Following are typical job descriptions for technology positions. Please feel free to search our Job Board for current openings or post your resume for MESDA members to review.

A programmer's work enables the computer to carry out its intended tasks. The programmer reviews, analyzes, designs, programs, modifies, develops and implements software-programming applications and software products. Writes code and complete programming, and testing of systems and applications. Converts project specifications and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language. Has analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail. An IT-related degree is very useful; but training opportunities exist for aspiring programmers.

Senior programmers are mid-level technical positions. The programmer reviews, analyzes, designs, programs, modifies, develops and implements software-programming applications and software products. Writes code and complete programming, and testing of systems and applications. Converts project specifications and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language. May train, lead and direct the work of others. Works with customers and marketing to develop new or custom features to software products/services.

Manages internal procedure prioritization, the prototype process and outside relationships. Schedules and organizes development, testing and documentation plans. Writes and updates functional and feature specifications and descriptions, user interface, project descriptions and objectives, and relationships to other systems. Writes status reports and coordinates project resources.

The quality assurance engineer performs various product-testing duties to assure specified guidelines are being followed. The engineer begins corrective action for procedural or processing deficiencies by making sure programs conform to documentation specifications; certifies that products are bug free and stable and works to develop, apply and maintain quality requirements that include the creation and execution of methods and procedures for testing and debugging programs.

Coordinates the project development efforts towards the translation and design of foreign language versions of software products. Works clsely with developing, testing and marketing and with outside vendors on localized product designs and documentation. May translate products to one or more languages.

Designs complex computer programs requiring in depth knowledge of an organizations operating procedures and information technology capability. May assist and supervise other software programmers or engineers. Plans, designs, modifies, develops and implements software-programming applications. Develops software requirements and specifications. May also work with customers and the marketing group to design and develop software for specific customer applications.

Designs, plans, and coordinates technical projects. Provides technical support to and may lead and manage a group of software/systems developers/engineers/analysts toward project goals and completion. Responsibilities may include: managing project plans and timelines, writing specifications, creating documentation and evaluating project results.

Writes and/or edits original documentation, such as equipment manuals, appendices, and operating and maintenance instructions. Researches technical information. May prepare illustrations, photographs, diagrams, and charts; and assist in graphic layouts. May test software for accuracy and usability. Projects may involve preparing individual sections of complex manuals or other technical documents, or organizing the complete production of a basic manual.

Creates cell animations and in-betweens to provide character sketches, storyboards, character animations and background animations. Requirements include graphic layout and composition skills, strong drafting abilities as well as the ability to bring inanimate objects to life. Experience with paint and animation software programs is also required.

Produces and directs artwork and animation for use in interactive products. Requirements include strong skills in a variety of drawing, painting and graphic design techniques utilizing both electronic and traditional media. Experience with integrating video, sound and computer art is desired.

Use specialized computer software to create 3D models. Drafters design and prepare drawings of machinery and components. 3D Designers are visual artists who use Computer Aided Design Software (CAD) to make 3 Dimensional blue prints and images. 3D services are used in: magazine and book covers, animation, virtual reality, multimedia, product illustration, and other products.

Reponsible for the design, development and enhancements of Web applications and corporate Web sites. Participates in product development, requirements analysis, design and technical management. Requires strong technical skills, knowledge of Internet working technologies, HTML, object-oriented programming and experience in graphic design.

Web developers create dynamic, interactive and personalized Web sites; helping integrate, showcase and maintain complementary technologies as they emerge. Must have programming and design knowledge and experience to be able to create internal or external internet pages. Web skills are much sought after by firms wishing to promote their services and products. Individuals are creative, have good illustration and layout skills, good communication skills and enjoy solving problems. Developers often move from contract to contract, but retain an administrative role for their clients' websites.

The creative director advances the overall quality of strategic thinking and design-applied technology. Provides creative direction to meet the business objectives of the organization. Reponsible for the development of high-level concepts for design projects and maintaining the creative process through the product development cycle. Requirements include knowledge of user interface design; design experience with film, print or other media is desired.

Responsible for the production of interactive multimedia products and team management. Manages budgets, coordinates schedules and facilitates communication between the creative and technical teams. Requirements include strong technical computer and design experience, and a solid knowledge of interactive production.

Multimedia developers create prototypes and use scripting languages to implement screen designs and database queries. The multimedia developer executes the design structure being created by the design team. Multimedia developers serve as a connection between the design and content teams. Requirements include database query development experience, product testing and familiarity with prototyping tools.

Participates in design, scheduling, implementation, production, filming, recording, mixing and producing of all audio and video needs for multimedia products. Assists in filiming, editing and maintaining audio and video equipment. Requires solid knowledge of video and audio editing.

