Industrial Engineering Tech

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Work Tasks

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS use the principles and theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, and customer service. Many engineering technicians assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development. Others work in quality control, inspecting products and processes, conducting tests, or collecting data. In manufacturing, they assist in product design and development, process design, or production. Industrial engineering technicians study the efficient use of personnel, materials, and machines in factories, stores, repair shops, and offices. They prepare layouts of machinery and equipment, plan the flow of work, make statistical studies, and analyze production costs.

Technicians in research and development build or set up equipment, prepare and conduct experiments, calculate and record results, and assist engineers in other ways. Those in manufacturing prepare specifications for materials, devise or run tests to ensure product quality, or study ways to improve efficiency. Industrial engineering technicians may also supervise production workers to make sure they follow prescribed procedures. Technicians work under the direction of engineers or engineering managers.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $59,500 average per year ($28.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (61,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.7% per year)

Entry Requirements

Employers prefer to hire INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS with at least a two-year degree in engineering technology. Training is available at technical institutes, junior and community colleges, and extension divisions of colleges and universities. Public and private vocational-technical schools, and the armed forces.

Engineering technicians who are graduates of programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) are generally recognized to have achieved a minimum level of competence in the mathematics, science, and technical courses required for this occupation.

No special licensing or certification is required for industrial engineering technicians, although, certification may provide jobseekers a competitive advantage. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) has established a voluntary certification program for engineering technicians. Certification is available at various levels, each level combining a written examination in one or more than thirty specialties with a certain amount of job-related experience, a supervisory evaluation, and a recommendation.