Quality engineering technician
Also known as: quality technician, quality technology specialist, quality technology expert, quality specialist, quality expert, quality technologist
About this occupation
Quality engineering technicians work with quality engineers or managers to analyse and solve quality problems and improve productivity. They examine machines for imperfections and inspect products to make sure they meet the standards. They also provide personnel with training in inspection techniques and prepare inspection plans.
Essential skills and knowledge
- write inspection reports
- ensure compliance with company regulations
- conduct performance tests
- quality assurance procedures
- test procedures
- perform test run
- record test data
- inspect quality of products
- quality assurance methodologies
- execute software tests
- quality standards
- set quality assurance objectives
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 17-3026.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Adhere to all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance.
- Oversee or inspect production processes.
- Identify opportunities for improvements in quality, cost, or efficiency of automation equipment.
- Develop or implement programs to address problems related to production, materials, safety, or quality.
- Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
- Create or interpret engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, formulas, or blueprints for management or engineering staff.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Quality Control Analysis, Systems Analysis
US median pay: US$66,120 a year (2025), 75,570 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.1)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Industrial Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Robotics Technicians
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Automotive Engineering Technicians
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.