Responsible for the sourcing, installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, operation and support for Internet/intranet Web interface applications and systems. May assist users in the proper and efficient use of the system. Create enterprise-wide dynamic Intranet pages and applications using leading technologies. Webmasters are typically required to have cross-platform experience and know HTML, CGI (Common Gateway Interface) - knowledge of Java or specific databases is often necessary. In some companies, this position may have complete responsibility for administration and content.

Repairs maintains, troubleshoots, and installs computer systems (mainframes, minis, and micros), hardware and computer peripherals. Understands commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures. May set up hardware for employees.

Provides support to customers on various issues. Identifies, researches, and resolves technical problems and concerns of customers. Answers inquiries in person and via telephone, e-mail and voice mail concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, word processing, programming languages, electronic mail, and operating systems. Has solid knowledge of company's products.

Directs and coordinates activities of the Information Systems Department. Responsible for providing effective computer service to all users; determining data processing requirements; knowledge of system capacity to determine project feasibility, controlling and assigning work to programmers; recommending operating policies and procedures; analyzing department production and redesigning workflow if appropriate. Generally manages exempt and nonexempt employees, contractors and consultants.

Leads and trains technical consultants. Resolves technical support issues. Functions in a lead capacity. May supervise and direct customer service activities and customer service representatives regarding specific technical products. Develops performance standards and evaluates team and individuals. Analyzes report data and recommends improvements or the development of new programs.

Administers, plans, coordinates, implements and maintains computerized databases and develops policies and procedures for ensuring the security and integrity of the database. Designs data models, performs imports, monitors the database for potential problems, and creates end user reports. Confers with other departments to maximize the value of the data and determine impact of changes on other systems. Establishes and maintains policies, procedures and standards relating to database management.

Resolves computer software and hardware problems for all employees. Consults with users to determine source of specific error and recommend solution. Needs solid software experience and working knowledge of hardware and hardware configurations. May set up hardware for employees and maintain network and telecommunications systems.

Reviews, evaluates, designs, implements and maintains company databases. Consults with users to determine future needs. Strong data analysis and data modeling skills are required, data warehouse experience is desired.

Builds and maintains the most complex systems in the business. System architects have many years of experience working with databases and building applications.

Senior information systems officer of the organization. Develops strategy for information systems department based on long-term corporate goals. Oversees IS planning, policy and procedures. Member of the senior management team and usually reports to the senior executive position.

The systems analyst researches and evaluates complex business systems to provide system capabilities required for projected workloads. Communicates with people having non-technical backgrounds to develop detailed understanding of user needs. Plans layout and installation of new systems or modification of existing systems. May write programs, set up, and control computer systems to solve scientific and engineering problems or automate business system applications.

Plan, engineer, implement and support the organization's computer network. Provides technical support and training to users. Administer security procedures. Investigates, evaluates, recommends and upgrades hardware and software to meet company requirements. Prepares and maintains documentation for current network platform, backup and printing procedures.

Monitors, tests, and troubleshoots network hardware and software problems. Recommends and schedules repairs to maintain network integrity. Understands commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures.

Computer Hardware Designers design and develop new hardware. Computer Hardware Designers create all the memory, sound cards, hard drives, printers, monitors, keyboards, CD players, DVD Players and other devises. Computer Hardware Designers not only design the hardware but they also supervise the manufacturing and installation of the devices.

Semiconductor Technicians produce and test semi-conductor microchips. Most Semiconductor Technicians produce microchips, monitor the manufacturing process, make decisions, maintain equipment and manage workflow, frequently as members of a team.

Robotics Technologists design, develop, and manufacture robots for all industry sectors. Robots are used in a variety of industry from manufacturing to space. Robotic Technologists use their computers to design the robot. They assemble the robot, and then test it to make sure that it conforms to the task at hand.

Supervises and directs customer service area and customer service representatives. Responsible for achieving customer satisfaction for the organization or department. Develops performance standards and evaluates team and individuals. Analyzes report data and recommends improvements or the development of new programs.

Directs, establishes, plans and implements the policies and goals for a company's marketing strategy on the web. Develops alliances and partnerships with other online sites. E-commerce managers identify possible partners, negotiate and close deals and maintain business relationships.

Takes customers' (consumers, dealers, resellers, corporations) orders, typically over the phone and enters information into a database. Troubleshoots, analyzes and assists with customer problems, following established guidelines. This position is an important link with customers and requires sound product knowledge and an understanding of company policies, procedures and services.

Most senior position in the organization. Responsible for defining corporate strategies and objectives for both the short and long term. May also direct overall company operations to achieve these objectives within established strategies and parameters.

Conceives, evaluates and determines new product features. Manages a product or product line from concept to final release, maintains product focus and vision. Designs and coordinates the overall product creation from concept, engineering, marketing, finance and production before launch. Typically works in cross-functional teams to keep the creative, technical, and business people focused. Recognized as the principal resource for product information.

