Production engineering technician

Production engineering technicians help to design, develop and improve production systems. They work in a wide range of production areas, for example, car manufacturing, food processing and electronics.

Also known as:

• Manufacturing systems engineering technician
• Production maintenance technician

Work activities

Production engineering technicians work in a wide range of industries. They help to design, develop and improve production systems. In large companies, production engineering technicians often specialise in a particular area of production. In design offices, they prepare plans and designs for production systems, and calculate costs. They use computer aided design (CAD) technology to produce a computer model of the new or improved system. They may help to work out the cost of any new technology that must be added to make the system more efficient. Manufacturing is a fast-changing area – it uses sophisticated equipment such as lasers, computer technology, automated assembly machines and robotics.

Production engineering technicians install the production system’s machinery, testing it to make sure it works properly. Once production has begun, they make sure that all machinery is safe and working to full capacity. They may supervise teams of maintenance workers to locate, diagnose and repair any faults in the machinery. Some production engineering technicians are involved in quality assurance work. This means they test the product at key stages in the system, to make sure the process is safe and running smoothly, and that the product is of high quality.

Personal qualities and skills

As a production engineering technician, you need:

• An understanding of production and engineering processes.
• An interest in maths, science and technology.
• To be willing to develop new knowledge, and keep up to date with advances in technology.
• To enjoy solving problems.
• A thorough, logical and methodical approach to your work.
• Good interpersonal skills, to work closely with manufacturing systems engineers, other engineering technicians, craftspeople and production workers.
• To be able to learn and follow safety procedures.
• A strong sense of responsibility for others.
• Number and organisational skills to calculate equipment costs and plan installation programmes.
• The ability to read and interpret technical instructions and diagrams and explain them to colleagues.

Pay and opportunities

According to the jobs site Glassdoor, production engineering technicians tend to earn between £29,000 and £47,000 per year (based on 974 salaries, November 2023).

Most production engineering technicians work full time, Monday to Friday. Early starts, late finishes and weekend work may be required. Some production engineering technicians may be required to work shifts.

Employers are firms across a wide range of manufacturing industries, in engineering, electronics, information technology, food, pharmaceuticals and textiles. Opportunities for production engineering technicians occur throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies.

Entry routes and training 

A level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of engineering technician is a great way to begin a career in this role.

You may be able to work towards a relevant work-based qualification. Professional registration – known as EngTech – is available for those who have joined a professional engineering institution licensed by the Engineering Council. You’ll need to hold relevant qualifications and experience. You can apply if you don’t have a qualification, but you need to have substantial work experience. Full details on how to register as an EngTech are available on full details are available at engc.org.uk.

With further education and training, engineering technicians can go on to register at Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) level.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an advanced apprenticeship, you’ll need to hold GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limit: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills gained as a fitter or craftsperson are an advantage.

Most colleges will consider applications from older candidates who don’t have the usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

Training Information on pathways to registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) can be found on the Engineering Council’s website.

Related careers

• Aerospace engineering technician
• Automobile engineering technician
• Maintenance technician
• Manufacturing engineer
• Mechanical engineering technician