Process technicians are employed in several industries, manufacturing among them. They are responsible for monitoring and improving the engineering and manufacturing processes, although their duties will vary by industry and company. For instance, while they may monitor the machinery in a process, the specific machinery will change depending on the employer.
Industries engaged in converting raw materials into products will need process technicians, but they will not have a typical work environment. For the most part, they can count on being in the plant more than in an office setting, which could mean being subjected to hazardous chemicals and noise from the machinery.
Although some employers prefer candidates with an Associate’s degree, some will hire those with just a high school diploma. Most of the education required for the job will be supplied by on-the-job training.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a process technician?
The duties of a process technicians revolve around quality in the manufacturing process. Here are a few of the responsibilities a technician will encounter during a day on the job:
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- Monitor and adjust the equipment parameters: Process technicians must be aware of the correct settings for each piece of equipment and are responsible for adjusting the machinery as needed.
- Keep things clean: An essential part of the job as a process technician is to keep equipment and the surrounding area clean. Depending on the type of manufacturing, the work area might need to remain sterile.
- Test the product quality: Process technicians test the quality of every batch of products that are produced. They will also keep a test log while following the company’s quality assurance procedures.
- Maintain equipment logbooks: One of the primary responsibilities of the process technician is to keep maintenance logbooks for each piece of equipment.
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- Inform the supervisor of equipment malfunctions: Whenever process technicians observe a machinery malfunction, they must give the supervisor a detailed report to provide enough information to find a solution.
The skills that employers look for when hiring process technicians.
The ideal process technicians possess a combination of soft and technical skills. Monitoring and adjusting a manufacturing company’s processes requires an analytical thinker who pays attention to details. Someone who will follow strict standard operating procedures will add value to the organization.
Here is a list of the skills employers value most when hiring a process technician:
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- Analytical skills when performing quality control tests.
- Organizational skills to keep all of the equipment and quality testing logbooks in order.
- Observational skills to notice when equipment is not functioning correctly.
- Linear thinking skills so that they understand how all the steps of a process are related to each other.
- Proficiency in specific machinery so they know when there are issues with the company’s equipment.
Are you looking for a position as a process technician?
Contact Pro Resources for a career as a process technician or any other light industrial or technical/professional position. We’ve been in business for over 30 years, so let us use our expertise to help you find your next job.