Industrial engineering technicians observe factory operations to ensure efficiency and safety. They work with engineers to evaluate production efficiency, review equipment manuals, and suggest ways to increase productivity. Technicians can also review shipping, sales, and human resources departments. Training programs are available at community colleges and vocational schools.
An industrial engineering technician observes operations in a factory, plant or warehouse to ensure production efforts are as efficient and safe as possible. It helps determine the need for equipment refreshes, new assembly line strategies, or additional labor on the shop floor. Most industrial engineering technicians work as assistants to licensed engineers, performing physical inspections and tests on equipment as instructed by their supervisors.
When an engineering team is hired to evaluate a company’s production efficiency, an industrial engineering technician typically spends several days reviewing equipment manuals, technical documents, and employee expectation forms. Then he can visit the actual factory to verify that the machines and systems are working properly and being operated according to the technical instructions. Under the guidance of an engineer, a technician may decide to shut down specific equipment to inspect it more closely. He or she may determine that a machine is out of date and needs replacing or that workers need additional training to improve their workmanship.
An industrial engineering technician can simply discuss his findings with the engineer or organize data into an official report for the company’s owners. A technician makes suggestions on how to increase productivity. After reviewing the findings, he may be asked to research new technologies and provide expert opinions on which machines and systems should be installed.
Operating procedures are not the only factors in running an efficient factory. An industrial engineering technician can also review the effectiveness of shipping and receiving efforts, sales departments, and even human resource divisions within a company. Technicians who oversee these procedures often work more independently than technicians who focus on manufacturing and equipment. A professional can create his own quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness assessment methods.
A person interested in an industrial engineering technician can develop the necessary skills and knowledge in a community college or vocational school program. Most schools have technical training programs that last between six months and two years. During the classroom phase of a program, the student learns about the principles of business administration, industrial production, quality control and occupational health. A student can also gain valuable hands-on training with the testing equipment and techniques he or she will use on the job. After graduating, an individual can apply for positions in large factories, corporate headquarters, engineering consulting firms, and government agencies.
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