Role Profile

Process Technician (Instrument)

Typical job description:

Process technicians, often known as process engineering technicians, are involved in the manufacture of a huge range of products and chemicals, including plastics, pharmaceuticals, food and drink and artificial fibres, and in the production of energy and fuel. Supporting the work of chemical engineers, technicians can be employed in any area of process engingeering such as research and development, design, plant construction or operations and maintenance.

Key Processes:

The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation.
However, it will almost certainly involve:

  • working as part of the team designing, constructing and installing production plant machinery
  • using computer models and simulations to translate laboratory formulae and discoveries into large-scale processes
  • operating, testing and maintaining the plant and machinery
  • monitoring production processes, recording data and adjusting controls
  • supervising operatives and scheduling work
  • preparing and implementing safety procedures.

Entry Level:

S/NVQ in Process Operations L2 OR
S/NVQ in Process Engineering Maintenance L2 OR
Engineering Diploma L2 OR
Manufacturing Diploma L2 OR
5 A-C Grade GCSEs OR
5 SCEs at Credit Standard Grade OR
Certificate in Process Technology L2 Or
Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills L2 OR
First Certificate in Applied Science L2 OR
First Diploma in Applied Science L2 OR
National Certificate in Science L2

Search for related degrees or courses:
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Industry Standard:

S/NVQ in Process Engineering Maintenance L3
National Certificate in Operations and Maintenance Engineering L3 OR
National Diploma in Operations and Maintenance Engineering L3
AND HNC in Engineering (or similar) L4 (Optional) OR
Foundation Degree in Engineering (or similar) L4 (Optional)
AND ISOH Working Safety
AND Functional Skills - Numeracy, Literacy, IT, Problem Solving and Working with Others L2

Competencies:

  • Efficiency Orientation
  • Tenacity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Interpersonal Awareness
  • Concern for Impact
  • Concern for Standards
  • Thoroughness

Knowledge needed for the role:

  • have a good working knowledge of chemistry and maths
  • understand engineering principles
  • be able to express ideas and conclusions in writing
  • be able to submit data in a clear and effective way
  • have computer literacy skills of a very high standard
  • pay meticulous attention to detail
  • have an enquiring mind, intent on finding solutions to problems
  • understand computer-aided design
  • be a good team worker, but with a degree of initiative
  • have normal colour vision.

Pay and conditions:

Process Technicians can expect to earn between £14,000 and £28,000.

Working hours can vary for Technicians and can include shifts, evening and weekend work and long hours. Technicians also work on construction sites, or in mineral processing or oil exploration, and may be based in remote parts of the world.

Conditions vary widely depending on the work environment. Technicians may need to wear protective clothing such as overalls, gloves, and a hard hat, depending on the role.

Other information:

To find courses near you visit www.learndirect-advice.co.uk

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