Sponsored content

As businesses and governments work to cut costs and become more efficient, industrial engineers (IE) are increasingly sought after. IEs are responsible for optimizing complex systems and eliminating waste from those systems. As a result, they play an important role in streamlining the use of time, materials, machinery and employees to generate the most value for their companies.

Being an IE is the ideal role for an engineer that enjoys taking an established idea or procedure and improving it. They enjoy figuring out how to make machinery and processes more efficient. They work in virtually every sector, from manufacturing to retail to healthcare, although the majority of jobs are within manufacturing. IEs need to have a working understanding of the industry they are in and must also quickly become an expert in that segment's manufacturing and production processes. Furthermore, they need to be in sync with the specific culture, problems, and challenges that the company faces.

Educational requirements

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most engineering positions require a four-year degree. Bachelor's degree programs in industrial engineering cover topics in general engineering, physics, economics, production design and manufacturing. However, many industrial engineers have degrees in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering technology, or general engineering. The most recent salary information reports that median pay for industrial engineers is $81,490.

What do industrial engineers do?

The job of IE combines the roles of analyst with detective: The analyst wants to learn what the end result is currently, while the detective wants to determine if there's a case for improvement. Those observations are then shared with company executives. While some of the top brass may have given the IE his or her marching orders to begin with, many of them are nevertheless emotionally invested in their traditional way of doing business. Few people really enjoy and embrace change – even if they know it's necessary for the business to succeed. So, in addition to being analytical and curious, industrial engineers must be tactful and confident. The best IEs stand by their recommendations even when they are unpopular with management.

The future of industrial engineering is tied to the future of American manufacturing. As manufacturing jobs grow, so will the need for IEs that can help design facilities with an eye toward complex system integration. They are keenly aware that every company's bottom line is tied to its operational efficiency. Therefore, IEs focus on making improvements using a number of methods, including statistical analysis, interpersonal communication, design, planning, management and quality control.

Typically, industrial engineers are responsible for:

• Scheduling and production. An IE reviews when production is slated, as well as the process flow. By being familiar with the manufacturing method, the IE can make informed suggestions on how to better use time and people assets.

• Cost containment. An IE with a financial background can develop management control systems that will streamline financial planning and cost analysis.

• Quality control. Production problems are costly. Not only do IEs enact quality control measures, but they also design those systems to coordinate manufacturing activities to be sure products meet quality standards.

• Standardization. Sometimes, companies make or buy 20 different widgets for 20 different products when one universal widget could easily be created. An IE with deep knowledge of the manufacturing and design process can determine how to create standard parts that will provide cost savings and assembly line efficiencies.

Overall, what industrial engineers do is streamline the many processes that comprise the production or manufacture of a service or product, which often leads to improving working conditions and efficiency of employees. Ultimately, the goal of industrial engineering is lower expenses and higher productivity.

This post is sponsored by Brightwood Engineering Education.