What Does an Industrial Engineering Technician Do?
America’s factories are efficient – and that’s thanks, in part, to industrial engineering technicians. Through keen observation and creative thinking, they help employees and systems operate more effectively. They help industrial engineers come up with ways to improve efficiency and help establish standard procedures. They also plan workflows, conduct studies, prepare machinery and equipment layouts, help businesses minimize inventory costs, and analyze production costs with safety and efficiency in mind.
Industrial engineering technicians are needed for factories, offices, stores, repair shops, health care facilities and landfills. Because they are valuable to so many different types of businesses, their responsibilities may vary, depending on the employer.
Job Responsibilities
- Study company operations in terms of time spent, motion, method and speed
- Interpret diagrams and blueprints
- Collect data and analyze it
- Recommend revisions to processes or equipment layout to increase production
- Observe workers and how they follow quality and production standards
- Prepare charts and diagrams to illustrate workflow, floor layouts or material handling
- Work with industrial engineers and management to create solutions
Industrial Engineering Technician Education + Training
An associate degree or certificate in industrial engineering technology or a similar field is typically required. Some employers look for a bachelor’s degree. Community colleges and technical schools offer training programs, including courses in computer-aided design or computer-aided manufacturing. No license or certification is required, but some employers may look for quality engineer certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
- Have excellent interpersonal skills
- Are good at analyzing and problem-solving
- Are detail-oriented
- Excel at math
- Have strong observation skills
