Employers

There are approximately 68,500 industrial engineering technicians working in the United States. The majority of quality control technicians are employed in the manufacturing sector of the economy. Technicians work in all areas of industry, and their employers vary widely in size, product, location, and prestige.

Starting Out

Students enrolled in two-year technical schools may learn of openings for quality control technicians through their schools' career services office. Recruiters often visit these schools and interview graduating students for technical positions. Applicants for quality control technician positions who have had summer or part-time employment or participated in a work-study or internship program have greater job opportunities.

Students may also learn about openings through employment Web sites or by using the services of state and private employment services. They may also apply directly to companies that employ quality control technicians. Students can identify and research such companies by using job resource guides and other reference materials available on the Internet and at most public libraries.

Quality control technicians usually begin their work under the direct and constant supervision of an experienced technician or engineer. As they gain experience or additional education, they are given assignments with greater responsibilities. They can also become quality control engineers with additional education. Promotion usually depends on additional training as well as job performance. Technicians who obtain additional training have greater chances for advancement opportunities.

Read publications such as Quality Progress (https://asq.org/quality-progress) and Standardization News (https://www.astm.org/MAGS_NEWSLETTERS) to learn more about the field.

Join professional associations such as the American Society for Quality and the ASTM International to access training and networking resources, industry publications, and employment opportunities.

Visit https://asq.org/career for job listings.

Become certified by the American Society for Quality in order to show employers that you have met the highest standards established by your industry.