A career in Industrial Engineering

A career in Industrial Engineering

A career in Industrial Engineering
Dilip Chaulagain

An industrial engineering degree equips individuals with the knowledge and abilities to improve the efficiency and productivity of companies by optimising work processes and production methods. The versatility of this field allows industrial engineers to find employment opportunities in various industries and easily transition to different career paths.

Industrial Engineering is a field that aims to improve the efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of production while also considering the impact on workers and the environment. It plays a critical role in various industries and is involved in all aspects of production and processing. Industrial engineering may be your appropriate field of study if you enjoy finding creative solutions for complex processes.

This guide provides information on the various career options available for those with a degree in industrial engineering.

What is Industrial Engineering?

Industrial Engineering is a discipline that focuses on designing, deploying, and assessing integrated systems involving people and processes. Industrial engineering aims to optimise the use of resources, such as time, energy, materials, and money, by eliminating inefficiencies and waste. This includes analysing and improving production processes, designing and implementing work systems, and evaluating the performance of these systems. 

Industrial engineers use their problem-solving abilities and understanding of manufacturing technology to enhance organisational efficiency. As their role often requires them to manage a company's entire production process, industrial engineers must comprehensively understand the whole system and the details of each project step. To progress in their careers, industrial engineers must develop excellent communication and conflict resolution skills to effectively lead and motivate their teams and coworkers and negotiate with external parties such as suppliers and transporters. 

Additionally, their ability to build strong professional relationships is crucial for success in their role.

Eligibility Criteria to Study Industrial Engineering

  • Individuals interested in pursuing a career as an industrial engineer typically require at least a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. However, a master's degree may also be preferred. 
  • However, some industrial engineers may hold degrees in mechanical, manufacturing, general, and electrical technology fields. 
  • High school students considering a career in industrial engineering should have a strong background in mathematics, science, and computer science.

Courses in Industrial Engineering

Undergraduate Level

  • Bachelor of Science (Industrial and Automation Engineering)
  • Bachelor of Science in IE
  • Bachelor of Engineering (IE)
  • Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in IE and Management
  • Bachelor of Science in IE and Logistics Management

Postgraduate Level

  • Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation
  • Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation)
  • MS in IE
  • MS in General Industrial Engineering
  • MS in Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management

Job prospects and Salary

Advancements in technology, such as data science and machine learning, are increasingly being integrated to improve future processes. The Internet of Things is also becoming a vital aspect of industrial technology. It is expected to connect various elements such as personnel, machines, materials, and information to enhance practices.

Individuals with a background in industrial engineering have various job opportunities across multiple industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, consulting, engineering services, and information technology. 

Job Profile

After completing a bachelor's or master's degree in industrial engineering, graduates can explore the following career options:

Process Engineer

As a process engineer, you would be responsible for designing, analysing, and improving industrial processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs. This includes identifying inefficiencies, reducing waste, and streamlining processes to optimise production. Your role would involve working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements and then using that information to design and implement process improvements.

You would be responsible for creating new production processes, optimising existing ones and implementing new equipment and technology. This includes the selection and installation of new equipment, as well as the development of process control systems to monitor and optimise production.

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and improving manufacturing systems and processes to enhance product quality, increase production efficiency, and minimise costs. 

They are involved in all aspects of the manufacturing process, from the design to the final production phases. They also help design and implement new equipment and technology to support these goals. This includes the selection and installation of new equipment, as well as the development of process control systems to monitor and optimise production.

Operation Analysts

Operations analysts use analytical methods and tools to assess and enhance organisational performance. They aim to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, streamline processes, and improve productivity.

They use various analytical tools and techniques such as data analysis, statistical process control, process mapping, and Six Sigma methodologies to evaluate the performance of operations, processes and systems. They then use this information to make recommendations for process improvements.

Operations analysts may also be involved in cost analysis, budgeting and forecasting, inventory management, and performance reporting. They may also be responsible for identifying and implementing cost-saving measures, such as reducing energy consumption and increasing automation.

Maintenance Engineer

Maintenance engineers ensure that industrial equipment and facilities operate optimally by performing regular maintenance and repairs. They focus on increasing the reliability and availability of equipment, minimising downtime and interruptions in production, and improving overall efficiency. 

This may include inspecting and testing equipment, identifying and troubleshooting problems, performing preventative maintenance, and making necessary repairs or replacements. They may also plan and implement upgrades or modifications to equipment or facilities to improve performance and efficiency. 

Quality Engineer

Quality engineers ensure that products meet or exceed customer expectations by implementing and maintaining quality control systems. They work to identify and prevent quality issues by performing audits and inspections, analysing data, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. They may also develop and maintain testing procedures and analyse and interpret test results. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that products are manufactured to meet or exceed customer, regulatory, and industry requirements. 

Quality engineers may also identify and address supplier quality issues, implement corrective actions, and conduct root cause analysis to prevent the recurrence of quality problems. 

Salary

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for industrial engineers in the United States is around $87,040 as of 2021. However, the salary range for industrial engineers is broad, with some starting salaries for entry-level positions around $65,000 and others earning over $120,000 a year with experience. 

Additionally, industries such as manufacturing, aerospace and defence, and consulting services tend to pay higher salaries for industrial engineers than other sectors.

Job Profile

Salary Average

Industrial Engineer

$67,930

Process Engineer

$73,360

Logistic Coordinator

$45,700

Supply Chain Consultant

$80,480

Industrial Engineering Manager

$102,000

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