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Career Center :: More Health Informatics Career Profiles
Manufacturing Technician |
Career OverviewA manufacturing technician is responsible for working with both the products in the lab and preparing and packaging the final product. This may mean working with huge amounts of raw substances and developing new ways to handle this material all the way to helping to design and maintain electronic measuring devices to weigh and record microscopic amounts of material. Some jobs may require additional assistance with quality control and even in-process testing of production.
As a manufacturing technician you may be involved with the calibration and maintenance of the equipment within a lab or production facility as well as part of a team working on designing new equipment or modifying existing equipment. A good understanding of mechanics, federal regulations, weights and measures, mathematics as well as production and manufacturing are all assets for a manufacturing technician.
A manufacturing technician usually works as part of a team with researchers, production engineers, designers and various other technical and production related professionals. Good interpersonal skills, the ability to work under timelines and pressure, as well as excellent communication skills are all critical to a manufacturing technician.
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Career RequirementsRequirements for manufacturing technicians often vary based on the type of project that is being staffed. Most areas will require at least a two-year associates degree in a biotechnical field, science or engineering or other related field. Some positions may accept a high school diploma or equivalency with experience.
In addition the ability to read blueprints, decipher manuals and understand technical jargon is critical. Problem solving skills and strategies are very important, as is the ability to think independently and work without direct supervision.
A background in CAD, computer assisted drafting, an ability to use computers to solve complex problems as well as strong mathematical skills are often required on job applications. Because the position involves actual troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of large and small equipment a background in mechanical repair or design, electrical training or other related experience is very advantageous.
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Job OutlookAll areas of the biotechnology field continue to enjoy a slight increase in job availability. New research facilities in both the public and private sectors have lead to a steady demand for manufacturing technician in the research and development field as well as production and pharmaceutical marketplaces.
Most jobs for manufacturing technician will be located in the large production and industrial areas although there are some agricultural research facilities located in more rural areas. Often agencies that hire production engineers will also hire manufacturing technicians to help with the day-to-day operation of the production plants and research facilities.
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Career TrackManufacturing technicians can often advance through to management positions with experience and additional training. Some manufacturing technicians continue on with their education and obtain engineering degrees and advanced training in CAD and other specialized areas.
Manufacturing technicians may also become involved in design and development of new products and may work for several smaller agencies rather than one large research facility. Often there is on-call and weekend or evening work involved in the career and there are many opportunities for advancement into management on those shifts.
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CompensationA basic level manufacturing technician with a high school degree or associates degree and no experience can expect to start at approximately $21,000 per year. For those manufacturing technicians that have a higher level of education, special certification, or additional experience the salary range is between $25,000 and $31,000 per year.
Manufacturing technician with a Level lV standing, which indicates more than five years experience often earn between $42,000 and $47,000 per year. On-call hours and weekend or evening shift will earn additional salary and are often paid on an hourly basis for this additional time.
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Manufacturing Technician Jobs- Technician, Manufacturing
Source: AfterCollege Location: Walnut Creek, CA Date Posted: Thursday, August 21, 2008
- Manufacturing Technician
Source: Althea Technologies, Inc. Location: San Diego, CA Date Posted: Wednesday, August 27, 2008
- Manufacturing Formulation Technician
Source: Avid Bioservices Location: Tustin, CA Date Posted: Friday, August 29, 2008
- Manufacturing Test Engineering Technician
Source: GE Healthcare Location: Salt Lake City, UT Date Posted: Thursday, August 07, 2008
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