What does a production test technician do?
Production Test Technicians are responsible for the testing and assembly of manufactured goods before releasing them internally or to the general public. They are involved in running tests in equipment and assemblies, performing instrument calibrations, examining finish products conform with specifications, using statistical methods to identify problems, and providing reports on defects. They work with investors, product developers, and other stakeholders in fixing defects and improving the quality of a product. In testing, they will perform inspections for achieving multipoint safety and efficiency.
Production test technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real production test technician resumes:
- Install and manage windows applications for the user, maintain servers and manage help desk operations.
- Perform test, troubleshooting and calibration of system PCB's.
- Follow stringent FDA and ISO standards for testing and documentation.
- Test, troubleshoot and rework a variety of PCB products in production environment.
- Task require intimate knowledge of communication standards for both PC"and the test equipment.
- Test and troubleshoot motion control systems, PC boards, SMT boards, amplifiers and power supplies.
- Train in use of vector analysis equipment for tuning and troubleshooting delicate RF components such as up-converting mixers.
- Identify associate optical components as well as beam diagnostic assemblies to solve variety of engineering problems associate with laser systems.
- Sonnet, SDH, Gigabit Ethernet).
- Measure and characterize individual transistors, capacitors and resistors.
Production test technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Production Test Technicians are proficient in Production Test, Hand Tools, and RF. They’re also known for soft skills such as Observational skills, Writing skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Production Test Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Production Test, 10%
Performed production testing operations in strict compliance with test, operating procedures, and ensured unit functions worked according to specifications.
- Hand Tools, 9%
Use of hand tools for setup of test fixtures and jigs.
- RF, 7%
Trained in use of vector analysis equipment for tuning and troubleshooting delicate RF components such as up-converting mixers.
- Test Results, 6%
Recorded test results, entered into computer, and prepared test data to be sent to customer.
- Technical Problems, 5%
Interacted on technical problems across company lines.
- Test Procedures, 5%
Implemented and modified written test procedures in collaboration with a technical writer.
"production test," "hand tools," and "rf" are among the most common skills that production test technicians use at work. You can find even more production test technician responsibilities below, including:
Writing skills. Another essential skill to perform production test technician duties is writing skills. Production test technicians responsibilities require that "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians write reports about onsite construction, design problems, or testing results." Production test technicians also use writing skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "provided recommendations and assisted both development and process groups in writing technical reports by capturing, analyzing and summarizing experiment results. "
Math skills. production test technicians are also known for math skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to production test technician responsibilities, because "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting tasks." A production test technician resume example shows how math skills is used in the workplace: "use charts and statistics to analyze test results. "
Mechanical skills. production test technician responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "electronic engineering technologists and technicians must use hand tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to build components by hand." This resume example shows what production test technicians do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "performed mechanical/electrical assembly from engineering drawings and assembly instructions. "
Communication skills. Another common skill required for production test technician responsibilities is "communication skills." This skill comes up in the duties of production test technicians all the time, as "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians must be able to follow instructions from engineers and others." An excerpt from a real production test technician resume shows how this skill is central to what a production test technician does: "task required intimate knowledge of communication standards for both pc'' and the test equipment. "
The three companies that hire the most production test technicians are:
- Sanmina18 production test technicians jobs
- Viasat11 production test technicians jobs
- Northrop Grumman9 production test technicians jobs
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Compare different production test technicians
Production test technician vs. Engineering associate
An engineering associate is an individual whose job duties include analysis of project plans, development of product designs, and maintenance of equipment. The engineering fields where an engineering associate can find a job include civil, mechanical, and environmental. The requirements to qualify for the position include obtaining a bachelor's degree in engineering, familiarity with a specific industry, prior work experience related to the field, and possessing strong technical skills.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between production test technicians and engineering associate. For instance, production test technician responsibilities require skills such as "production test," "hand tools," "test results," and "technical problems." Whereas a engineering associate is skilled in "python," "java," "c++," and "c #." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Engineering associates really shine in the energy industry with an average salary of $88,950. Comparatively, production test technicians tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $46,746.On average, engineering associates reach higher levels of education than production test technicians. Engineering associates are 7.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Production test technician vs. Technical testing engineer
A technical testing engineer is responsible for inspecting and reporting the quality of products across the production cycle. You will thoroughly check procedures, materials, and electrical and mechanical systems to produce high-quality products for customers. Your main job is to test various components and features of the product to identify and resolve technical issues. Other duties include organizing and conducting training for junior team members, creating test environments, and identifying the root cause of technical issues.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real production test technician resumes. While production test technician responsibilities can utilize skills like "production test," "technical problems," "production equipment," and "test specifications," technical testing engineers use skills like "schematics," "c++," "ul," and "test reports."
On average, technical testing engineers earn a higher salary than production test technicians. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, technical testing engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $93,229. Whereas production test technicians have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $46,746.technical testing engineers earn similar levels of education than production test technicians in general. They're 2.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Production test technician vs. Instrument and controls technician
An instrument and controls technician is responsible for checking and inspecting the condition of production equipment and machinery, ensuring its stability to support business functions and manufacturing processes. Instrument and control technicians study schematics and blueprints of system components to assemble parts and analyze its features for measurement. They also resolve system failures and write resolution reports to prevent the reoccurrence of downtime that may pose risks to the production, avoiding operational delays and potential hazards within the premises.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from production test technician resumes include skills like "production test," "rf," "test results," and "technical problems," whereas an instrument and controls technician is more likely to list skills in "control systems," "electrical equipment," "process control," and "preventative maintenance. "
Instrument and controls technicians make a very good living in the energy industry with an average annual salary of $71,218. On the other hand, production test technicians are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $46,746.When it comes to education, instrument and controls technicians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to production test technicians. In fact, they're 2.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Production test technician vs. Engineering technician lead
Engineering technician leads are technical professionals who lead a team to design and build prototypes of a planned product or equipment. These technician leads are required to provide advice and technical support to the engineering team to resolve technical issues as well as oversee system maintenance and enhancement. They must work with both product development and manufacturing engineers to improve the existing manufacturing processes. Engineering technician leads must also participate in activities related to maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between production test technicians and engineering technician leads, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a production test technician might have more use for skills like "production test," "hand tools," "test results," and "technical problems." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of engineering technician leads require skills like "java," "python," "c++," and "c #. "
In general, engineering technician leads earn the most working in the technology industry, with an average salary of $112,250. The highest-paying industry for a production test technician is the manufacturing industry.In general, engineering technician leads hold higher degree levels compared to production test technicians. Engineering technician leads are 12.3% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of production test technician
Updated January 8, 2025
