How to become An Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers are creative whizzes who possess the unique ability to combine science and creativity pragmatically.

They undertake diverse tasks, from evaluating and creating new structures and elements to build devices that fulfil individual needs to optimising mass production processes. 

They aim to eliminate wastefulness by developing efficient ways to employ workers, machines, materials, information, and energy in manufacturing a product or providing a service.

• Materials & Process Engineer

What do Industrial Engineers do?

An Industrial Engineer would typically need to:

• Develop, review and implement production plans, engineering specifications, quality control objectives, process flows and other information essential for efficient and optimal manufacturing procedures
• Use drafting tools and computer modelling software to analyse data, develop prototypes, create a layout of equipment, materials and workspace that meet quality control objectives, minimise costs and increase product reliability; design and manufacture efficient products based on these layouts
• Choose the best combination of materials by testing their resistance to different conditions such as heat and identifying specific qualities such as electrical conductivity or durability
• Monitor plant conditions and material reactions to test plant adaptability to new materials
  Estimate approximate production costs of different product designs; suggest cost-saving measures to save time and money
• Create and implement quality control systems that ensure that all manufactured products comply with legal requirements and meet quality standards
• Discuss product specifications, purchases, manufacturing capabilities and timeline of the projects with stakeholders
• Understand and resolve any adverse environmental or energy implications of various products or processes; take note of energy usage in manufacturing and further transport or construction applications
• Provide advice on matters such as plant adaptability to new processes and materials, inspection, maintenance and repair procedures
• Foresee and resolve problems that arise during or after manufacturing such as those caused by daily use or changing environments
• Work with other experts in manufacturing, scientific support and marketing; supervise a team of engineering staff
• Remain up to date on recent developments in the material sciences as well as the engineering industry

Industrial Engineers work in laboratories to experiment and collect data and in offices to analyse their findings to solve problems. They also typically make frequent visits to suppliers or manufacturing sites.

Overseas travel to assess processes is possible if you are employed in a multinational company. For instance, while identifying manufacturing issues, you may need to observe workers in a factory.

Industrial Engineers may work in teams to collect data and implement solutions.

Industrial Engineers work full time, from 9 a.m to 5 p.m, Monday to Friday. Shift work may be possible, but the hours may vary depending on the projects. Technological changes are rapid in this field, allowing minimal career breaks. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Industrial Engineers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Industrial Engineers are generally employed by:

• Manufacturing Companies
• Professional Scientific & Technical Services
• The Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Industry
• The Computer & Electronic Product Manufacturing Industry
• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• The Machinery Manufacturing Industry
• The Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing

Professional associations and organisations, such as the Institute of Industrial Systems & Engineers (IISE), are crucial for an Industrial Engineer interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Working in cramped and dusty factories and industries
• Risks associated with the corrosion of infrastructure materials, such as that in gas pipelines or power plants
• Long working hours; lack of time for self-care and one’s family
• Frustration due to disruptions in the machinery and inefficient or under-experienced colleagues

Any academic program that a potential Industrial Engineer takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship.

If you are in high school, attend engineering summer camps that allow you to shadow professional engineers to understand your potential job responsibilities and plan your coursework accordingly. 

Industrial placements and technical work experience before entering the labour market are not necessary but help your resume stand out and prove your competence and commitment.

Another useful way of networking, securing internships and staying current with industry trends is to acquire student membership of professional associations. Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in industrial engineering to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Industrial Engineers usually require a bachelor’s degree in industrial, mechanical, structural, electrical or general engineering, engineering technologies or the allied sciences, such as applied physics or chemistry. Courses include classroom lectures and laboratory practice and cover statistics, production systems planning and manufacturing systems design.

While vocational qualifications are also possible, the opportunities for professional certification and advancement may be somewhat restricted. Without a bachelor’s degree or vocational qualifications, you may receive training at the technician level. 

Consider cooperative education programs or five-year education programs in industrial engineering that give you a bachelor’s and master’s degree upon completion. These programs give you an appropriate combination of theoretical instruction and technical practice.

