INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS California Occupational Guide Number 3 Interest Area 5-A 1996
THE JOB
Factory automation has radically changed the focus of Industrial Engineers. They look at the total manufacturing process, and computers are their main tool. They use it for computer simulation, mathematical models, and descriptive charts. About 80% of Industrial Engineers work in manufacturing. Industrial Engineers also work for business organizations, government, and service industries, and are involved in office automation, cost-containment and consolidation efforts.
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS serve as a bridge between management and operations. They combine their solid engineering background with good business sense and management ability. They figure out the best use of facilities, equipment and people for the most cost efficient and productive way to make or process a product. Industrial Engineers concentrate on improving manufacturing productivity and reducing costs associated with inventory. They are also concerned with worker safety and work environment.
Industrial Engineers who specialize in plant layout and design are involved in factory site selection. They consider labor supply, access to transportation, utility and power costs, as well as building and capital equipment costs. In actual plant design, they figure out which computer systems, machines and automated equipment will be used in the design and manufacturing process. They then determine the most effective layout for computers, equipment and offices. Their designs must allow for flexibility and ease of maintenance.
Industrial Engineers must also understand ergonomics (which seeks to adapt working conditions to suit the worker) and consider how the machines and work environment affect the worker. They design work stations to reduce fatigue and prevent discomfort and work related injuries. They check the fit of chairs, the placement of equipment, computers and keyboards, and the height of desks and tables.
Industrial Engineers who specialize in production planning determine how much a plant can produce. They depend upon computers, CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) and computer simulation to figure out the best methods for production, distribution, equipment, and transportation. They may also be responsible for quality control and inventory. They consider handling and storage of incoming material, and set inventory size, as well as packaging and shipping methods.
Industrial Engineers involved in work methods analysis and improvement investigate how to get the most profit for the least cost. They establish what work methods to use and how much work each machine or worker should deliver. They often initiate the use of automation and robotics.
Because of this wide diversity of duties, Industrial Engineers function under different job titles. Those frequently used are manufacturing engineer, operations or systems analyst, process engineer, facilities engineer, quality engineer, and manufacturing research engineer.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Industrial Engineers spend much of their time asking questions. They may talk with production workers, as well as technical or administrative staff. It is not unusual for these engineers to be involved in several projects at once. Therefore, they must be flexible enough to drop one and pick up another at a moment's notice.
Much of an Industrial Engineer's output is used by management for making decisions. As a result, these workers must be accurate; their recommendations may affect the size of their firm's profits, its labor relations, as well as its production costs. Because of this, emotional strain in this occupation may be considerable at times. The job is not physically demanding, but frequently takes the engineer out of the office into production and manufacturing areas.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 14,910 Estimated number of workers in 2005 16,580 Projected Growth 1993-2005 11% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 4,930
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Most openings will result from the need to replace those engineers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. The increasing complexity of industrial operations and the expansion of automated processes in factories and offices, coupled with industrial growth, will contribute to the demand for Industrial Engineers.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Industrial Engineers with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering (BSIE) are currently offered an average salary of $33,000. Salaries for experienced engineers vary according to the area, the size of the firm, and the complexity of the work. Typically, those Industrial Engineers with three to five years' experience can earn up to $50,000 or more a year. Senior Industrial Engineers may earn a salary up to $80,000 a year or more. Department heads can earn over $100,000 per year.
Industrial engineers, although paid to work a 40-hour, five-day week, are expected to work overtime when it is necessary.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A BSIE, or a related engineering degree, is almost always essential for entering this occupation, although a few employers will consider applicants without engineering backgrounds. In addition, many employers will hire only those who have at least two years' successful experience in this field.
Engineers working for government agencies, or whose work may affect the public welfare, are required to be registered by the State. To obtain registration, engineers must pass the Engineer-in-Training examination, get at least two years' engineering experience (without a BSIE, six years of experience is required), then pass the professional examination in industrial engineering. While registration is not required for all jobs, a registered engineer may have a competitive edge for advancement to more responsible positions.
Students should take courses in mathematics and physical, social and computer sciences to prepare for this career field. They should also develop drafting and drawing skills. Electives in electronics, business administration, and computer science also provide invaluable tools for a successful career in industrial engineering.
This occupation requires the capacity to work closely with employees in all types of jobs, equipment and material suppliers and, sometimes, even the firm's customers. Communication skills are critically important to gather information and effectively present findings and recommendations.
ADVANCEMENT
Recently graduated engineers usually begin their careers as assistant engineers. As they gain experience, they may advance to associate and senior level positions. From the senior level, engineers may advance into project management or production supervision. Industrial engineers planning careers in management find that obtaining a Master's degree in business administration (MBA) is particularly helpful.
FINDING THE JOB
Industrial Engineers find work through many channels. Those still in school may interview with the employers recruiting on campus and reply to advertisements and civil service announcements. Engineers may also find work through professional engineering associations, advertisements in newspapers, and professional and trade journals. Recommendations by company employees, contacts with employers, and referrals by the present employer are all common ways to find a position. In addition, both engineers and employers use the Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department and private employment agencies.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95833-2926 (916) 263-2222
Institute of Industrial Engineers 25 Technology Park/Atlanta Norcross, GA 30092 (770) 449-0460
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Mechanical Engineers No. 5 Electrical/Electronics Engineers No. 12 Civil Engineers No. 39 Production Planners No. 271 Nuclear Engineers No. 367
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Industrial Engineer 012.167-030 Manufacturing Engineer 012.167-042 Production Engineer 012.167-046 Quality Control Engineer 012.167-054
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Industrial Engineers, except safety 221280
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group
(919) 262-2162.
Home 
Job Key 
Wages 
Demand 
More Guides