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Industrial Engineers design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination. Engineers with similar duties in non-industrial settings may have such titles as operations, systems, or management engineers.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Industrial Engineers may: 

Design facilities and operation procedures by developing manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems

Develop and oversee quality control, cost control, inventory control, procurement, and distribution programs  

Devise work standards, performance measures, and wage and salary programs as well as ways to improve the work environment and worker morale 

Design and implement ways to increase productivity by simplifying work flow; reducing worker motions; and improving layout of equipment, office systems, and other units  

Design and develop new automated processing, management information and other systems  

Research and develop products and product applications  

Confer with vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, procedures, product specifications, manufacturing capabilities, and project status

Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities

Conduct long-range organization studies, plant location surveys and system effectiveness studies

Study potential markets, sources of raw materials, labor supply, energy resources, and financing of operations 

To view Industrial Engineers at work click here .

Tools, equipment, and work aids used may include: 

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Few Industrial Engineers are expert in all industrial systems and processes. They may specialize in one or more of these areas:

012.167-030  INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS design, improve, and install combined systems of machines, equipment, materials, information, and people in organizations which make products or supply services. Their work is more concerned with people, organizations, and business methods, than other engineering professions. Engineers with similar duties in non-industrial settings may have such titles as operations, systems, or management engineers.  

012.167-054  QUALITY-CONTROL ENGINEERS plan and direct the development, application, and maintenance of quality standards for processing materials into partially-finished or finished materials or products.  

012.167-070  TIME-STUDY ENGINEERS develop work measurement procedures and direct time-and-motion and incentive studies to promote the efficient use of employees and facilities. They may also develop recommendations affecting work methods, wage rates, and budget decisions.  

012.167-078  DOCUMENTATION ENGINEERS plan, direct, and coordinate preparation of project documentation, such as engineering drawings, production specifications and schedules, and contract modifications, to ensure customer contract requirements are met.

Other specializations include process engineer, plant design or factory layout engineer, production engineer, configuration management analyst, tool planner, and vendor equality supervisor.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Industrial Engineers usually work with others and may work as part of a team. Depending on their positions, they may supervise other Engineers or Technicians.  

Working conditions vary with the job. In addition, the same job may have variable working conditions depending on whether a particular task is performed in the plant or in the office. Some Industrial Engineers work primarily in well lighted, air-conditioned offices while doing research, planning, or teaching. Others spend most of their time in production areas where they may be exposed to fumes, noise, extreme temperatures, and dust.  

Industrial Engineers usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. They may work longer hours when completing a particular job. They may be employed by consulting firms and may have to travel extensively.  

Industrial Engineers may join professional organizations such as, Institute of Industrial Engineers . Members must pay periodic dues.  

Although not required for employment, certification of Industrial Engineers may be obtained from several associations, including The American Society for Quality , and The Society of Manufacturing Engineers . This type of certification signifies professional competence.  

      You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities which involve business contact with people

• Activities involving machines, processes, and techniques

• Activities which require creative imagination  

You Should Be Able To:

• See detail in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

• Visualize drawings as three-dimensional solid objects

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked

• Rate information personal judgment

• Use mathematics quickly and accurately

• Present your ideas effectively in speech and writing

• Think logically in a clear and organized manner

• Direct and plan an entire activity or the activities of others

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often  

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve: 

You're designing a new factory that is 20,000 square feet. What is the length and the width of the factory if it is to meet federal standards for the height?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend: 

Energy exists in various forms. There is mechanical energy, chemical energy, electrical energy, heat energy, nuclear energy, and so on. A transformation from one form to another may take place, but the total amount of energy is conserved, or always remains the same.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce: 

You should be able to write a memorandum explaining, to the production workers, a change in procedure to increase efficiency.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Produce: 

You should be able to decide whether to increase production or the work force to lower costs, thus increasing profits.  

Engineers performing work that affects public health, life, or property must be licensed by the State of Michigan Board of Professional Engineers of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth. The State of Michigan may require a license for this occupation.  Click here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Engineer, Licensed Professional for specific licensing information.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

 NOTE: A Bachelors Degree (four years of study beyond high school) or a Masters Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation. 

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

 ***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 1300 ENGLISH , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 2900 SCIENCE , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***  

058 ENGINEERING (PRE-PROFESSIONAL)  

Pre-Engineering Programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills required for admission to professional engineering colleges.  

Many Michigan colleges and universities offer programs which may satisfy the prerequisites for admission to engineering schools. Students should contact the engineering schools of their choice for admission requirements and consult their school's pre-professional adviser to ensure that admission prerequisites will be met.  

Courses vary from school to school but may include: 

The most common requirements for entering a community college are a high school diploma, or GED, or being at least 18 years old and completing application forms. In addition, entering a college or university may require graduation from high school in a college preparatory program, a grade point average acceptable to the school to which you apply, and passing entrance examinations.  

081 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Programs in Industrial Engineering provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary in applying engineering principles to a variety of systems in organizations which produce products or supply services. Industrial Engineers may be employed by manufacturing industries, agriculture, hospitals, government agencies, and commercial and financial institutions.  

Courses will vary from school to school but may include: 

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***  

Please check the Military web site at http://www.todaysmilitary.com/.  

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS  

Because the military is so large, small savings in personnel or equipment costs can result in savings of millions of dollars. Industrial engineers design ways to improve how the military uses its people and equipment.  

