Process Control Engineering Technology - Job Outlook

If you have an interest in mechanical and electrical operations, troubleshooting issues, and a basic curiosity about how things work, a career in process control technology may be the right path for you.

Process control engineering technicians usually work in manufacturing, production, or other industrial (frequently "hard-hat") environments and are responsible for tasks such as:

• Setting up, operating, and maintaining instruments and machinery, including troubleshooting and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Monitoring, calculating and documenting production and/or manufacturing processes and results
• Ensuring quality by testing products for conformance to standards
• Keeping detailed logs of their tasks and activities

As a process control engineering technician, you may have the opportunity to work in busy settings like petroleum refineries, pulp and paper manufacturing plants, food and beverage processing plants, power generation plants, wastewater treatment facilities, or chemical manufacturing.

Industry Growth, Attrition, and Level of Training

In this field, job opportunities vary by the industry, location, and specialty area but job opportunities will generally be best for individuals with an associate’s degree or extensive job training in engineering technology.⁽¹⁾

Generally, overall employment of engineering technicians is expected to see a growth of 7 percent between 2006 and 2016.⁽¹⁾ As technology becomes more sophisticated, employers will continue to look for technicians who are skilled in new technology and require little additional training.⁽¹⁾

Additionally, job openings will stem from the need to replace technicians who retire or leave the labor force.⁽¹⁾

Key Skills Required

Most engineering process technicians begin their careers with an associate’s degree in engineering technology.⁽¹⁾ Technicians should also be able to work well with others and have strong communication skills. Flexibility is also key, since shiftwork may be required, along with the ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.⁽²⁾