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Industrial Engineer

Overview and Key Facts

industrial engineer
Education
Education
Bachelor's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$95,300
Job Growth
Job Growth
10.20%
(Above US Average)
Jobs in 2031
Jobs in 2031
331,600

What Do They Do?

An industrial engineer could...

Overview Listen to this section

You've probably heard the expression "build a better mousetrap." Industrial engineers are the people who figure out how to do things better. They find ways that are smarter, faster, safer, and easier, so that companies become more efficient, productive, and profitable, and employees have work environments that are safer and more rewarding. You might think from their name that industrial engineers just work for big manufacturing companies, but they are employed in a wide range of industries, including the service, entertainment, shipping, and healthcare fields. For example, nobody likes to wait in a long line to get on a roller coaster ride, or to get admitted to the hospital. Industrial engineers tell companies how to shorten these processes. They try to make life and products better. Finding ways to do more with less is their motto.
Watch this video to see how an industrial engineer, Ashley Benedict, works together with a systems engineer to make hospitals more efficient by improving their workflow.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of an Industrial Engineer?


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Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks an Industrial Engineer might do:
  • Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
  • Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
  • Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
  • Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
  • Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
  • Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
  • Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
  • Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.
  • Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
  • Direct workers engaged in product measurement, inspection, and testing activities to ensure quality control and reliability.
  • Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
  • Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.
  • Complete production reports, purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists.
  • Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs.
  • Implement methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and defective or damaged parts, and assess cost and responsibility.
  • 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.
  • Formulate sampling procedures and designs and develop forms and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.

Salary & Job Openings

Steps to Get There: Becoming an Industrial Engineer

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