HVAC Installer

About the Role

Industrial engineers find ways to trim down systems and eliminate waste. Their analytical minds find the most efficient way to run a big business or reduce injury on a factory line. They develop statistical models and methods to quantify and improve the performance of machine and human systems. They help eliminate wasted effort. Historically, industrial engineers designed the layout and production flow of factories and assembly lines in manufacturing plants. They still perform in manufacturing settings, but in recent years, their influence has spread to include the statistical analysis and improvement of the way humans interact with all types of machines. They study problems as obscure as the best methods to load people onto airplanes in the most time- and cost-effective manner.

What You'll Do

• Design manufacturing systems to optimize the use of computer networks, robots, and materials
• Apply science, math, and engineering methods to complex systems of integration and operations
• Pioneer new solutions for effective production through creative and outside-the-box thinking
• Work in fields including ergonomics and safety, operations and logistics, operations research, quality engineering, manufacturing, and cost and value engineering
• Collaborate with dynamic teams within industries that appeal most to you to impact efficiency and long-term production outcomes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in math, statistics and probability, computer science, supply chain management and logistics, or a related field
• Strong foundation in math and science
• Strong listening, reading, and writing skills
• Ability to think creatively and develop new solutions

Education & Certification

• Most online industrial engineering degree programs are for master's degrees
• Programs may also be referred to as systems engineering
• Related degree majors include manufacturing, quality assurance, and materials science
• Coursework includes: engineering economics and finance, ergonomics and safety, operation research, production, probability and statistics, supply chain and logistics, computer simulation modeling, and production and manufacturing systems
• Highest quality programs are recognized by ABET (Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology)
• Post-graduation licenses are not required for most entry-level positions
• Professional Engineer certification is available on a state-by-state basis for career advancement
• Additional certifications are offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)

Pay

Industrial engineers with a bachelor's degree earn a mean of about $80,000 annually. The average industrial engineer makes nearly $85,000 annually. Pay and demand are variable across fields and specialty areas.

Career Outlook

Demand for industrial engineering professionals is expected to grow more than the national average. The variety of opportunity across the spectrum of industrial engineering allows professionals to apply their skills to areas from manufacturing to healthcare to environmental studies to business. Industrial engineers can work for businesses, governments, and nonprofits.