What the work is
A production technologist decides exactly how a product is made: in what sequence, on which equipment, with which settings and material allowances. They design and improve production processes, write work instructions, launch new products, and cut scrap and waste. Technologists are needed in food, textile, chemical, engineering and many other kinds of production.
A typical day
Walking the line and checking that the process is followed. Working out why scrap rose on one shift. Preparing a trial batch of a new product and taking measurements. Updating a work instruction after a settings change. Discussing a substitute raw material with purchasing.
How to start
- Learn your industry’s technology: materials, equipment, processing settings.
- Learn the basics of lean production and working with data in Excel.
- Do an internship on a production line and talk to the operators.
- Learn to write clear instructions and keep technical documentation.
Related professions
Quality engineer, mechanical engineer, occupational safety engineer, power engineer.