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.
industrial engineer jobsaverage salary of an industrial engineer
While most industrial engineers work in manufacturing, industrial engineering jobs can also be found in professional, scientific, and technical services. You will most likely work for a manufacturing company, but you may also work for an engineering firm that consults on various projects for manufacturers.
In Canada, manufacturing is strong throughout the country. According to our salary guide, in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, you should have no trouble finding industrial engineering jobs with salaries in the high $70,000s, even with limited experience. With experience, industrial engineers can easily reach an annual salary of $120,000.
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 means taking on a lot of responsibility. However, it also means being part of a high-paying field with good job security. Here's what you should know about working as an industrial engineer:
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industrial engineer 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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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
While your employment as an industrial engineer is tied directly to market conditions in the manufacturing sector, manufacturing continues to be one of Canada's strongest industries and there's no reason to believe that will change any time in the near future.
Your skills as an industrial engineer are needed to implement new technologies that will enable manufacturers to increase their production efficiency. Employment opportunities for industrial engineers vary from industry to industry, but the outlook is strong in cities with strong manufacturing presence such as Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.
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advantages of finding an industrial engineer job through Randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
industrial engineer skills and education
Employers usually require a university degree in industrial engineering or a related discipline. Some jobs will require specialization in a specific field such as computer-integrated manufacturing, quality control, or logistics. A post-graduate degree may also help widen your employment opportunities.
To work as an industrial engineer, you'll also need to be licensed in your province. To obtain your P.Eng certification, you'll need to graduate from an accredited program, complete 3-4 years of work experience and pass a professional examination. The good news is once you complete this lengthy program, your employment prospects are incredibly bright!
skills and competencies
To be a successful industrial engineer, you are an expert in manufacturing processes. You're comfortable with both machines and technology, and interested in maximizing production efficiency using a combination of the two.
In addition to your technical skills, employers will also be looking for:
- broad skills in engineering disciplines
- ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
- problem-solving and analytical skills
- computer and technology skills
- excellent communication skills
FAQs
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?
Finding a job near you as an industrial engineer is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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