An engineering aide provides support to a single professional engineer or an entire engineering firm. Principal, senior, or junior aide are the three levels of this position. The assembly and repair of engineering systems is an engineering aide’s primary responsibility. Testing mechanical systems is another function of an engineering aide. Engineering firms may also ask an aide to create models, presentations, and graphs for project proposals.
A principal engineering aide is usually at the top of the engineering aide hierarchy. This person collaborates closely with the chief engineer to ensure that other aides are assigned to the tasks that are required. A few senior aides may be hired by an engineering firm to act as supervisors for specific projects. A junior aide is the lowest level in this hierarchy, and they may be assigned to perform specific tasks in order to turn engineering sketches and models into reality.
The construction of an auto plant or a hydropower station, for example, relies in part on the efforts of one or more engineering assistants. Aides are employed by many engineering firms to assist general laborers in the construction of mechanical systems based on blueprints. These aides work with a construction foreman to keep the project on track and within the firm’s budget. To ensure adherence to the blueprint, each aide may be assigned to a specific section of the construction project. An aide’s final task during the construction process could be to inspect virtually every nut and bolt that is required for safe operation.
Most engineering aides inspect pipes, pressure gauges, and system monitors for several hours each day. To avoid potential leaks, explosions, and system failures, these inspections are required. An engineering aide keeps track of system performance metrics and determines whether or not they fall within recommended parameters. In addition, they monitor the structural integrity of engines, pipes, and other components. These notes are delivered to the chief engineer, who determines the best course of action.
An engineer can also enlist the help of an engineering aide for specific research and project proposals. A research paper might require the aide to visit a university library to look for journals, books, and diagrams. However, the more common research conducted by an aide is in support of a proposed project by the engineering firm. Project research can include anything from creating 3-D models of blueprints to using engineering software to develop theoretical system tests. An engineer may also send aides to potential work sites to take photos and conduct detailed surveys.