Industrial Engineering Technician

An Industrial Engineering Technician is responsible for assisting Industrial Engineers in implementing designs for the best use of machines, materials, and personnel in stores, healthcare organizations, factories, etc. They must be able to read and interpret schematics and engineering drawings. After preparing their designs, they make suggestions for better operating methods, layout of equipment and handling of materials as well as changes in production to effectively use equipment. They will prepare reports, graphs, charts, etc. showing the floor layouts, handling of materials, etc. Most importantly, they collect data to help improve processes. They do this by watching workers do their jobs. They study the processes they use and the time it takes to complete a task to see if there is room for improvements. During these time and motion studies, they also watch how equipment is being used and maintained to ensure workers are following procedures correctly. They collect all of this data to support their suggestions for change.

Industrial Engineering Technicians are very versatile and can work in many types of businesses. They help minimize the cost of inventory while maximizing quality, efficiency and safety.

Industrial Engineering Technicians typically work with a team under the direction of an Industrial Engineer. They will be assigned studies or observations and generally work at the location of their assignment. This might be in a store, factory or other product or service location. They usually work a standard work schedule during business hours. Most Industrial Engineering Technicians work full time.

Industrial Engineering Technicians usually need an associate’s degree through a community college or a postsecondary certificate earned through a vocational or technical school. It’s typically best for Industrial Engineering Technicians to major in industrial technology, industrial engineering technology, applied science or similar fields. Students wishing to become an Industrial Engineering Technician can start in high school by taking science, math and drafting classes. Computer classes can help students gain the skills they would later need to work with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) or computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Some qualities that are important for an Industrial Engineering Technician to possess are excellent math and communication skills. An Industrial Engineering Technician uses math everyday while interpreting engineering drawings and schematics. Also, they have to be able to follow directions and effectively communicate with their team. Industrial Engineering Technicians should be analytical thinkers so they can figure out how systems work and be able to predict how slight changes will affect them. They must also be very observant and detail-oriented to be able to gather the most accurate data through their tests and observations.

According to a 2012 study produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the yearly salary for an Industrial Engineering Technician can range between $33,000 and $76,000 depending on the industry. The median salary is about $51,000 per year.

Because of the versatility of an Industrial Engineer, they are able to work in just about any industry. Businesses are always looking to increase efficiency and cut costs, which helps sustain the demand for Industrial Engineering Technicians. Although the need for Industrial Engineering Technicians will remain the same, it is projected that their employment of will slightly decline over the next 10 years. This is, in part, because it’s expected that there will be a decrease in employment in the manufacturing industries.