Develops and controls strategic relationships with third-party companies to bring customers and additional business to the organization. The business development manager has a keen understanding of the needs of his own as well as the third-party's organization. Responsibilities include making, maintaining and researching third-party contacts and opportunities and evaluating, negotiating, and managing business deals, mergers, acquisitions and alliances.

Contacts major accounts or clients to demonstrate products and make sales. Experienced representatives develop new markets and customers. May develop product promotions and assist at shows and marketing events. This position requires sound product knowledge and an understanding of company policies, procedures and services.

Reports to the senior executive position and is responsible for identification of technological advancements or improvements and/or enhancements to existing products. Oversees efforts to maximize the use of technology for competitive advantage. Establishes the research and development objectives within the corporate strategy.

Responsible for managing all sales activities and staff to increase sales volume and expand market share. Develops sales objectives, compensation plans, strategies, policies and procedures. Monitors the marketplace, analyzes competitors, compiles customer data to identify and recommend actions regarding pricing, distribution, product enhancements and new product development.

Electrical Engineers design, plan, research, evaluate and test the operation and performance of electrical and electronic equipment. Most Electrical Engineers have an area of specialization: power generation, transmission, and distribution; communications; electrical equipment manufacturing or a subdivision of these areas such as, industrial robot control systems or aviation electronics. They work with a variety of technologies to build new communications systems such as broadband modems, or new wireless technology.

Avionics Technicians repair and maintain components used for aircraft/marine navigation, radio communications, flight control, and engine operation. Most work on and overhaul the computerized instruments that run the craft. Avionics/Marine Technicians run checks on systems for: navigation, electrical, communications and the engine.

Civil Engineers design, plan and supervise the construction of our physical environment. This environment may include roads, buildings, bridges, harbors, water and waste systems, tunnels and airports. Civil Engineers often specialize in certain areas. There are different specializations of engineering and each Civil Engineer must chose a specific field. The fields include: Environmental engineering, Geotechnical engineering, Structural engineering, Transportation engineering, and Construction engineering.

Environmental Engineers design, operate, and manage facilities and systems for environmental protection. Environmental Engineers may conduct environmental impact assessments or be involved in natural resource management. They may specialize in pollution control or find ways to minimize the impact of waste on the environment.

Environmental scientists monitor humanity`s impact on the Earth. Environmental science applies to all sciences that involve the Earth`s environment. Most environmental scientists have expertise in a specific science, including biology, chemistry, physics, geography, biotechnology, toxicology or geology.

Environmental Technicians are involved in quality control, testing contaminated sites, monitoring atmospheric conditions, and removing waste products and hazardous materials. Environmental Technicians also set up, operate and monitor equipment as part of fieldwork.

Industrial Engineering Technologists study the interaction between people, material and machines. They are also called operations management technologists, operations research technologists or production control technologists. They are also known as quality assurance technologists or time study technologists. They plan the flow of work, make statistical studies, and analyze production costs.

Mechanical Engineers research, design and develop effective and efficient systems for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, power generation, transportation, processing, and manufacturing. Mechanical engineering is the broadest field in engineering. Engineers in this field generally work with one of three groups of moving mechanisms: vehicles (planes, trains, boats and automobiles); machines and mechanisms (robots, production assembly equipment, mechanical joints); or hydraulics and pneumatics (water or air pumps, or motors).

Industrial Chemists use their knowledge of applied science to invent, develop, and test chemical manufacturing processes and products. Industrial chemists are experts on the chemical make-up and behavior of substances. The focus is on development, not research. Industrial Chemists work closely with engineers and technicians to create and test their creations.

Chemical Engineers use chemicals to create new products. They build a bridge between science and manufacturing. They also design the machines that help produce new products. Chemical engineers may specialize in certain operations such as: oxidation or polymerization.

Chemical Technicians work with chemicals. They work in laboratories where they test and analyze data. They may work with a variety of materials, in all forms -- solids, liquids and gases. They are part of the laboratory team directed by a senior scientist. Since chemistry is the basis of all things, these techs may be involved in a wide range of projects.

Biochemists study the way chemicals work in living things. Biochemistry is a mixture of two disciplines, biology and chemistry. It gives biologists insight into the workings of living systems at the molecular level, where the action is decidedly chemical. Biochemists work in medicine, trying to produce life-saving therapies while others are working in labs to perfect techniques of DNA identification. They work in research, development and quality control laboratories, as well as chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Biotechnologists work in applied research or product development. They develop new drugs and medical treatments and also work on agri-commerce research. Biotechnologists work in a variety of settings including: academic research centers, medical centers and commercial industry. In medicine, biotechnologists analyze DNA to search for mutations that cause genetic diseases. Research biotechnologists use DNA technology and protein modeling to develop and test drugs. Biotechnologists play important roles in forensics by analyzing collected samples at crime scenes to help identify crime suspects.