What does a Process Technician do?
A process technician is responsible for managing the equipment and machinery used for various industries, such as manufacturing and engineering. Process technicians must have a strong knowledge of the mechanical industry, especially on operating certain equipment types and making adjustments on its features as needed, depending on the needs of the operation. They also run diagnostic tests to check a machine's working condition to ensure that it's free of any inconsistencies. A process technician also helps develop structure methods by communicating with the technical team and escalating all defective findings to the supervisor.
Process technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real process technician resumes:
- Manage successful DCS upgrade projects.
- Assist PMs in establishing effective project oversight and control, and in proactively identifying and managing project risks.
- Manage a team of 16 technicians on all phases of the Fab start up: from process formation to manufacturing readiness.
- Spearhead inspection and packaging equipment for pharmaceutical products per FDA regulations to achieve production goals ahead of schedule.
- fire alarm system, air handlers, close loop chill water system, HVAC, and plumbing.
- Programme VFDs, PLCs, HMI.
- Change proxes, cables, switches, and motors.
- Assist in minor machine PMs.
- Process Formulations/ CIP of process tanks.
- Execute LOTO procedure (log-out/tag-out).
- Maintain and repair jib hoist and overhead cranes.
- Update HMI with correct and improve information for control and troubleshooting.
- Maintain Measurex distribute control system (DCS) and scanning equipment.
- Repair broken or damage structures of machinery by tig or mig welding.
- Maintain building systems, such as lighting, HVAC, doors and electrical.
Process technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Process Technicians are proficient in Basic Math, Patients, and OSHA. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Process Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Basic Math, 13%
Utilized basic mathematical skills to figure heights and measurements.
- Patients, 8%
Facilitated patient registration for thirty-sixty patients per shift, laboratory report distribution to doctors, and patient billing.
- OSHA, 8%
Utilized basic laboratory procedures and sterilization techniques and received training in OSHA rules and regulations.
- Math, 8%
Performed math calculations required for batch processing such as determining loss amounts, process yields and accountability and verifying inventory reconciliations.
- Dexterity, 7%
Core responsibilities * Assembled computer components requiring strong manual dexterity and attention to specifications.
- Customer Service, 5%
Started at a customer service/administrative position and was promoted in the third month to Detention Processing Technician.
Common skills that a process technician uses to do their job include "basic math," "patients," and "osha." You can find details on the most important process technician responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a process technician to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "industrial engineering technologists and technicians assess changes in conditions, operations, and the environment to help industrial engineers figure out how systems should work." Process technicians often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "analyzed whole blood & serum samples, audit test facility for proper fda regulations & standard operation of procedures"
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform process technician duties is communication skills. Process technicians responsibilities require that "industrial engineering technologists and technicians must listen carefully to instructions from engineers and must clearly articulate problems to their supervisors." Process technicians also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "experience with strict clinical guidelines including aabb and fda regulations* completed communication training. "
Detail oriented. process technicians are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to process technician responsibilities, because "industrial engineering technologists and technicians must record precisely what they measure and observe." A process technician resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "created new operations, with written operation detail s. tracked existing documentation for iso 9000 compliance. "
Math skills. A big part of what process technicians do relies on "math skills." You can see how essential it is to process technician responsibilities because "industrial engineering technologists and technicians use mathematics and statistical techniques to analyze data collected from studies." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical process technician tasks: "team leader for continuous process improvement (cpi) on statistics workstations in manufacturing. "
The three companies that hire the most process technicians are:
- CSL Plasma820 process technicians jobs
- Octapharma Plasma172 process technicians jobs
- Applied Materials126 process technicians jobs
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Compare different process technicians
Process technician vs. Manufacturing operator
A manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a process technician are more likely to require skills like "patients," "customer service," "pathogens," and "preventative maintenance." On the other hand, a job as a manufacturing operator requires skills like "good communication," "quality checks," "equipment operation," and "lean six sigma." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Manufacturing operators tend to make the most money working in the pharmaceutical industry, where they earn an average salary of $37,500. In contrast, process technicians make the biggest average salary, $46,555, in the technology industry.manufacturing operators tend to reach similar levels of education than process technicians. In fact, manufacturing operators are 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Process technician vs. Engineering assistant
An engineering assistant is responsible for supporting the engineering department's operations under the supervision of a head engineer. Engineering assistants help with operating tools and equipment, developing and analyzing designs, communicating with clients by responding to their inquiries and concerns, creating project plans, and identifying business opportunities to generate revenues and increase profitability. An engineering assistant must have excellent knowledge of the engineering disciplines and processes to carry out tasks within strict deadlines and under minimal supervision.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, process technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "basic math," "patients," "osha," and "math." Meanwhile, an engineering assistant has duties that require skills in areas such as "troubleshoot," "c++," "html css," and "worksheets." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Engineering assistants may earn a higher salary than process technicians, but engineering assistants earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $79,013. On the other hand, process technicians receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $46,555.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Engineering assistants tend to reach similar levels of education than process technicians. In fact, they're 3.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Process technician vs. Production operator
A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use. Should there be any issues or concerns regarding safety, it is essential to notify a supervisor right away.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a process technician is likely to be skilled in "patients," "pathogens," "continuous improvement," and "specimen handling," while a typical production operator is skilled in "quality checks," "safety standards," "minor maintenance," and "machine operation."
Production operators make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $37,865. On the other hand, process technicians are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $46,555.production operators typically earn similar educational levels compared to process technicians. Specifically, they're 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Process technician vs. Quality laboratory technician
A Quality Laboratory Technician ensures that lab procedures and equipment meet a certain standard, as well as monitors production. They maintain quality service and a safe and healthy work environment through following organization standards.
Types of process technician
Updated January 8, 2025
