Industrial Engineering Technicians

Career Description: Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May study and record time, motion, method, and speed involved in performance of production, maintenance, clerical, and other worker operations for such purposes as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

Industry: Architecture and Engineering

Other Job Titles for Industrial Engineering Technicians:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• Recommend revision to methods of operation, material handling, equipment layout, or other changes to increase production or improve standards.
• Study time, motion, methods, and speed involved in maintenance, production, and other operations to establish standard production rate and improve efficiency.
• Interpret engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, or formulas and confer with management or engineering staff to determine quality and reliability standards.
• Recommend modifications to existing quality or production standards to achieve optimum quality within limits of equipment capability.
• Aid in planning work assignments in accordance with worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, and anticipated delays.
• Observe worker using equipment to verify that equipment is being operated and maintained according to quality assurance standards.
• Observe workers operating equipment or performing tasks to determine time involved and fatigue rate using timing devices.
• Prepare charts, graphs, and diagrams to illustrate workflow, routing, floor layouts, material handling, and machine utilization.
• Evaluate data and write reports to validate or indicate deviations from existing standards.
• Read worker logs, product processing sheets, and specification sheets, to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
• Prepare graphs or charts of data or enter data into computer for analysis.
• Record test data, applying statistical quality control procedures.
• Select products for tests at specified stages in production process, and test products for performance characteristics and adherence to specifications.
• Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
• Coordinate and manage environmental protection programs and projects, assigning and evaluating work.
• Serve as liaison with federal, state, and local agencies and officials on issues pertaining to solid and hazardous waste program requirements.
• Prepare hazardous waste manifests and land disposal restriction notifications.
• Serve on teams conducting multimedia inspections at complex facilities, providing assistance with planning, quality assurance, safety inspection protocols, and sampling.
• Develop and present environmental compliance training or orientation sessions.
• Maintain, write, and revise quality assurance documentation and procedures.
• Develop, implement, and manage plans and programs related to conservation and management of natural resources.
• Assess, sort, characterize, and pack known and unknown materials.
• Request bids from suppliers or consultants.
• Provide environmental engineering assistance in network analysis, regulatory analysis, and planning or reviewing database development.
• Design and supervise the development of systems processes or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.

Emerging Tasks

• Design new equipment and materials and recommend revision to methods of operation, material handling, equipment layout, or other changes to increase production or improve standards.
• Perform tests and monitor performance of processes throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.
• Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
• Keep documentation of service histories on all biomedical equipment.
• Manage team of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating and utilizing budgets, and overseeing contract obligations and deadlines.
• Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• advise clients regarding engineering problems
• analyze effectiveness of safety systems or procedures
• analyze engineering design problems
• analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
• calculate engineering specifications
• communicate technical information
• compile numerical or statistical data
• conduct performance testing
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• design manufacturing processes or methods
• develop safety regulations
• diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
• draw maps or charts
• estimate materials or labor requirements
• evaluate engineering data
• evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
• examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
• explain complex mathematical information
• follow statistical process control procedures
• improve test devices or techniques in manufacturing, industrial or engineering setting
• inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
• inspect manufactured products or materials
• perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
• prepare safety reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• read blueprints
• read production layouts
• read technical drawings
• record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
• schedule employee work hours
• study time, motion, or work methods of workers
• test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
• understand engineering data or reports
• understand service or repair manuals
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use spreadsheet software
• use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
• use technical regulations for engineering problems
• lead teams in engineering projects
• operate land or site surveying instruments
• plan construction of structures or facilities
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• plan testing of engineering methods
• prepare environmental impact or related environmental reports
• prepare reports
• prepare safety reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• provide analytical assessment of engineering data
• read maps
• read technical drawings
• resolve engineering or science problems
• supervise pollution control workers
• test air quality, noise, temperature, or radiation
• test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
• understand construction specifications
• understand engineering data or reports
• understand government construction contracting regulations
• use building or land use regulations
• use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
• use field notes in technical drawings
• use government regulations
• use hazardous disposal techniques
• use hazardous materials information
• use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
• use land surveying techniques
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use pollution control techniques
• use project management techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use technical regulations for engineering problems
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• work as a team member
• write business project or bid proposals
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use knowledge of laser technology
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use long or short term production planning techniques
• use machining operations with semiconductor chip forming technology
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use pollution control techniques
• use project management techniques
• use quality assurance techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
• use robotics systems technology
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
• use technical regulations for engineering problems
• use total quality management practices
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• work as a team member
• write business project or bid proposals
• write product performance requirements

Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.

• Average hourly wage (2007) -$22.83
• Average annual wage (2007) - $47,490.00

• Projected growth (2006-2016): 9.94%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 7,450
• Employment (2006): 74,915

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