What does an industrial engineering technician do?
Industrial engineering technicians examine the efficient use of materials, machines, and personnel in many different settings such as stores, factories, offices, and repair shops. They create layouts of machinery and equipment, schedule work tasks, analyze production costs, and conduct statistical studies of the quality and time of production. They also examine and record motion, time, speed, and methods to improve the efficiency of production processes. Industrial engineering technicians review their data and make recommendations of how to improve operation methods, equipment layout, handling of materials, and other changes to improve standards and increase production. They may also be responsible for the maintenance and repair of manufacturing and production equipment.
What kind of training does an industrial engineering technician need?
Industrial engineering technicians must have at least a high school diploma, but most employers prefer candidates with an associate degree in engineering technology. Some industrial engineering technicians receive training in the Armed Forces. Prospective industrial engineering technicians typically complete courses in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and trigonometry. Many employers provide some on the job training to enable industrial engineering technicians to learn the required policies and procedures. They typically start out performing routine tasks and move on to more advanced duties as they gain the necessary skills and experience. Many industrial engineering technicians gain voluntary certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
What are the prospects for a career as an industrial engineering technician?
Employment of industrial engineering technicians is expected to grow about as fast as average for all professions, increasing 7% from 2008 to 2018 (1). The increased demand for cost reduction and productivity increase will drive job growth.
Job prospects are expected to be favorable especially for industrial engineering technicians with advanced training and extensive experience. Many job openings will arise from the need to replace industrial engineering technicians that retire, transfer, or leave the profession for other reasons.
How much do industrial engineering technicians make?
As of January 2010, the middle 50% of industrial engineering technicians earn annual salaries between $35,067 and $46,818. The top 10% earn annual salaries of more than $53,162 (2).
A career as an industrial engineering technician is a great choice for individuals with a strong interest in industrial engineering. Industrial engineering technicians must have a solid understanding of the principles and theories of engineering and ability to apply them to a variety of problems that occur in industrial systems. Good problem solving skills, creativity, and ability to follow detailed instructions are necessary characteristics. Industrial engineering technicians must have excellent communication and ability to work as part of a team.
