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Industrial Engineer

Industrial engineers plan, organise, supervise and manage the operations of industries to ensure the economical, safe and effective use of materials, energy and people.

TASKS

Industrial engineers may perform the following tasks:

assess the techniques and equipment used in production processes to determine if they can operate more efficiently
plan and design systems that increase productivity by improving the integration of people, materials, equipment and finance
choose and develop safer and more efficient manufacturing processes using new, existing or modified machinery and equipment
introduce or recommend changes to work methods, safety measures and labour organisation
determine the time taken to perform a task or complete a particular production stage and set performance standards accordingly
maximise comfort in the workplace by analysing and recommending changes to improve light, alter bench space or machine height and reduce noise

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy technical work
able to identify, analyse and solve problems
good oral and written communication skills
practical and creative
aptitude for technical activities
able to work without supervision
able to accept responsibility

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Methods Engineer - studies work processes, tasks and operations in order to promote efficiency and productivity.

Safety Engineer - works to develop safety measures and safer and more efficient manufacturing processes.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an industrial engineer you usually have to complete a degree in engineering with a major in manufacturing or mechanical engineering. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry and physics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia. Visit their website for more details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Industrial engineers are mainly employed by motor vehicle, refrigerator, household appliance and agricultural machinery manufacturing industries, as well as in the wholesale and retail trade. Others find employment in government departments, hospitals and management consultancies and research establishments. Employment is mainly in the private sector.

Industrial engineers are increasingly being employed in service industries such as retailing and banking. Factors that may affect the occupation are the levels of activity and restructuring in the manufacturing industry, government incentives for industry to restructure and the volume of product sales.