What Does an Industrial Engineering Technician Do?
America’s manufacturing facilities are efficient. That’s thanks, in part, to the work of industrial engineering technicians.
Through keen observation and creative thinking, these technicians work with engineers to improve manufacturing system layouts and other industrial production processes to make them more efficient.
They help industrial engineers establish standard procedures. They also plan workflows, conduct studies, prepare machinery and equipment layouts, help minimize inventory costs and analyze production costs — all with safety in mind.
Industrial engineering technicians — also called industrial engineering technologists — are needed in factories, offices, stores, healthcare facilities and beyond. Because their skills are valuable to so many types of businesses, their responsibilities vary, depending on the employer.
If you're curious and love solving problems, keep reading to learn what kind of training you’ll need to land a job in this essential role.
Job Responsibilities
- Work with industrial engineers and management to recommend solutions
- Study company operations in terms of time spent, motion, method, cost and speed
- Collect data
- Interpret engineering diagrams
- Recommend revisions to processes, work assignments and floor layouts to increase production efficiency
- Observe workers and how they follow quality and production standards
- Create workflows and write reports
How To Become an Industrial Engineering Technician: FAQs
What steps are required to become an industrial engineering tech?
First, earn your high school diploma or equivalent. If you’re still in school, take math, science and drafting classes to prepare.
After high school, there are several training paths to this career. You can earn a certificate or an associate degree in industrial engineering technology or applied science. That’s a short, direct path to a well-paying career. That’s just one of the reasons why industrial engineering technician is included in our list of highest-paying trade jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree.
Apprenticeship is another pathway to this career. This popular earn-and-learn route includes classroom time and hands-on training.
Any pathway is likely to include courses at a community college or vocational school. Courses may include general electronics and electrical systems, blueprint reading, math, computer-aided design (CAD) and/or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), automated manufacturing systems technology and robotics, motion study, workplace safety, engineering design and manufacturing equipment and operations.
Are there any other qualifications to consider?
You don't need a license or certification to do this job, but earning certifications can make the difference between you and another job candidate. Some employers look for the Quality Technician or Quality Engineer certifications from the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
How long does it take to become an industrial engineering technician?
Certificate programs can last from six to 12 months. An associate degree takes two years. An apprenticeship can take two or more years. All programs will include hands-on experience that may extend the training window.
Continuing education is ongoing.
Where do technicians and technologists work?
They are best known for working in the manufacturing industry, but they can be hired in any industry. They can work alongside logisticians in supply chain operations for retailers or transportation companies, or at hospitals or large offices.
What’s the job outlook for industrial engineering technicians?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the outlook is steady. BLS predicts there will be about 6,600 job openings for technicians each year from 2021 to 2031.
What skills and qualities would make someone a good fit for this job?
- Excellent interpersonal and cooperation skills
- Very good at problem-solving and analysis
- Curious and investigative
- Detail-oriented
- Excel at math and statistics
- Strong observation skills
- Follows procedures and rules
- Safety-conscious
This career may not be as well-known as others, but it's essential to maintaining and improving efficiency in many settings. It's a good fit for someone who loves problem-solving and analyzing situations from several angles. If this sounds like you, check out the training options near you in the boxes below. With a relatively short-term commitment, you could be on your way to earning a good salary and making a difference!
