Process technicians are essential employees in many manufacturing and processing industries. They are primarily responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting processing equipment. Technicians may also work with the design, installation, commissioning, and optimization of new processes, improvements, and equipment.
Four major industries that depend on well-trained process technicians include the oil, gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. As older workers retire and others leave to work for competitors or different industries, new jobs open regularly. Changes in the economy and government regulations can affect the job descriptions of technicians.
If you are contemplating working as a process technician, you should earn an associate degree in Process Technology (AOS). You will gain the knowledge and skills to work with:
- Overseeing production processes
- Monitoring devices, equipment, and systems
- Ensuring worker safety and well-being
- Maintaining efficiency in operations
Process Technicians In The Oil Industry
Process technicians work with petroleum engineers and managers in the oil industry in many capacities. They provide technical assistance on drilling, production, and refining-related issues. Technicians implement operational standards and coordinate data searches and production results with production engineers and operations managers.
Technicians often travel to drilling and well locations to monitor, test, change, or adjust equipment as needed. Additional job responsibilities and tasks include:
- Forecast and compile expense data
- Analyze production trends with software
- Support field personnel in production activities
- Review job safety policies and accidents
- Review equipment failures and wasted materials
- Develop and adjust operational guidelines as necessary
Process technicians are also indispensable in monitoring and reporting production efficiency.
Technicians And The Gas Industry
The role of a process technician in the natural gas industry is similar to that of an oil industry technician. Both technicians work with natural resources called fossil fuels that are located underground. Some of their work takes place outside the office and production center. They perform routine field equipment inspections and monitor equipment at drilling sites.
Gas process technicians play a key role in observing the extraction of natural gas, its production into useful products, and transporting it to suppliers. They also perform these tasks:
- Participate in operational and safety standards reviews and updates
- Operate production and processing from a control room
- Collect samples from drilling and production activities
- Record readings and report them to their supervisor
- Adjust, maintain, inspect, and replace parts or equipment
- Move equipment and tools between locations
Like process technicians in the petroleum industry, gas technicians closely monitor and report production efficiency.
| “Process technicians are essential employees in many manufacturing and processing industries.” |
Process Technicians In The Chemical Manufacturing Industry
Consumers regularly come in contact with and use many different products produced in chemical manufacturing. Some examples of chemical products include cleaning, plastic, and personal care items. Process technicians use lab instruments, equipment, and techniques to assist chemists and chemical engineers with producing these products. They also assist with:
- Conducting research on products and processes
- Developing and producing them
- Testing and analyzing equipment and products
- Improving processes and products
- Monitor, inspect, and repair processing equipment
- Report findings regularly to supervisors
Chemical processing technicians also work to ensure worker safety and maintain production efficiency. One of their major roles is processing chemicals and completing chemical product orders.
The Pharmaceutical Industry Is Growing
As our population grows and ages, many work opportunities emerge for pharmaceutical process technicians. Prescription medications and over-the-counter medications and supplements are produced in enormous quantities each day. Technicians’ duties can vary depending on the type of drugs being manufactured. Their typical duties include:
- Process liquid, tablet, and capsule drugs while working closely with the lab manager
- Coordinate work with the quality control and quality assurance teams
- Sterilize equipment and tools and keep the work environment clean
- Measure, weigh, subdivide, and dispense components
- Label containers for production and monitor the efficiency of operations
- Document batch production and control results
Technicians also report any incidents related to quality control and equipment issues. They comply with all current good manufacturing practices, federal regulations, and other company and industry policies and procedures. Contact us today for more information.
Summary Of Process Technician Roles
Process technicians have crucial responsibilities in their respective companies and industries. They oversee production processes, monitor equipment, ensure safety, and maintain efficiency in operations. Four of the essential industries that employ them include oil, gas, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Prepare for your process technician entry-level job with an associate degree and be on your way to a fascinating career.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website: https://www.iticollege.edu/disclosures
