Industrial Engineers

17-2112.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
• Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
• Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
• Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
• Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
• Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
• Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
• Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.
• Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
• Direct workers engaged in product measurement, inspection, and testing activities to ensure quality control and reliability.
• Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
• Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.
• Complete production reports, purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists.
• Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs.
• Implement methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and defective or damaged parts, and assess cost and responsibility.
• Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards.
• Study operations sequence, material flow, functional statements, organization charts, and project information to determine worker functions and responsibilities.
• Formulate sampling procedures and designs and develop forms and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
• Regulate and alter workflow schedules according to established manufacturing sequences and lead times to expedite production operations.
• Schedule deliveries based on production forecasts, material substitutions, storage and handling facilities, and maintenance requirements.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - 3D Static Strength Prediction Program 3DSSPP; A mathematical programming language AMPL; Automatic dynamic incremental nonlinear analysis ADINA; Dassault Systemes Abaqus; Data acquisition software; Dataxiom StatMost; Design of experiments DOE software; Discrete event simulation software; ECHIP; ETA Dynaform; Finite element method FEM software; Human modeling software; ILOG CPLEX; MAGMA MAGMASOFT; Maplesoft Maple; Maya HTT I-DEAS; Minitab; Modular arrangement of predetermined time standards software MODAPTS; Neural network modeling software; NeuralWare; Optimization software; PMC KanbanSIM; Production flow analysis software; Robotic simulation software; Rockwell Automation Arena; SAS 🔥; Siemens UGS Jack; Statgraphics; Statistical software; Stratasys FDM MedModeler; Task analysis software; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; Three-dimensional simulation translation software; Time and motion analysis software; Windward Technologies GRG2; Wolfram Research Mathematica; Workcell simulation software
• Application server software - GitHub 🔥
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD ; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks 🔥; Electronic breadboard software; Facilities design software; Facilities planning software; International TechneGroup IGESworks; Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search MINOS software; Mathsoft Mathcad; PTC Creo Parametric; UGS Solid Edge
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software - Computer aided manufacturing CAM software; EGS FeatureCAM
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥; Microsoft SQL Server 🔥; Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Development environment software - Integrated development environment IDE software; Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript; Microsoft Visual Studio 🔥; National Instruments LabVIEW
• Electronic mail software - IBM Notes
• Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software
• Expert system software - Decision support software
• Human resources software - Personnel scheduling software
• Industrial control software - Allen Bradley PanelView; Assembly line balancing software; Computer numerical control CNC software; Human machine interface HMI software; Numerical control software; Nupro CastView; Quality control software; Robotic control software; Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
• Inventory management software - Inventory management software; Manhattan Associates PkMS Pickticket; Oracle Retek; Warehouse management system WMS
• Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software - Materials requirement planning MRP software; Production scheduling and planning software; Supply chain capacity planning software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; Python 🔥; R 🔥; Sun Microsystems Java
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Linux 🔥; Shell script 🔥; UNIX Shell 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥; ProModel
• Program testing software - Hewlett Packard LoadRunner; JUnit 🔥; Logic programming software; Rockwell RSLogix; User interface design software
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥; Process reengineering software; Yield management systems
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Estimate operational costs.
• Determine operational methods.
• Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
• Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
• Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.
• Discuss designs or plans with clients.
• Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
• Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
• Document technical design details.
• Create graphical representations of industrial production systems.
• Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
• Develop technical methods or processes.
• Review technical documents to plan work.
• Prepare procedural documents.
• Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Direct quality control activities.
• Implement design or process improvements.
• Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems.
• Devise research or testing protocols.
• Schedule operational activities.