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Industrial Engineering Technicians, also known as production technicians, assist industrial engineers with problems dealing with the efficient use of workers, materials, machines, equipment, and information in producing goods and providing services.

JOB DUTIES

To view Industrial Engineering Technicians at work click here .

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Industrial Engineering Technicians may specialize in these areas:

012.267-010 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS assist industrial engineers with problems dealing with the efficient use of workers, materials, machines, equipment, and information in producing goods and providing services.

012.261-014 QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIANS test and inspect products at different stages of production in order to maintain the quality of each product. They set up and perform various tests on the product, record the data, and make computations. Once the tests are completed, they evaluate the results and make recommendations. Quality-control technicians may specialize in design, incoming material, process control, production evaluation, inventory control, product reliability, research and development, and administrative application.

Some Industrial Engineering Technicians work as manufacturers service representatives installing and repairing machinery and equipment in the customer's establishment. Consulting with personnel in the engineering department, they adapt machinery and equipment to the needs of the customer. Service representatives also train customers to use and maintain machinery and equipment.

Industrial Engineering Technicians may work primarily in one or more areas, such as management and operations, methods planning, production planning, plant layout or design, plant safety, work measurement, quality control, cost analysis, job evaluation, information systems, computer processing, material handling, and other industrial engineering activities.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

An Industrial Engineering Technician may, as a condition of employment, become a member of a local union. Industrial Engineering Technicians may also join professional organizations, such as The American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians . Members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities dealing with machinery and equipment

• You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Use logical step-by-step procedures in your work

• Make decisions based upon accurate information

• Compare/see differences in size/shape/form of lines or other figures

• Picture objects and their space requirements

• Use mathematics quickly and accurately

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Communicate well in speech and in writing

• Handle responsibility

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A job was timed for 60 cycles and had an average of 1.2 minutes per piece. The performance rating was 95% and allowances are 10%, based on the eight hour day. Determine observed time, normal time, and standard time.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The concept outlined for a single-degree of freedom inertial navigation system can readily be implemented in three degrees of freedom by providing a multigimballed platform carrying three accelerometers with their sensitive axes arranged in an orthogonal triad, and with three gyros mounted on the platform to sense platform rotation about three axes.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an analysis report examining production costs.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills and be detail oriented in assessing and solving problems related to production efficiency.

Although certification is not required for employment, Industrial Engineering Technicians with an acceptable combination of education and experience may obtain certification from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers or The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies . A written exam may be required.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

            Search for a College and/or Instructional Program 

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

040 QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTOR

Many people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

041 QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN

Many people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs 

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Institute of Industrial Engineer's Career Center

Society of Manufacturing Engineers

NSPE Job Board

Engineer Jobs

Building Industry Exchange

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

simplyhired.com

Indeed | one search. all jobs.

MONSTER.COM

Yahoo! hotjobs

Career Builder

Michigan Talent Bank 

Michigan Works! 

 You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

In the Great Lakes States, which includes Michigan, Industrial Engineering Technicians earned an average annual salary of $46,400 (mid 2008). Industrial Engineering Technicians had annual earnings from $43,800 to $51,600 per year. 

Depending on the employer, fringe benefits usually include health, life, accident, and disability insurance; paid vacations and holidays; sick leave; retirement plans; profit-sharing plans; and savings or stock investment plans. Some employers also pay for the cost of additional education and provide planned recreational programs.

Newly hired Industrial Engineering Technicians usually work under the close supervision of an experienced industrial engineer. As they gain experience, they are given more responsible assignments and work under very general supervision.

Experience, education, and job performance are the most important factors in advancement. Experienced Technicians may become supervisors. Some Technicians may also qualify for jobs in other areas such as industrial safety, job analysis, or production supervision. With additional education and training, some workers advance to professional scientific or engineering positions.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Technicians will be needed because of industrial expansion, greater complexity of operations, and emphasis on scientific management to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase productivity. Employment opportunities for Industrial/Engineering Technicians may occur in production, maintenance, technical sales, installation, and service jobs. However, the growing availability and use of advanced technologies, such as computer-aided design and drafting and computer simulation, is expected to curtail some employment growth for engineering technicians.

There were about 5,950 Industrial Engineering Technicians employed in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas. They worked for manufacturing firms, wholesale and retail firms, engineering firms, government agencies, trucking and warehousing businesses, and mining companies. Nearly half of the Industrial Engineering Technicians employed in manufacturing worked for auto, truck, and other transportation equipment companies.  

The employment of Industrial Engineering Technicians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 180 annual openings is expected, with 50 due to growth and 130 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. Opportunities are best for highly experienced Industrial Engineering Technicians.    

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014    

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth