Industrial Engineering Technician

Your Fit

Income

$65K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

3.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Industrial Engineering Technician?

Industrial Engineering Technicians assist industrial engineers in the design, development, testing, and optimization of production systems and processes. They play a crucial role in increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving the quality of products in manufacturing and other industries.

Sample job titles:

Industrial Engineering Technician, Manufacturing Technology Analyst, Quality Control Engineering Technician (QC Engineering Technician), Quality Technician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Industrial Engineering Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Industrial Engineering Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$53K per year	$65K per year	$79K per year	$98K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $15K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Industrial Engineering Technician do?

Work environment

Industrial Engineering Technicians typically work in manufacturing plants, warehouses, or offices. They may spend time on production floors analyzing processes and systems, or in office settings working on data analysis and process design. The role often involves collaboration with engineers, production staff, and management.

Quick task list

Assists in the design and implementation of production systems.
Analyzes production data to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
Conducts time and motion studies to optimize workflow.
Assists with quality control and assurance processes.
Prepares reports and documentation on production processes.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Process Optimization: Focusing on improving and streamlining production processes.
Quality Assurance: Specializing in maintaining and improving product quality standards.
Supply Chain Management: Assisting in the optimization of supply chain and logistics processes.
Lean Manufacturing: Implementing lean principles to minimize waste and maximize efficiency.
Safety Management: Focusing on workplace safety and compliance with regulations.

Description

Industrial Engineering Technicians are integral in making production processes more efficient and cost-effective. They assist in analyzing current production methods, identifying inefficiencies, and suggesting improvements. This may include redesigning workflow, optimizing production schedules, and improving the use of resources. They use a variety of tools and techniques for data analysis, including statistical analysis software, CAD systems, and time-measurement tools.

A significant part of their work involves collaborating with industrial engineers and other professionals to implement changes in production processes. They often play a role in quality assurance, ensuring that the production processes meet set standards. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate findings effectively are essential for this role.

Industrial Engineering Technicians need to adapt to various work environments and be comfortable working both on the production floor and in an office. They must be able to translate technical information into actionable recommendations and have a practical understanding of engineering principles and manufacturing processes.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the efficiency and profitability of production operations.
The opportunity to solve complex problems and see tangible results of their work.
Working in a dynamic environment with a variety of tasks and challenges.

You might make a good Industrial Engineering Technician if you are...

Interested in how things are made and passionate about improving processes.
Analytical and good at problem-solving.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
Comfortable working with data and statistical analysis tools.
Able to communicate effectively with a range of professionals.

Pros:

Active involvement in improving production and operational efficiency.
Opportunities to work in a variety of industries.
Potential for career growth and development in industrial engineering fields.

Cons:

The work can be demanding, requiring attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
Working environments can vary, with time spent in both offices and on production floors.
The need to continually update skills to keep pace with technological advancements in manufacturing and engineering.

How to become an Industrial Engineering Technician

Typical education

An associate degree in industrial engineering technology or a related field is commonly required, which typically involves 2 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may benefit from additional certifications or specialized training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, especially algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Science courses, particularly physics, to understand basic engineering principles.
Computer science classes to develop skills in data analysis and software.
Technical education courses, such as drafting or mechanics, for hands-on skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics club or engineering club to gain practical experience in problem-solving and design.
Participating in science fairs or competitions related to engineering and technology.
Volunteering or interning in manufacturing settings or with local engineering firms to gain real-world exposure.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a technical college or community college program focusing on industrial engineering technology or a related field.
Consider certification programs in areas such as lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or quality control.
Seek internships or apprenticeships in manufacturing or industrial settings to gain practical, hands-on experience.

More resources

Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) - Provides resources, training, and networking opportunities in industrial engineering.
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) - Offers certification programs in various engineering technology specialties.
Manufacturing.net - An online portal offering the latest news and trends in the manufacturing industry.
American Society for Quality (ASQ) - Offers resources and certifications in quality control and lean manufacturing.

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