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Engineering

Engineering, Construction and Trades Academy

  • Engineering & Production Pathway

Program Description

The Engineering Technology Program is an academic and technologically comprehensive program that explores the varied disciplines within the field of engineering. A main emphasis of our program is on the engineering design process, a way of thinking that encourages deductive reasoning and data-driven decision making.

Students will utilize a variety of state-of-the-art equipment and industry-standard tools and technologies to impart the foundations upon which an engineering career is built. Computer applications, professional communication skills, and strong work ethic are emphasized over the four years.

All students are challenged to meet high standards and high expectations while receiving the necessary supports for success. Students will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts and skills with an integrated academic and technological approach. Students will also explore and practice the basic Work Based Competencies necessary to succeed in their field of work once their educational track is completed.

Our students will be participating in a global society that will expect individuals who are sensitive to ethical issues, interpersonal relations, cultural diversity and continuous learning to keep pace with ever changing technologies. Our discipline provides rigorous relevant learning opportunities for core content (English, Math, Science and Social Studies) as well as those educational skills and competencies needed for a high level of performance within any discipline of engineering. The academic and technical content areas are interrelated, enabling an individual to use the content for conducting research, generating possible solutions, and making valuable decision based on facts. Technologies and the content taught are constantly being analyzed and updated to be sure they are relevant in the world outside our walls.

Video: Hear From A Student

River Araujo of Acton, a junior (Class of 2024) in the Engineering Technology career major, helped launch the FIRST Robotics Club and construct a robot for a nationwide competition. He’s also competed in the SkillsUSA statewide engineering competitions and grown a passion for using CAD (computer aided design) to find new ways to use everyday products.

Course Content

  • During a student’s time in engineering, they will complete courses designed by PLTW (Project Lead The Way, www.PLTW.org), and RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology, /www.rit.edu/pltw) which can result in earning college credit in five (5) different PLTW-based courses at RIT and possibly other universities and colleges. Courses could include the following:
  1. IED – Introduction to Engineering Design (Design Process,
  2. DE – Digital Electronics
  3. POE – Principles of Engineering (Basic Engineering physics)
  4. CIM – Computer Integrated Manufacturing (Basic Machining and Factory Automation)
  5. CEA – Civil Engineering and Architecture

Career Tree: Engineering

First page of the PDF file: EngineeringRoboticsCareerTree2-2019

Engineering Instructors

Tristin O'Connor

Instructor-Engineering

Ruirui Zhang

Instructor-Engineering

Possible Career Pathways

  • Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineer
  • Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Civil Engineer
  • Computer Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Electronics Engineer
  • Industrial/Manufacturing
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Patent/Intellectual Properties Attorney
  • Technical Marketing
  • Technical Sales Engineer
Projected Salary

Salary

Median salaries depend on the education and the technical field pursued. In summary, mid-career salaries vary from a high of $80K to $142K (This includes base/entry level positions that typical engineers do not stay in as they progress through their careers.)

Learn More

Massachusetts averages:

  • Assembly Technician: $42,599/year
  • CAD Designer: $67,299/year
  • Electronics Technician: $71,065/year
  • CNC Programmer: $91,502/year
  • Electrical Engineer: $95,968/year

National average:

  • Electronic Engineering Technician: $63,640/year
  • Electro-Mechanical Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians: $60,360/year
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $60,460/year
  • Mechanical Engineers: $95,300/year
  • Industrial Engineers: $95,300/year
Sources: Indeed.comU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Source 5)
(Updated 1/1/23)

Post-Secondary Options

Students completing the Engineering Technology career major can proceed directly into the workforce in an entry-level technical position within industry. However, many students continue their education by pursuing an associates, baccalaureate or graduate degree in various fields of engineering and other technical fields.

College Partners

  • WPI – Worcester Polyethnic Institute
  • UMASS Lowell

Advisory Committee Partners

  • Raytheon
  • Good Harbor Engineering
  • Mass DOT
  • Altran US Corp.
  • MIT Lincoln Labs
  • MITRE Corp.
  • Red Hawk Fire & Security
  • DS-SolidWorks Corp.