How to Be Industrial Engineers - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 22, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Industrial engineers are experts in analyzing and improving production processes, with the ultimate goal of boosting efficiency and productivity. By streamlining the process, they can reduce costs, allowing businesses to become more profitable. They can also help to improve the working environment and reduce health and safety risks.

Industrial engineers use a variety of tools to monitor and assess production, such as Data Analysis, Simulation Modeling, Quality Control, and Lean Manufacturing. With their expertise, they are able to identify areas for improvement, develop solutions, and implement changes. These changes can have a profound impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of a business, resulting in improved profitability and a better working environment for employees.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming an industrial engineer is to earn a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a related field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science.
Gain Work Experience. Many employers prefer industrial engineers with some experience, so gaining work experience can be beneficial. There are a variety of ways to gain experience, including internships, co-ops, or volunteer positions.
Consider Certification. Certification is not always required, but it can be beneficial for industrial engineers who are looking to advance their careers. The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) offers certification in industrial engineering and related fields.
Pursue Graduate Studies. If you want to take your career to the next level, pursuing a master's degree in industrial engineering or a related field is a great way to do so. A master's degree can open up more job opportunities and higher salaries.
Stay Up to Date on Technology. Industrial engineers must stay up to date on the latest advancements in technology, engineering, and manufacturing processes in order to stay competitive in their field. Taking continuing education courses or attending conferences can help you stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies.

Industrial engineers can stay ahead and qualified by maintaining a constant focus on their professional development. By taking courses and attending seminars, industrial engineers can learn new skills and knowledge that can help them stay ahead of the curve in their field. staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technologies can give industrial engineers an edge over their peers.

Finally, regularly networking with other professionals in their field can help industrial engineers stay connected and informed about emerging opportunities and trends. By staying focused on their professional development, industrial engineers can ensure they remain qualified and competitive in their field.

You may want to check Environmental Engineer, Test/QA Engineer, and Reliability Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Developing cost-effective production processes for a variety of industrial settings
Designing and implementing efficient manufacturing systems that optimize the use of resources and reduce waste
Analyzing production data to identify opportunities for improvement, such as reducing cycle times or increasing efficiency
Creating and maintaining preventive maintenance programs for plant equipment
Developing safety protocols and ensuring compliance with government regulations
Developing strategies to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards
Establishing work measurement standards, such as time studies, to ensure the accuracy of production schedules
Evaluating the performance of existing machines and systems, and recommending upgrades or replacements
Researching new technologies to improve production processes
Troubleshooting production issues and identifying solutions

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of manufacturing processes and techniques.
Knowledge of engineering fundamentals and principles.
Knowledge of industrial engineering techniques such as time and motion study, process and workflow analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and ergonomics.
Ability to develop and implement process improvement plans.
Ability to analyze data to identify trends, problems and solutions.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
Knowledge of safety regulations and standards.
Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Industrial engineers play a crucial role in streamlining operations and optimizing production processes. To be successful in this field, they must possess a strong skill set, which includes critical thinking, problem solving, analytical ability, leadership, communication, and technical expertise. Critical thinking and problem solving are essential for industrial engineers to come up with creative solutions to challenging problems.

Analytical ability is required to understand production processes and identify areas for improvement. Leadership is necessary for effectively managing teams and inspiring them to take ownership of projects. Communication skills are needed to effectively explain ideas and collaborate with stakeholders.

Finally, technical expertise is essential for using software and equipment to improve processes and optimize operations. All of these skills are essential for industrial engineers to be successful in their profession.

Chemical Engineer, Sales Applications Engineer, and Electrical and Electronics Engineers are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in industrial engineering?
How do you stay up to date on industry trends and developments?
What challenges have you faced and how did you solve them?
How do you ensure accuracy and precision when completing tasks?
What techniques and tools do you use to improve productivity and efficiency?
Describe a project that you have worked on that required problem-solving skills.
What have been your greatest successes in industrial engineering?
How do you go about troubleshooting complex problems?
What processes have you created or improved in the past?
Describe a time when you had to work under tight deadlines or intense pressure.

Common Tools in Industry

Simulation. A computer-based tool to model and analyze the performance of a manufacturing, production or other industrial system (e. g. Simio Industrial Simulation Software).
Ergonomics. A set of techniques used to design and evaluate products, equipment, and work environments to accommodate the physical needs of workers (e. g. NIOSH Lifting Equation).
CAD/CAM. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing tools that design and manufacture products in digital form (e. g. Solidworks 3D CAD Design Software).
Data Analysis. Tools used to analyze data from manufacturing systems, such as time and motion studies, to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize performance (e. g. Tableau Software).
Lean Manufacturing. A set of techniques used to reduce waste and optimize production processes (e. g. Kanban Systems).
Quality Control. Tools used to ensure that products and services meet established standards (e. g. Statistical Process Control).
Maintenance Management. Software and systems used to plan, schedule, and optimize maintenance operations (e. g. eMaint CMMS Software).
Supply Chain Management. Tools used to manage the flow of materials and information from suppliers to customers (e. g. SAP Supply Chain Management Software).

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
The American Society for Quality (ASQ)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP)
International Society of Automation (ISA)

We also have Electrical Engineer, Research Engineer, and DevOps Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Lean Manufacturing. A production method that focuses on reducing waste and increasing efficiency by eliminating unnecessary steps in the production process.
Total Quality Management (TQM). A philosophy of management that emphasizes providing customers with high-quality products and services by taking a holistic approach to improving all aspects of the business.
Value Stream Mapping (VSM). A method of analyzing the flow of materials and information required to bring a product from concept to market.
Six Sigma. A business methodology that seeks to reduce variation and defects in a process by controlling inputs and outputs.
Just-in-Time (JIT). A production strategy that seeks to reduce costs and inventory levels by producing goods only when they are needed.
Kaizen. A Japanese term that refers to continuous improvement of processes, products, and services.
Ergonomics. The study of efficiency in the design and use of tools, machines, and work environments.
Workforce Planning. The process of assessing an organization's current and future staffing needs in order to ensure it has the right number of employees with the right skills for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for Industrial Engineers?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Industrial Engineers is expected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

What type of tasks do Industrial Engineers typically do?

Industrial Engineers typically analyze data to optimize production processes, develop improved methods for increasing efficiency, design new systems and processes, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

What qualifications do Industrial Engineers need?

Industrial Engineers need a bachelors degree in industrial engineering or a related field such as mechanical engineering or electrical engineering. They also need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as knowledge of computers and industrial processes.

What is the average salary of an Industrial Engineer?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Industrial Engineers was $87,040 in May 2019.

What industries do Industrial Engineers typically work in?

Industrial Engineers typically work in manufacturing, healthcare, mining, and energy industries. They may also work in government departments and research organizations.

Web Resources

What Do Industrial Engineers Do? | College of Engineering engineering.oregonstate.edu
What is Industrial Engineering? | NC State ISE www.ise.ncsu.edu
What is Industrial Engineering? - School of Industrial Engineering ... engineering.purdue.edu