Those interested in research or teaching at the university level may further specialise in industrial engineering with a master’s or doctoral degree.

Aspiring Industrial Engineers must take high school classes in algebra, trigonometry, calculus, chemistry, physics and computer science to create a strong foundation of knowledge necessary for college learning.

Licensure, although beneficial, is not a must for entry-level Industrial Engineers. A licensed or professional engineer may supervise other engineers, sign off on projects and provide direct services to the public. Check the specific requirements for the region in which you plan to work.

There is a fairly consistent demand for Industrial Engineers due to the rapid technological changes in the field. You will typically begin your career working under the guidance of experienced colleagues or receive structured training in classes or seminars. 

With more experience and a master’s degree, Industrial Engineers may become technical specialists, such as Quality Engineers or Facility Planners. In these roles, they would supervise a team of engineers and technicians and tackle more challenging projects with greater autonomy to design, problem-solve and make decisions.

Developing energy-efficient and less polluting, and waste-generating products and processes will typically put you in line for receiving a promotion in many enterprises.

Many Industrial Engineers move into managerial positions, either in their laboratories or within the larger organisation, because the work they do is closely related to management. However, advancement to management positions depends on the size and scope of your employer.

Focus your career in a particular direction, based on your interests. You may work in a laboratory in research & development in areas such as energy-efficient fuels. Or you may concentrate on the production and processing side for large and essential companies, such as oil-producing firms.

With advanced experience and networking, consider setting up your own consultancy or working freelance for different organisations. Teaching at the university level is also a viable opportunity for candidates who have completed a master’s degree. 

Candidates with a master’s degree along with a professional engineering license have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Industrial Engineer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Most companies offer on-the-job training, although larger companies typically have structured programs offering classroom learning and seminars to newly employed engineers. Such courses usually cover only the systems and programs the organisation uses.

You could choose to specialise in a specific process or material or gain generalised experience spanning several areas.

Continuing education, via conferences, seminars, sandwich courses and reading professional resources, are essential to keep up to date with changing technologies.

You may choose to gain professional status through acquiring membership of relevant bodies and fulfilling any other requirements. You may also be required to complete a certain amount of CPD credits to maintain or renew your license and the membership of professional engineering bodies.

History 

The field of industrial engineering emerged with the onset of the Industrial Revolution, which helped mechanise traditional manual operations in the textile industry through inventions such as the flying shuttle, the spinning jenny, and the steam engine. 

Mechanisation generated economies of scale that made mass production in centralised locations attractive for the first time. The production system concept had its genesis in the factories created by the innovations of the time. Some believe that industrial engineering grew from Charles 

Babbage’s study of factory operations and his work on manufacturing straight pins in 1832. Others argue that early efforts were more observational than functional as they did not necessarily engineer the processes observed or enhance productivity.

Basic Principles of Industrial Engineering 

The first and foremost of crucial industrial engineering principles is developing a scientific approach for every element of the man-machine system to ensure productivity and efficiency.

The second is to employ the laws that govern the work of machines, men and resources in the creation of engineering processes and operations. 

The third one believes in assigning work for labourers based on their aptitude. These principles require both workers and supervisors to be trained to become fluent in new engineering techniques. 

The penultimate principle deems it valuable to consider the opinions of supervisors and operators while redesigning equipment. The final principle is to monitor and improve productivity at the system level.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Industrial Engineers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Industrial Engineer, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Deployed robots can do more than just merely move around objects, for they have the strength to complement human work in various ways, even with cognitive tasks. 

Industrial Engineers use their proficiency in communication and problem-solving aptitude to create innovative materials, products, and manufacturing processes that make the world a better, healthier, and more interesting place in which to live. Each new device, machine or structure that a customer buys and uses testifies to your efforts and their success.

While catching up with the rapid technological changes, do not turn a blind eye to changing mercantile fads. Honing your commercial awareness along with your math and IT skills paves the way for creating unique and successful products and manufacturing processes.