what is an industrial engineer?
Industrial engineers use their skills to find ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity. They devise systems that use resources, such as people, machines, and materials, to ensure that they deliver all products and services efficiently and effectively. They use data in mathematics, analysis, and engineering skills to improve system performance.
You should have at least two to three years of manufacturing experience and should be able to identify areas that need improvement. You should have the ability to develop new manufacturing processes, including layouts, PFD, PFMEA, CP, work instructions, and training materials.
You should also have experience with AutoCAD, Inventor, Solidworks, and M.S. Office software. In this role, you will need to collect and analyze data concerning ergonomics, productivity, and safety.
You need to have project management expertise as well. The job will require you to create and implement well-organized manufacturing systems that will reduce the overall cost but still maintain performance standards. Companies will need you to identify areas where you can make changes to improve products using your knowledge of equipment, quality control standards, product design, materials, and processes.
Would working as an industrial engineer suit your professional skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an industrial engineer role.
view jobs near youaverage industrial engineer salary
The salary of an industrial engineer varies depending on several factors, such as the industry, geographic location, level of experience, and education.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial engineers in computer and electronic product manufacturing companies earn an average of $99,530 annually. Engineers in the architectural, engineering, and related services industry earn an average salary of $82,870 annually.
Alaska and Wyoming are the highest-paying states for industrial engineers, with an average of $121,750 and $106,450 annual salary, respectively. The lowest-paying states were Arkansas, with an average annual salary of $70,530, and Puerto Rico, with an average annual salary of $58,640.
The level of education and experience of industrial engineers also determines their salary. An industrial engineer with several years of experience or a master’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field will earn more than those with less experience or a bachelor’s degree.
Wondering what you can earn as an industrial engineer? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of an industrial engineer is.
types of industrial engineers
There are different types of industrial engineers who specialize in different areas of industry, such as:
- Manufacturing engineers design production layouts and develops and optimizes manufacturing processes, equipment, and facilities. They work on tasks such as reducing production costs, increasing output quality, and ensuring safety standards.
- Quality engineers ensure that products and services meet customer expectations and comply with quality standards and regulations. They perform quality audits, inspections, and tests, identify defects and nonconformities, and implement corrective actions and preventive measures in addition to monitoring quality performance.
- Project engineers manage engineering projects and ensure you and your team complete them on time, within the budget, and that you meet the necessary quality standards. They oversee the project’s technical aspects and communicate the progress to stakeholders.
- Systems engineers design, integrate, and manage complex systems comprising multiple components and subsystems. They include chain networks, transportation systems, and healthcare systems. They consider the system as a whole and its interactions with its environment. They apply mathematical models and simulation tools to define the system requirements, architecture, and behavior.
- Ergonomics engineers study how humans interact with machines, systems, or environments. They apply ergonomics principles to improve product or workplace usability, comfort, and performance. They conduct ergonomic assessments, tests, and evaluations, design ergonomic solutions, and provide recommendations for improvement.
working as an industrial engineer
Working as an industrial engineer can be rewarding and fulfilling. You can apply your engineering knowledge and skills to solve problems and improve industrial processes, systems, and operations.
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industrial engineering job description
Some of the duties and responsibilities of an industrial engineer are:
- assessing processes, systems, and operations to identify areas in which resources have not been fully utilized so that the company can make improvements to improve output quality
- applying engineering methods and scientific principles to improve systems, system integration, and company operations
- designing or redesigning facilities, equipment, systems such as information systems, and processes such as quality assurance
- researching problems by studying simulations, analyzing quantitative data, and observing the problems that the company needs to improve
- reducing waste by coordinating materials, machines, and labor and creating more efficient systems concerning energy consumption, cost, and product quality
- communicating with managers, clients, vendors, and other stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations and provide them with feasible solutions
- preparing reports, documents, and presentations to explain the results of their analysis and recommendations
- implementing or overseeing the implementation of their proposed solutions and monitoring their effectiveness
- evaluating the impact of their solutions on various aspects such as performance, quality, safety, customer satisfaction, and profitability
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industrial engineer work environment
The work environment of an industrial engineer varies depending on their tasks, industry, or employer.
You can work indoors in an office where they use software to complete their tasks or in a production facility where they can observe the operations and implement improvements. You can also work outdoors on projects dealing with environmental issues, such as waste management or renewable energy. You may need to travel when working for consulting firms or companies with multiple locations or clients. You can also work from home when your tasks do not require them to be physically present at a specific location.
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who are your colleagues?
It all depends on who your employer is or your industry. Your colleagues might include other industrial engineers sharing your tasks, managers or supervisors who oversee your projects, and clients and customers who request your services.
You might also work close to workers or operators who are part of the production process you optimize and engineers or technicians who install, maintain, and repair the equipment or facilities you design and improve. You may also work with other specialists, including quality control specialists who test and inspect the products you are in charge of, data analysts who collect and interpret the data you use for your analysis, and software developers who create and modify the software you use.
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work schedule
Industrial engineers generally work full-time, meaning they work 40 hours weekly. However, they may require overtime or weekend work according to their tasks and project deadlines.
They may also work part-time, which means they work less than 40 hours per week. This is most common for those who work as consultants or in seasonal industries such as agriculture. They may also work part-time as freelancers offering services to multiple clients or projects.
They may also need to work at night and on weekends when they have urgent projects requiring extra time and effort or in an emergency.
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job outlook for industrial engineering
The job outlook for industrial engineers is positive and promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of industrial engineers will grow by 10% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This means there should be steady demand for the next decade as industries seek to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality in a competitive and dynamic market.
Companies are trying to reduce production costs while increasing productivity in this time period. This means industrial engineers will be in demand to help improve systems. Those in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare have the most demand.
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benefits of working for randstad as an industrial engineer
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as an industrial engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
industrial engineering skills and education
To become an industrial engineer, you need certain skills and education to effectively perform your duties and responsibilities.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills and education that you need for an industrial engineer include:
- a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field, such as mechanical or electrical engineering or industrial engineering technologies. You may also need a master’s degree in one or more of those specialties, especially for senior or managerial positions. You may also require certifications such as the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) or the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
- strong technical skills in engineering methods, scientific principles, and mathematical models. They need to be proficient in using computer-aided engineering (CAE) and computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- excellent analytical skills to identify problems, collect and interpret data, evaluate alternatives, and propose solutions. You need to be able to use logic and reasoning to solve complex and multidimensional problems.
- effective communication skills to convey your ideas and findings clearly and persuasively.
- good teamwork skills to collaborate with other engineers, technicians, workers, and specialists on various projects.
FAQs about working as an industrial engineer
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about industrial engineering.
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what are the benefits of working as an industrial engineer?
You can apply your engineering knowledge and skills to solve problems and improve industrial processes, systems, and operations. You can also work in various industries and sectors that offer diverse opportunities. By reducing waste, you can also positively impact the environment, society, and economy.
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what are some of the challenges faced by industrial engineers?
You may have to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and simultaneously handle multiple tasks and projects. You may also have to work in risky environments for your health and safety and cope with changing technologies and unique customer demands that require updating your skills and knowledge.
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how do you balance your work and personal life as an industrial engineer?
Manage your time effectively by creating a schedule and avoiding distractions or procrastination. Take breaks regularly, exercise, and engage in activities that relax your mind and that you enjoy.
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is industrial engineering a STEM job?
Yes, it is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) job. An industrial engineer applies mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles to create systems that help maximize manufacturing companies’ or service providers’ efficiency and productivity.
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what industries employ industrial engineers?
As an industrial engineer, you can work in various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and transportation, energy, and government companies.
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how do I find a job as an industrial engineer?
Applying for a industrial engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our industrial engineer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