What They Do  

Industrial engineers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Study how workers and tasks are organized

• Measure work load and calculate how many people are needed to perform work tasks

• Study and improve the way work is done and equipment is used

• Develop and direct environmental health and safety programs

• Plan and oversee the purchase of equipment and services

• Plan and direct quality control and production control programs  

Special Requirements  

A 4-year college degree in industrial engineering, industrial management, or a related field is required to enter this occupation.  

Helpful Attributes  

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in technical work

• Ability to plan and organize studies

• Interest in working with mathematical models and formulas

• Interest in working closely with people 

Work Environment  

Industrial engineers usually work in offices. They may work outdoors while performing field studies or overseeing the installation of equipment and systems.  

Training Provided  

Job training is offered for some specialties. Training length varies from 8  to 16 weeks of classroom instruction, depending on the specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Management standards, principles, and policies

• Problem analysis and decision making

• Production and purchasing methods  

Civilian Counterparts  

Civilian industrial engineers work primarily in manufacturing and consulting firms. They also work in other industries and businesses, including insurance companies, retail stores, banks, public utilities, and hospitals. Civilian industrial engineers perform duties similar to those performed in the military. Depending on the specialty, they may also be called production engineers, safety engineers, production planners, or quality control engineers.  

Opportunities  

The services have an unknown number of industrial engineers. After job training, industrial engineers are usually assigned to an engineering, management evaluation or procurement unit. With experience, they may advance to command or policy-making positions in engineering, administration, or other fields.    

E-Learning Courses and Programs .

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Opportunities for gaining experience in this occupation may include summer or part-time work in manufacturing plants, on construction projects, or with research laboratories. High school students may join the  Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS)  or participate in programs.  Postsecondary education programs in general engineering and industrial engineering and related military service may also offer opportunities. Departments and agencies of the federal government also offer cooperative education programs for engineering occupations.  

School-to-Work opportunities include: 

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Industrial Engineer employer internships 

volunteer work with an Industrial Engineer employer 

community service work with an agency  

Industrial Engineers locate jobs by applying directly to employers and taking civil service exams. College placement offices, faculty members, newspaper want ads, and professional Journals may be of assistance in finding a job. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Society of Manufacturing Engineers

NSPE Job Board

Engineer Jobs

simplyhired.com

Indeed | one search. all jobs

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Dice Engineering 

Building Industry Exchange

Michigan Talent Bank  

Classifieds Employment  

FlipDog.com

Yahoo!hotjobs  

CareerBuilder  

MONSTERTRAK.COM  

Ziggs: Free People Search for Professionals

Spherion Jobs  

Net-Temps    

VAULT  

 You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Industrial Engineers depend on educational level, work experience, area of specialization, and level of responsibility, as well as the type, size, and location of the employer. 

Nationally (early 2008), college graduates with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering were offered average annual starting salaries of $58,249. Those with a master's degree were offered an average of $67,000. The median salary for all Industrial Engineers was $63,596 (2007). Licensed professional Industrial Engineers earned median annual salaries of $70,000 (late 2007). Highly experienced Industrial Engineers working in supervisory positions earned up to $125,000 or more per year (late 2007).   The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $36,140 in 2007.

In the federal government, Industrial Engineers with a bachelor's degree had annual starting salaries of $34,139 or $42,290 and those with a master's degree began at $42,290 or $51,738, depending on their college records (2008). Those with PhDs received a minimum salary of $54,568.  The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas. 

In the Great Lakes Region, which includes Michigan, the annual average salary for Industrial Engineer was $67,738, with a range of $61,529 to $73,758 (late 2007).

Annual salaries (early 2008) of Industrial Engineers employed by government agencies in Michigan were:

In Michigan, Industrial Engineering graduates accepted offers of average annual salary of $56,744 with a Bachelor's degree and $66,968 for a Master's degree in 2007.

Industrial Engineers may earn additional income by working as consultants.  

Industrial Engineers usually receive paid vacations and holidays, group health and life insurance, retirement plans, and paid sick leave. Many employers also pay expenses for additional education.  

Most Industrial Engineers begin as trainees. With experience, they are usually assigned to engineering positions in safety, manufacturing, methods, or production supervision. A few become independent consultants or teach in higher education. Many Industrial Engineers advance to supervisory and administrative positions. Initial advancement depends mainly on education. Top-level positions require proven ability in the particular work.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 201,300 Industrial Engineers employed in 2006. Employment of these Engineers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The industry distribution for Industrial Engineers looked like this:  

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

There are 18,600 Industrial Engineers working in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas for manufacturing companies. Many of these Engineers were employed by companies making cars, trucks, and related equipment. Others worked for a variety of non-manufacturing employers, including consulting organizations; mining firms; communications organizations; insurance companies; hospitals; retail businesses; colleges and universities; the U.S. Army; and federal, state, and local government agencies. 

The employment of Industrial Engineers in Michigan is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 680 annual openings is expected, with 230 due to growth and 450 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

The demand for Industrial Engineers has grown dramatically over the past two decades for one chief reason: the need for organizations to raise their levels of productivity through thoughtful, systematic applications. Most organizations must have high productivity in order to compete in the domestic and world marketplace while reducing overall cost. Since Industrial Engineers apply problem-solving techniques in hospitals, banks, governments, electronics, transportation, and manufacturing, they will have many opportunities for continued growth and advancement to top management positions as well.

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.  

Copyright © 2008 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth