Learn engineering drawing, CADD, manufacturing processes and technical math.
  2. Build skills in robotics, hydraulics and instrumentation.
  3. Finish the 63-credit A.A.S. with mechanical design electives.
  4. Start working as a technician, or transfer to a bachelor’s program.

Graduates can transfer to bachelor’s programs in mechanical engineering technology or industrial technology. Work with your advisor to plan your next step.

Which courses prepare me?

  • MET 110 Engineering Drawing I
  • DRF 173 Intro to Computer Aided Drafting Design
  • TEC 102 Introduction to 3D Technology
  • MET 125 Processes
  • TEC 250 Introduction to Robotics
  • MET 260 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
  • MET 270 Instrumentation
  • TEC 120 Applied Engineering Mechanics
  • MET 205 Mechanics of Materials
  • ELT 110 Principles of Electricity
Sources
Apply now

Last updated: