Industrial Engineer: Job Description, Engineering Education & Career Outlook

Have you ever considered who are behind the increase of company productivity? These are industrial engineers, specially trained to find cost-efficient methods to increase the manufacturing processes. Possessing excellent science and mathematics ability, industrial engineers are responsible for increasing a company’s productivity through cost-effective solutions. Companies have a continuous demand for these engineers to design their resource management systems and reducing the overall company cost. To become an industrial engineer, it is essential to know the job description, educational qualification and career prospects in this field of engineering.

Job Description
Industrial engineers are responsible for looking after each component of the entire manufacturing process. Whether it is the supply chain, the information or the human resource, these engineers are specially trained to maximize the productivity and efficiency of each component. The job of engineers is quite challenging, as they need to regularly come up with effective and productive solutions for cost analysis, workplace safety procedures, supply chain management etc.

They are hired by companies to work out the best solutions with an excellent combination of people and technology. Industrial engineers decide the best plant location for a wide range of businesses. Since the job of an industrial engineer has a close similarity with managerial responsibilities, they also take up management positions in companies.

While working in companies, industrial engineers are responsible to be accountable for a host of responsibilities which include the following.

• Designing, developing and evaluating integrated system for businesses
• Managing industrial manufacturing processes
• Managing human resources
• Managing quality control and inventory control
• Managing logistics and material flow
• Managing cost analysis and production coordination

Educational Qualification & Training
The minimum requirement for becoming an industrial engineer is a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, business management or any other relevant field. Candidates who wish to take up senior level or advanced position need to obtain a master’s degree in a relevant field along with good working experience in this field of engineering. The typical coursework of industrial engineering degree programs include computers, chemistry, electronics, physics, ergonomics, manufacturing, business, social sciences and mathematics among others. Engineers may also need to fulfill some licensure requirement depending on which state they are employed in. For career advancement, engineers can also acquire certification in specialties like project management, supply chain management from institutes like the Institute of Industrial Engineers.

Obtaining License to Become Certified
Depending on the state where you are employed, you will also need to obtain licenses. To acquire this engineering license, candidates need to complete their degree program from an accredited institution, possess 4-5 of working experience and pass to state examinations including the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). Recertification is required periodically to remain a certified industrial engineer.

Job Skills
Besides having a degree in industrial engineering, candidates also need to possess some essential job skills to remain competitive and make the most of their careers as industrial engineers. These skills include creative thinking, decision making, problem solving and excellent communication (both verbal and written).

Career Outlook
In the year 2006, around 201,000 industrial engineers were employed in the United States. Career prospects are excellent in this field. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an employment growth rate faster than the average of all other occupations. The job growth will occur at the rate of 20% from the year 2006 through to the year 2016.

Annual Salary
Salaries of industrial engineers vary depending on the work location, educational qualification, training, additional certification and working experience. Entry level engineering jobs fetch an annual salary ranging between $44,110 and $62,722. Majority of these engineers earn between $48,877 and $58,619 annually.  

The median annual salary for industrial engineers in different location of the United States is as follows.

Northeast : $56,000
Middle Atlantic : $55,400
South : $52,200
Midwest : $53,400
West : $55,400

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