Efficiency is at the core of any industrial engineering job. These professionals play an essential role in optimizing a company's processes. Their expertise extends to a variety of fields to ensure maximum efficiency. Industrial engineers combine technical and managerial skills to contribute to a company's success, which is why demand is high in all sectors.
Our engineering recruitment agency has prepared the following industrial engineer job description, so keep reading to learn everything you need to know!
Industrial engineer role
Industrial engineers are responsible for designing, improving and maintaining production systems and manufacturing processes. They analyze company operations in depth, identify inefficiencies and develop solutions to resolve them. They may be involved in production planning, supply chain management, workflow optimization and the implementation of advanced technologies to automate tasks.
Their goal: to find every possible way to improve efficiency and save money! <H3> Understanding industrial engineering
Continuous improvement is the key to a healthy business. Industrial engineering is one of the engineering disciplines that focuses on optimizing processes and systems to improve efficiency and productivity within industrial companies and organizations. This discipline aims to maximize the use of available resources, including labor, machinery, raw materials and time, while minimizing waste.
Industrial engineering applies to a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, services, aerospace, agrobusiness and many others. Its main objective is to bring about significant improvements in operations and contribute to the success and competitiveness of organizations in a constantly evolving industrial environment.
What does an industrial engineer do?
- Analyze processes: Industrial engineers examine existing production and management processes to identify inefficiencies, wasted resources and areas for improvement.
- Systems design: They design new production systems, manufacturing lines, supply chains and logistics processes to improve operational efficiency.
- Workflow optimization: Industrial engineers work to optimize workflows by reorganizing operations, reducing waiting times and eliminating bottlenecks.
- Quality management: They implement quality management systems to ensure that products or services meet established quality standards. This may include the use of methodologies such as Six Sigma.
- Project management: They plan and manage projects aimed at implementing operational improvements. This involves defining objectives, allocating resources, monitoring progress and meeting deadlines.
- Data analysis: Industrial engineers collect and analyze data to assess process performance. They use this data to make informed decisions about possible improvements.
- Training and coaching: They train employees in new processes and technologies, and provide coaching so that changes are understood and implemented correctly.
- Cost assessment: They evaluate the costs associated with production processes and improvement projects, and look for ways to reduce costs while maintaining quality.
- Reporting and documentation: They write detailed reports on projects and improvements, and keep accurate records to track progress.
Industrial engineer skills
Industrial engineers need to master a range of essential technical skills. They use modeling and simulation software, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks, to design and optimize systems. They are skilled in understanding automated systems, including industrial robots (but don’t confuse industrial engineers with automation engineers!). Data analysis and statistics are an integral part of their work, as they need to make data-driven decisions. Finally, they are experts in optimizing processes and applying quality standards such as the globally recognized ISO 9001 to maintain high production standards.
In addition to technical skills, industrial engineers need to possess important soft skills, such as effective communication and good leadership. They need to manage teams and motivate others to achieve set objectives, especially when implementing changes (which they must also be prepared to adapt to, themselves).
Problem-solving skills are also essential for solving complex issues quickly and efficiently, in addition to time management skills, for managing projects and meeting deadlines.
Industrial engineer training
Educational programs, such as Concordia University’s bachelor's degree in industrial engineering BEng), prepare industrial engineers via case studies, internships and integrative projects that reflect real industry challenges.
To call yourself an engineer, you must become a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.
Industrial engineer salary
Salaries for industrial engineers can vary considerably depending on experience and region, from $74,000 to over $113,600.
In Quebec, salaries for this manufacturing job range from $80,000 to $95,000.
Industrial engineer employment prospects and level of demand
Demand for industrial engineers remains high in many sectors. With the growing emphasis on operational efficiency, companies continue to look for professionals capable of optimizing their processes. Job prospects for industrial engineers are generally positive, offering many long-term career opportunities.
Fed Manutech is recruiting!
Are you looking for a job in engineering? We've got you covered! Fed Manutech is looking for engineers, managers and technicians in a wide range of sectors.
Take a look at our list of job vacancies or send us a spontaneous application so that we can help you find you the perfect job!