Career & application guide

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

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What do industrial engineering technologists and technicians do?

Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech)
  • Industrial Engineering Analyst
  • Industrial Engineering Technician (Industrial Engineering Tech)
  • Industrial Technician (Industrial Tech)
  • Manufacturing Coordinator
  • PLC Tech (Programmable Logic Controller Technician)
  • QC Engineering Technician (Quality Control Engineering Technician)
  • Quality Management Coordinator

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Adhere to all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance.
  • Oversee or inspect production processes.
  • Identify opportunities for improvements in quality, cost, or efficiency of automation equipment.
  • Develop or implement programs to address problems related to production, materials, safety, or quality.
  • Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
  • Create or interpret engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, formulas, or blueprints for management or engineering staff.
  • Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
  • Recommend corrective or preventive actions to assure or improve product quality or reliability.
  • Read worker logs, product processing sheets, or specification sheets to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
  • Verify that equipment is being operated and maintained according to quality assurance standards by observing worker performance.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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