industrial-engineer/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — industrial engineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 17-3026.00 (Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians).

Task statements

• [Core] Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
• [Core] Verify that equipment is being operated and maintained according to quality assurance standards by observing worker performance.
• [Core] Study time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to establish standard production rate or improve efficiency.
• [Core] Aid in planning work assignments in accordance with worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, or anticipated delays.
• [Core] Read worker logs, product processing sheets, or specification sheets to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
• [Core] Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
• [Supplemental] Evaluate industrial operations for compliance with permits or regulations related to the generation, storage, treatment, transportation, or disposal of hazardous materials or waste.
• [nan] Adhere to all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• [nan] Analyze, estimate, or report production costs.
• [nan] Assist engineers in developing, building, or testing prototypes or new products, processes, or procedures.
• [nan] Calibrate or adjust equipment to ensure quality production, using tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, protractors, or ring gauges.
• [nan] Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.
• [nan] Coordinate equipment purchases, installations, or transfers.
• [nan] Create or interpret engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, formulas, or blueprints for management or engineering staff.
• [nan] Design plant layouts or production facilities.
• [nan] Develop manufacturing infrastructure to integrate or deploy new manufacturing processes.
• [nan] Develop or implement programs to address problems related to production, materials, safety, or quality.
• [nan] Develop production, inventory, or quality assurance programs.
• [nan] Develop sustainable manufacturing technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize raw material use, replace toxic materials with non-toxic materials, replace non-renewable materials with renewable materials, or reduce waste.
• [nan] Identify opportunities for improvements in quality, cost, or efficiency of automation equipment.
• [nan] Monitor and adjust production processes or equipment for quality and productivity.
• [nan] Oversee equipment start-up, characterization, qualification, or release.
• [nan] Oversee or inspect production processes.
• [nan] Prepare layouts, drawings, or sketches of machinery or equipment, such as shop tooling, scale layouts, or new equipment design, using drafting equipment or computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• [nan] Prepare production documents, such as standard operating procedures, manufacturing batch records, inventory reports, or productivity reports.
• [nan] Provide advice or training to other technicians.
• [nan] Recommend corrective or preventive actions to assure or improve product quality or reliability.
• [nan] Select cleaning materials, tools, or equipment.
• [nan] Select material quantities or processing methods needed to achieve efficient production.
• [nan] Set up and operate production equipment in accordance with current good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures.

Detailed work activities

• Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
• Assess product or process usefulness.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Create graphical representations of industrial production systems.
• Create physical models or prototypes.
• Design industrial equipment.
• Design industrial processing systems.
• Design structures or facilities.
• Determine operational methods.
• Develop technical methods or processes.
• Direct industrial production activities.
• Direct quality control activities.
• Estimate operational costs.
• Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
• Implement design or process improvements.
• Inspect operational processes.
• Monitor activities affecting environmental quality.
• Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
• Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
• Operate industrial equipment.
• Prepare detailed work plans.
• Prepare drawings or diagrams of products or services.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
• Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
• Research human performance or health factors related to engineering or design activities.
• Select project materials.
• Test products for functionality or quality.
• Train personnel on proper operational procedures.