Manufacturing Lab Technician Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the manufacturing laboratory technician job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements you will be expected to fulfill to be hired for the manufacturing lab technician role by most recruiters/employers.

What Does a Manufacturing Lab Technician Do?

A manufacturing laboratory technician is responsible for conducting a variety of scientific tests on raw materials, component parts, and finished products to analyze quality and ensure specifications are met.

They work closely with the production line as well as quality assurance teams to troubleshoot issues and recommend process improvements.

The lab technician typically reports directly to a quality manager or supervisor within the quality control department.

In some smaller facilities, they may report to the production manager.

Manufacturing laboratory technicians work in factories, mills, plants, and other manufacturing facilities, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical device, plastic product, and textile.

They are employed anywhere manufactured goods are produced.

The minimum required education is an Associate’s degree in a science or engineering technology field.

However, many manufacturing lab technicians pursue additional on-the-job training to operate equipment, as well as to obtain certifications in Six Sigma, ISO standards, quality programs, lab procedures, and inspection methods.

These make them more valuable to employers.

The core duties that make up the manufacturing laboratory technician job description include conducting tests, measuring with precision instruments, analyzing results against specifications, identifying defects, recommending process improvements, maintaining equipment and documentation, and ensuring regulatory quality standards are met.

They may also be tasked with assisting in developing inspection plans, writing procedures, training production personnel in testing methods, liaising with suppliers and customers regarding specifications, and preparing quality reports for management and clients.

The role of a manufacturing lab technician is critical across global industries to prevent defects, reduce waste, and improve quality, output and efficiency – making their employers more competitive and profitable.

Employers prefer technicians with strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, critical thinking, and math skills.

Knowledge of manufacturing processes, instrumentation, and quality standards is also valuable.

The ability to clearly communicate issues and recommendations is essential.

In the US, manufacturing lab techs may need to comply with standards set by organizations like ISO, ASQ, ASTM International, and more depending on industry-specific regulations.

Some states also require compliance with environmental protection regulations during product testing.

Manufacturing Lab Technician Job Description Example/Sample/Template

The manufacturing lab technician job description consists of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Take random sample selections from batches, supplies, equipment, raw materials, parts, and finished products for lab analysis
• Prepare and examine test specimens to ensure consistency and conformity 
• Conduct chemical, mechanical, and physical materials tests using equipment like microscopes, calipers, hardness testers, tension/compression machines
• Perform instrument calibration, data analysis, quantifications, and confirming specs
• Monitor quality control points on manufacturing lines
• Inspect dimensions, weights, durability, performance, or operational characteristics utilizing gauges, meters, or chemical assays
• Record detailed and accurate test data and measurements 
• Compare results against control standards and specifications
• Identify defects and outliers that indicate production errors or non-conformances
• Report on inspection and test results to quality management and production personnel 
• Recommend and qualify solutions to correct deficiencies
• Retest final products after production process adjustments
• Prepare certificates of inspection before batch release
• Support development of new inspection plans, protocols, manuals
• Determine equipment/supplies needed for sampling procedures
• Research and validate new methodologies and equipment
• Install, operate, maintain and troubleshoot lab equipment
• Document processes, write test reports, compile production and inspection records
• Participate in quality audits, inspections, and investigations
• Monitor expiration of inspection orders and sampled material
• Ensure inspection practices meet legal regulations and compliance 
• Maintain inspection tools, lab supplies, and personal protective equipment
• Foster communication between teams to meet quality goals
• Continue skills training on technical/technological advances.

Manufacturing Laboratory Technician Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before as a manufacturing lab technician or are presently working in that role and are making a resume or CV for a new position, then you can craft a compelling Professional Experience section for your resume by applying the sample manufacturing lab technician job description provided above.

You can highlight the major duties and responsibilities you have performed or are currently carrying out as a manufacturing lab technician in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the above manufacturing lab technician job description example.

This will serve as a proof to the recruiter/employer that you have been successful performing the duties of a manufacturing laboratory technician, which can greatly boost your chances of being hired for the new job that you are seeking, especially if it requires someone with some manufacturing lab technician work experience.

Manufacturing Lab Technician Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

To carry out daily test procedures and quality control duties effectively, manufacturing lab techs requires specialized technical skills combined with scientific knowledge and abilities.

Here are some of the key requirements for success as a manufacturing lab technician:

• Operating inspection equipment – micrometers, calipers, scales, gauges, hardness testers, torsion machines
• Performing test protocols – chemical assays, physical materials tests
• Collecting and preparing specimen samples
• Conducting data analysis, calculations, quantifications
• Using laboratory information management systems
• Maintaining equipment, supplies, and cleanliness procedures
• Following safety protocols like hazmat handling
• Understanding of critical quality control points in manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of testing method limitations and instrument calibration
• Familiarity with industry regulations and compliance standards
• Metallurgical, mechanical, industrial engineering principles
• Material science basics – chemical, physical, electrical properties
• Metrology and measurement fundamentals
• Statistical analysis and quality control concepts
• Attention to detail and consistent follow-through 
• Visual color perception and acuity 
• Manual dexterity and steady hands
• Thinking critically to catch errors 
• Interpreting complex technical specifications 
• Communicating effectively – written and verbal
• Making sound judgments and notifying supervisors of issues 
• Using independent initiative and self-motivation
• Adapting to changes in processes and technologies.

The right blend of technical skills, manufacturing know-how, and critical abilities enable a lab tech to perform inspection duties reliably.

Employers look for those fundamentals supplemented by certifications, specialized training, and experience.

Manufacturing Laboratory Technician Salary

According to salary survey data by ZipRecruiter, manufacturing laboratory technicians earn an average hourly wage of $22.53.  

The cities with the highest pay for manufacturing laboratory technicians in the United States include San Jose, CA, and Vallejo, CA, with average annual salary of $58,542 and $57,338 respectively.

Conclusion

Manufacturing lab technicians play a vital behind-the-scenes role in ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of manufactured products that consumers and industries depend on daily.

They combine technical aptitude with scientific discipline and attentiveness to keep production and inspection processes operating at peak performance.

This post is helpful to individuals interested in the manufacturing laboratory technician career. They will be able to learn all they need to know about the duties and responsibilities manufacturing lab technicians commonly perform to decide if that’s the job they want to do. It is also useful to recruiters/employers in making a detailed job description for the manufacturing laboratory technician position, for use in hiring for the role.