Industrial Engineers

Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

Median Annual Wage: $81,490

Education: Bachelor's degree (62%); Post-secondary certificate (14%); Associate's degree (13%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Process Engineer; Engineer; Engineering Manager; Industrial Engineer; Operations Engineer; Manufacturing Specialist; Tool Engineer; Production Engineer; Plant Engineer; Supply Chain Engineer

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Industrial Engineers.

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  • Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.
  • Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
  • Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
  • Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs.
  • Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
  • Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
  • Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
  • Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
  • Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards.
  • Study operations sequence, material flow, functional statements, organization charts, and project information to determine worker functions and responsibilities.
  • Complete production reports, purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists.
  • Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.
  • Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Industrial Engineers.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Industrial Engineers.

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