What Does a Manufacturing Technician Do?

Manufacturing technicians are a type of industrial worker who perform a wide range of tasks on the production line. They may be responsible for inspecting, testing, and evaluating raw materials or finished products to ensure they meet quality standards.

Manufacturing technicians also commonly provide technical support to other workers in their department. This might include helping operators with equipment maintenance or repair, providing training on new processes or procedures, etc.

Manufacturing Technician Job Duties

A manufacturing technician typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Performing routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning machinery or replacing filters in order to ensure optimal functioning of equipment
• Operating machines used to cut, grind, polish, drill, or weld materials such as metal or plastic
• Monitoring computer screens to ensure that production processes are running smoothly
• Monitoring quality control and safety standards to ensure that they are being met
• Performing tests to identify defects in materials or products, using measuring devices such as calipers or micrometers
• Recording information about production activities such as time stamps, work orders, work schedules, equipment malfunctions, and materials used in each step of the manufacturing process
• Monitoring equipment operation to ensure that it is running smoothly and efficiently, making necessary adjustments as needed
• Operating machines such as saws, drills, lathes, and milling machines to transform materials into finished products such as furniture or metal parts for vehicles
• Observing activities in an industrial setting to identify potential safety hazards and reporting problems to supervisors

Manufacturing Technician Salary & Outlook

Manufacturing technician salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the company they work for. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $51,500 ($24.76/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $145,000 ($69.71/hour)

The employment of manufacturing technicians is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Manufacturing companies will continue to invest in automation and other technological improvements, which should maintain demand for manufacturing technicians. However, these workers will be needed to install, maintain, and repair the equipment used with new technology.

Related: 25 Manufacturing Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Manufacturing Technician Job Requirements

A manufacturing technician typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required to become a manufacturing technician. Some companies may prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, industrial engineering or a related field. Courses in mathematics, science, engineering and technology are helpful for this role.

Training & Experience: Manufacturing technicians receive on-the-job training from their supervisors or other experienced technicians. This training helps manufacturing technicians learn the specific processes and procedures for their role. They may also learn how to use specialized equipment and software.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not usually a requirement as a manufacturing technician, but they can make you a more competitive job candidate. Certifications can also help you learn more about the industry and your responsibilities.

Manufacturing Technician Skills

Manufacturing technicians need the following skills in order to be successful:

Machining: Machining is the process of using tools to create a finished product. Manufacturing technicians often need to know how to use various machining tools to complete their work. This includes knowing how to operate a lathe, milling machine, drill press and other common tools used in manufacturing.

Welding: Welding is the process of joining two pieces of metal together. Manufacturing technicians may be responsible for welding together parts of machinery or equipment. Welding requires precision and knowledge of the proper techniques.

Quality control: Quality control is the ability to identify and correct any defects in a product. Manufacturing technicians use quality control to ensure the products they work on are of the highest quality. This includes inspecting products for flaws and taking steps to correct them.

Computer-aided design (CAD): Manufacturing technicians may use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create and modify product designs. This software is helpful for ensuring the accuracy of a product’s design and for communicating with engineers and other manufacturing professionals.

Problem-solving: Manufacturing technicians use their problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues that arise during production. They may troubleshoot machinery, analyze data to identify potential issues and develop solutions to fix them. They may also use their problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues with production processes, such as when a product doesn’t meet quality standards.

Manufacturing Technician Work Environment

Manufacturing technicians work in factories or other industrial settings. They may be exposed to noise, dust, and fumes, and they may have to work in awkward positions. They may work the day or night shift, and they may work overtime or on weekends. Some manufacturing technicians may be required to travel to different plants or sites. They may work on a team or independently.

Manufacturing Technician Trends

Here are three trends influencing how manufacturing technicians work. Manufacturing technicians will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technical Talent

The manufacturing industry is in need of more technical talent, as many companies are moving towards more automated production lines. This means that technicians will need to be able to operate and maintain these machines, as well as understand the software that runs them.

As automation becomes more common, technicians will need to be able to work with a variety of different systems in order to keep factories running smoothly. They will also need to be able to troubleshoot problems and fix broken equipment.

More Collaboration Between Manufacturing and IT

There is a growing trend in the manufacturing industry towards collaboration between manufacturing and IT teams. This is due to the fact that both departments have a lot to offer each other in terms of expertise and resources.

By working together, manufacturers and IT professionals can create products that are more efficient and cost-effective. Additionally, this trend can lead to new innovations in the field of technology, which can benefit everyone.

A Focus on Quality Control

Quality control has become an increasingly important focus for businesses in recent years. This is because customers are becoming more discerning and are looking for products that meet their high standards.

As a result, manufacturing technicians need to be familiar with quality control methods and procedures in order to ensure that products meet the necessary standards. They also need to be able to identify potential defects before they reach the customer.

How to Become a Manufacturing Technician

A manufacturing technician career can be a great way to get started in the manufacturing industry. As a manufacturing technician, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about different processes and technologies used in manufacturing. You’ll also gain experience working with a variety of materials and products.

As you progress in your manufacturing technician career, you may want to consider specializing in a particular area of manufacturing. For example, you could specialize in metalworking, plastics processing, or textile manufacturing. This specialization will allow you to develop even more skills and knowledge in your chosen field.

Advancement Prospects

There are many opportunities for advancement for manufacturing technicians. With experience, technicians can move into supervisory or lead positions, overseeing the work of other technicians. They may also be promoted to management positions, such as production manager or plant manager.

Those with strong technical skills may move into positions as product designers or quality control engineers. With additional education, technicians may become industrial engineers, who are responsible for designing and improving manufacturing systems.

Manufacturing Technician Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we believe our employees are the key to our success. We’re looking for a skilled and experienced manufacturing technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and will be able to work independently with minimal supervision. He or she will be responsible for operating and maintaining our manufacturing equipment, as well as troubleshooting and resolving issues as they arise. The successful candidate will be a team player with a positive attitude and a commitment to safety.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain production equipment in a safe and efficient manner
• Perform quality checks on products and materials, ensuring adherence to company standards
• Assist in the development and implementation of process improvements
• Monitor inventory levels and place orders for supplies as needed
• Train new employees on proper production techniques
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Follow all safety protocols
• Comply with all company policies and procedures
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform necessary repairs
• Keep accurate records of production data
• Work closely with other departments to ensure smooth operation of the manufacturing process
• Recommend process improvements to management

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Vocational training in a related field, such as machining or welding
• 2+ years experience working in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics
• Mechanical aptitude and strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a related field
• 4+ years experience working in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with CNC machines
• Experience with quality control procedures
• Working knowledge of safety standards