What does an Industrial Engineer do?
An Industrial Engineer works with machines, computers and systems to increase a firm’s industrial output and efficiency to meet its business needs. Their role is to identify and implement ways for the company to be more productive with its production processes and other resources such as time, money and raw materials. They ensure that a firm complies with all industry standards and guidelines. Industrial Engineers work in various industries where innovation and efficiency are needed. As this is a broadly applicable career, candidates may specialize in a certain industry, such as computer manufacturing, hardware, retail, architecture, insurance, or technology.
Industrial Engineer skills and qualifications
A successful Industrial Engineer candidate is expected to have the knowledge required to conduct a detailed analysis of a company’s industrial production and make changes to increase a company’s efficiency and output while decreasing costs and time. Depending on the company’s capacity for on-the-job training, it may also be beneficial to look for a candidate with existing knowledge of the industry. Other skills and qualifications include:
- Advanced knowledge of systems, tools, and solutions for productivity
- Understanding of technical documentation, and industrial blueprints and plans
- Critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills
- Ability to determine how operations, environments, and systems interact
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure
- Project management experience
- Detail-oriented to ensure high-quality deliverables
Industrial Engineer experience requirements
Depending on the needs of your company, ideal Industrial Engineer candidates must have three to five years of engineering work experience. Strong candidates will have demonstrable knowledge of production techniques and current industry trends to evaluate, design, and implement new industrial procedures or systems for a firm. Candidates must also have experience analyzing systems and writing reports.
Industrial Engineer education and training requirements
A successful Industrial Engineer must have a Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or related engineering fields. Look for candidates who have further education, such as a master’s degree or a doctorate in industrial engineering or related engineering disciplines. Training in AutoCAD, 3D modeling programs, Office Suite, MS Project, and SAP are also important. Some companies offer on-the-job training to entry-level applicants.
As with other engineering positions, membership in a professional organization or certification by a regulatory authority may be required. Industrial Engineers must have a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) license to legally practice in the country. Engineers are generally eligible to join such associations after graduating from an accredited education program and working in the industry for a few years. This can be determined by the province or territory, for example, through the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta.
Industrial Engineer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average pay for an Industrial Engineer in Canada is &71,586 per year. It is important to note that wages may be dependent on the candidate’s experience, geographical location, industry, and company.
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