Description
Industrial engineers design a vast array of production systems aiming to present efficient and effective solutions. They integrate a varied number of variables such as workers, technology, ergonomics, production flows, and product specifications for the design and implementation of production systems. They can specify and design for microsystems as well.
Other titles
The following job titles also refer to industrial engineer:
industrial engineers
industrial technology engineering consultant
industrial engineering consultant
industrial technology engineer
industrial technology engineering specialist
industrial waste engineer
industrial engineering specialist
industrial engineering expert
industrial technology engineering expert
industrial technology engineering adviser
industrial engineering adviser
Minimum qualifications
Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as industrial engineer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.
ISCO skill level
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
- the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
- the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
- the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
Industrial engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.
Industrial engineer career path
Similar occupations
These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to industrial engineer.
aerospace engineer
agricultural equipment design engineer
automation engineer
automotive engineer
container equipment design engineer
Promotions or specializations
These occupations require some skills and knowledge of industrial engineer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of industrial engineer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.
Essential knowledge and skills of industrial engineer
Essential knowledge
This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of industrial engineer.
Production processes
Engineering principles
Manufacturing processes
Technical drawings
Engineering processes
Industrial engineering
Essential skills and competences
These skills are necessary for the role of industrial engineer.
Adjust engineering designs
Perform scientific research
Use technical drawing software
Approve engineering design
Optional knowledge and skills of industrial engineer
Optional knowledge
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of industrial engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Continuous improvement philosophies
Visual flight rules
Soldering techniques
Materials science
Instrumentation equipment
Types of packaging materials
Corrosion types
Aircraft flight control systems
Material mechanics
Electromechanics
Precision mechanics
Gas dehydration processes
Quality and cycle time optimisation
Gas consumption
Design drawings
Electrical engineering
Mathematics
Natural gas liquids recovery processes
Gas contaminant removal processes
Ferrous metal processing
Microelectronics
Design principles
Firmware
Welding techniques
Aircraft mechanics
Principles of mechanical engineering
Hazardous waste types
Aerospace engineering
Legislation in agriculture
Agricultural equipment
Natural gas
Gas chromatography
Natural gas liquids fractionation processes
Agricultural production principles
Physics
Environmental legislation
Types of rotating equipment
Mechanics of motor vehicles
Non-destructive testing
Stealth technology
Consumer protection
Fuel gas
Agricultural chemicals
Types of metal
Aerodynamics
CAE software
Fluid mechanics
Computer engineering
Quality standards
Reverse engineering
Electronics
3D modelling
Mechanical engineering
ICT software specifications
Industrial tools
CAD software
Unmanned air systems
Multimedia systems
Mechanics of trains
Guidance, navigation and control
Surface engineering
Instrumentation engineering
Aviation meteorology
Packaging engineering
Microelectromechanical systems
Control engineering
Defense system
Hydraulic fracturing
Chemistry
Blueprints
Common aviation safety regulations
Mechatronics
Semiconductors
Robotics
Mechanics
Types of containers
Automation technology
Synthetic natural environment
Optional skills and competences
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of industrial engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Control compliance of railway vehicles regulations
Operate agricultural machinery
Maintain rotating equipment
Manage supplies
Create solutions to problems
Keep up with digital transformation of industrial processes
Provide technical documentation
Ensure compliance with environmental legislation
Inspect aircraft manufacturing
Monitor utility equipment
Gather technical information
Conduct literature research
Communicate with customers
Develop electronic test procedures
Automotive engineering
Optimise production processes parameters
Adjust production schedule
Lead process optimisation
Use a computer
Operate brazing equipment
Operate oxy-fuel welding torch
Design firmware
Inspect quality of products
Manage budgets
Manage human resources
Apply arc welding techniques
Schedule production
Maintain agricultural machinery
Control financial resources
Operate welding equipment
Operate radio navigation instruments
Operate two-way radio systems
Execute analytical mathematical calculations
Record test data
Troubleshoot
Manage staff
Perform welding inspection
Spot metal imperfections
Advise on safety improvements
Encourage teams for continuous improvement
Use specialised design software
Use computer-aided engineering systems
Maintain relationship with suppliers
Install hardware
Maintain industrial equipment
Monitor manufacturing quality standards
Conduct quality control analysis
Operate precision measuring equipment
Apply brazing techniques
Manage health and safety standards
Design utility equipment
Perform test run
Define manufacturing quality criteria
Analyse packaging requirements
Provide cost benefit analysis reports
Recruit employees
Identify training needs
Assess the life cycle of resources
Apply advanced manufacturing
Perform demanding weldments
Create a product’s virtual model
Attend trade fairs
Supervise hygiene procedures in agricultural settings
Create technical plans
Identify hazards in the workplace
Ensure health and safety in manufacturing
Perform metal active gas welding
Wear appropriate protective gear
Ensure maintenance of trains
Develop material testing procedures
Plan allocation of space
Determine production capacity
Ensure finished product meet requirements
Identify customer’s needs
Read standard blueprints
Test gas purity
Ensure maintenance of railway machinery
Ensure equipment availability
Operate cockpit control panels
Oversee assembly operations
Advise on manufacturing problems
Build a product’s physical model
Perform flight manoeuvres
Implement quality management systems
Write routine reports
Optimise production
Use CAM software
Monitor automated machines
Coordinate engineering teams
Plan manufacturing processes
Install automation components
Analyse test data
Follow safety standards in industrial contexts
Advise customers on new equipment
Integrate new products in manufacturing
Evaluate employees work
Examine engineering principles
Advise on efficiency improvements
Provide advice to technicians
Use non-destructive testing equipment
Research welding techniques
Ensure correct gas pressure
Perform take off and landing
Monitor production developments
Oversee aircraft sensor and recording systems
Inspect industrial equipment
Supervise staff
Liaise with quality assurance
Develop scientific research protocols
Consult technical resources
Ensure fulfilment of legal requirements
Perform tungsten inert gas welding
Draft design specifications
Develop mechatronic test procedures
Analyse stress resistance of materials
Test chemical samples
Manage chemical testing procedures
Draft bill of materials
Recognise signs of corrosion
Read engineering drawings
Use CAD software
Operate gas extraction equipment
Manage product testing
Design prototypes
Conduct performance tests
Ensure aircraft compliance with regulation
Monitor plant production
Recommend product improvements
Apply technical communication skills
Use chemical analysis equipment
Design electromechanical systems
Report analysis results
Liaise with engineers
Determine production feasibility
Install software
Ensure equipment maintenance
Replace machines
Perform project management
Program firmware
Set production facilities standards
Operate hydrogen extraction equipment
Provide improvement strategies
Plan test flights
Develop new welding techniques
Execute feasibility study
Set up the controller of a machine
Define technical requirements
Build business relationships
Maintain safe engineering watches
Ensure material compliance
Maintain control systems for automated equipment
Maintain electromechanical equipment
Plan new packaging designs
Control of expenses
Estimate duration of work
Train employees
Render 3D images
Prepare production prototypes
Assess financial viability
Set up automotive robot
Design natural gas processing systems
Perform metal inert gas welding
Develop test procedures
Liaise with managers
Analyse production processes for improvement
Operate soldering equipment
Select filler metal
Perform resource planning
Follow company standards
Design automation components
Perform routine flight operations checks
Maintain financial records
Draw design sketches
Develop product design
Perform market research
Control production
ISCO group and title
2141 – Industrial and production engineers
References
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics