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.

$ 38,000 - $ 86,000
$ 60,000
6,700+
An industrial engineering technician reviews a blueprint in front of a worksite
The versatility of industrial engineering technicians allows them to be useful in a variety of projects. (Credit: Freebird7977/Shutterstock)

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).

A Day In the Life

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Industrial engineering technician David Vanderveen

A Day In the Life

David Vanderveen is a problem-solver of a different kind. His work as an industrial engineering technician means he studies processes and systems and makes them more efficient.

"Fitting together each piece of a process in the most efficient way possible is like a giant puzzle, and the satisfaction when everything comes together can’t be beat," says David.

The job pulls together two of his strengths: improving processes and working with different people to solve a problem.  

"A willingness to go out to where the process is performed and get your hands dirty also goes a long way toward being successful," he says.

Find out what else David has to say about being an industrial engineering technician.

You May Be a Good Fit To Become An Industrial Engineering Technician If You
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills
  • Are good at analyzing and problem-solving
  • Are detail-oriented
  • Excel at math
  • Have strong observation skills

Industrial Engineering Technician Training in Your Area

Coordinates
School logo for Butler Community College in El Dorado KS

Engineering Technology-Industrial Controls Certificate

Butler Community College
El Dorado (81.0 Miles)
Hutchinson Community College logo

Manufacturing Engineering Technology, A.A.S.

Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson (138.4 Miles)
North Arkansas College logo

Automation and Systems Integration (Emphasis in Manufacturing Technology), A.A.S.

North Arkansas College
Harrison (157.4 Miles)
School logo for Missouri State University - West Plains in West Plains MO

Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Missouri State University - West Plains
West Plains (214.6 Miles)
University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College logo

Automated Manufacturing Systems Technology, A.A.S.

University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
North Little Rock (248.8 Miles)
University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College logo

Automated Manufacturing Systems Certificate

University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
North Little Rock (248.8 Miles)
University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College logo

Electrical Systems Certificate

University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
North Little Rock (248.8 Miles)
Mineral Area College logo

Engineering Technology - Manufacturing, A.A.S.

Mineral Area College
Park Hills (291.6 Miles)
Mineral Area College logo

Engineering Technology - Manufacturing

Mineral Area College
Park Hills (291.6 Miles)
Mineral Area College logo

Production Technician Certificate Program

Mineral Area College
Park Hills (291.6 Miles)
Southern Arkansas University Tech logo

Industrial Sciences & Technology, A.A.S.

Southern Arkansas University Tech
Camden (292.5 Miles)
Three Rivers College logo

Industrial Technology, Certificate

Three Rivers College
Poplar Bluff (292.5 Miles)