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.

Sample of reported job titles:
Continuous Improvement Engineer, Engineer, Facilities Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Operations Engineer, Plant Engineer, Process Engineer, Project Engineer, Quality Engineer, Research and Development Engineer (R and D Engineer)

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
  • Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
  • Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
  • Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
  • Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards.

Technology Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software:3D Static Strength Prediction Program 3DSSPP
    ,
    A mathematical programming language AMPL
    ,
    Automatic dynamic incremental nonlinear analysis ADINA
    ,
    Dassault Systemes Abaqus
    ,
    Data acquisition software
    ,
    Dataxiom StatMost
    ,
    Design of experiments DOE software
    ,
    Discrete event simulation software
    ,
    ECHIP
    ,
    ETA Dynaform
    ,
    Finite element method FEM software
    ,
    Human modeling software
    ,
    ILOG CPLEX
    ,
    MAGMA MAGMASOFT
    ,
    Maplesoft Maple
    ,
    Maya HTT I-DEAS
    ,
    Minitab
    ,
    Modular arrangement of predetermined time standards software MODAPTS
    ,
    Neural network modeling software
    ,
    NeuralWare
    ,
    Optimization software
    ,
    PMC KanbanSIM
    ,
    Production flow analysis software
    ,
    Robotic simulation software
    ,
    Rockwell Automation Arena
    ,
    SAS statistical software
    ,
    Siemens UGS Jack
    ,
    Statgraphics
    ,
    Statistical software
    ,
    Stratasys FDM MedModeler
    ,
    Task analysis software
    ,
    The MathWorks MATLAB
    ,
    Three-dimensional simulation translation software
    ,
    Time and motion analysis software
    ,
    Windward Technologies GRG2
    ,
    Wolfram Research Mathematica
    ,
    Workcell simulation software
  • Application server software:GitHub
  • Cloud-based data access and sharing software:Microsoft SharePoint
  • Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD
    ,
    Bentley MicroStation
    ,
    Dassault Systemes CATIA
    ,
    Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
    ,
    Electronic breadboard software
    ,
    Facilities design software
    ,
    Facilities planning software
    ,
    International TechneGroup IGESworks
    ,
    Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search MINOS software
    ,
    Mathsoft Mathcad
    ,
    PTC Creo Parametric
    ,
    UGS Solid Edge
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
    ,
    EGS FeatureCAM

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems:Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Thinking Creatively:Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems.
  • Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
  • Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.
  • Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
  • Create graphical representations of industrial production systems.

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail:93% responded"Every day"
  • Face-to-Face Discussions:88% responded"Every day"
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:83% responded"Every day"
  • Telephone:73% responded"Every day"
  • Contact With Others:61% responded"Constant contact with others"

Worker Requirements

Skills

  • 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.
  • Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • 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.

Knowledge

  • Engineering and Technology:Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Production and Processing:Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • Mechanical:Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Design:Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
  • 59%
    Bachelor's Degree
  • 16%
    Some College Courses
  • 11%
    Master's Degree
  • 8%
    High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Worker Characteristics

Abilities

  • Deductive Reasoning:The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Inductive Reasoning:The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Written Comprehension:The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Interests

  • Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
  • Enterprising:Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Work Values

  • Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
  • Recognition:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
  • Achievement:Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  • Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
  • Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility:Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Get yourself a new skill

In this Path

Track1
Analytical Skills
Decision Making
Our lives are but an endless series of making decisions; we as people might have to take hundreds -...
Read more
Salalem
Problem Solving
كلُ مشكلةٍ تشبهُ البابَ الكبيرَ، وبالتأكيدِ هناك حلٌ يمثلُ المفتاحَ الصغيرَ الذي يمكنكَ من فتحِهِ بس...
Read more
Salalem
Track2
Microsoft Office Set
Microsoft Excel
This course is designed to take you from Zero to Hero on Excel, and make your accounting job and req...
Read more
Filtered AI
Microsoft Word
Word is not just for writing plain text; and this is why this course is here to guide you through ev...
Read more
Intellezy Learning