About This Career

Applies engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster Manufacturing Production Process Development pathway.

A person in this career:

• Tests selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
• Compiles and evaluates statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
• Studies time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to establish standard production rate or improve efficiency.
• Reads worker logs, product processing sheets, or specification sheets to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
• Verifies that equipment is being operated and maintained according to quality assurance standards by observing worker performance.
• Aids in planning work assignments in accordance with worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, or anticipated delays.
• Evaluates industrial operations for compliance with permits or regulations related to the generation, storage, treatment, transportation, or disposal of hazardous materials or waste.
• Adheres to all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Analyzes, estimates, or reports production costs.
• Assists engineers in developing, building, or testing prototypes or new products, processes, or procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel