Back to Career Search |
Manufacturing Technician |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Description When it comes down to the details of running a business, cost effectiveness and production efficiency are two areas that must be continually analyzed and improved. Even in companies and organizations that run like well-oiled machines, there is always room for suggestions or else, just a better way of doing something. This is the field that manufacturing technicians work in. They assist engineers and technologists by gathering and analyzing information about how people, machines and materials are used in organizations to ensure that products and services are delivered in the most cost-effective and timely manner possible. They are also involved in troubleshooting, maintenance and repair work. Sometimes called industrial engineering technicians, manufacturing technicians concern themselves with people, machines and materials. This career field combines engineering with management training and seeks to develop effective, organized work systems that are both people-oriented and cost-conscious. Like other engineering technicians, they work in specialized areas such as research and development, manufacturing, sales, quality control and maintenance. Therefore, they may perform or assist in completing daily tasks, such as examining the overall production process of an organization to determine best practices. Also, they will introduce statistical performance measurements to improve operations and analyze materials handling methods and recommend ergonomic solutions to problems, safe work practices and cost efficiencies. Most manufacturing technicians are drawn to this field because of the diversity involved in the job. They take on projects from significantly different organizations. From a healthcare institution to a pulp and paper factory to a clothing company, the possibilities are endless. Some technicians work with engineers to help companies decide on a prime location, or the layout of an office, including what machines to install or even how to utilize staff members effectively. Again, this is all based on economic efficiency and maximum work productivity. A great deal of the career deals with studying human behavior and human tendencies. In designing the layout of a production line for an stereo manufacturer, the checkout counter for a supermarket, the organization of office work flow for a financial company or the materials handling system for a pulp and paper plant, the manufacturing technician must consider the physical requirements, cost parameters and the physiological and behavioral performance of the human operators. When a company is either starting out or needs some fixing, a manufacturing technician will help technologists and act as their efficiency expert. Accordingly, they are required to constantly update their skills and knowledge in order to keep up with technological advancements in this quickly changing field. |
|
![]() Average Earnings |
|||
| |||
![]() Interests and Skills |
|||
| |||
![]() Typical Tasks |
|||
| |||
![]() Workplaces, Employers and Industries |
|||
| |||
![]() Long Term Career Potential |
|||
| |||
![]() Educational Paths |
|||
|
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2002, http://www.bls.gov/oes/2002/oes_nat.htm |
Featured Schools |
Institute of Technology
You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology.
Programs Offered:
|
Agriculture and Bio-resources | Allied Health and Health Sciences | Applied Business Technology | Architecture Business Administration | Computer Science | Cosmetology and Esthetics | Culinary, Travel &Hospitality | Dance Engineering Technology & Applied Technology |Engineering | Film | Fine Arts and Design | Humanities and Liberal ArtsJustice and Security Music | Natural and Applied Sciences | Naturopathic and Holistic MedicineNursingPublic Administration & PolicyReligious and Theological Studies Sport Sciences and Physical Education | Teacher Education | Theatre |
|
Articles |
College News |
Videos |
Feedback |
Career Search
Home | About Us | Contact Us | Faq | Terms of Use | Policy Statement | Site Map | Cities Site Map |
|
Copyright 2003- 2018 QuinStreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |