Worker Characteristics Good ability to gather information by looking at graphs, such as productivity graphs Good ability to understand and use words when talking or writing Good ability to mentally visualize the activities that are needed to manufacture a product Good ability to work with numbers Ability to solve problems and make decisions Ability to check written information, such as reports, for errors Ability to design manufacturing processes that reach a set level of quality Willingness to supervise others and be in charge of planning projects Industrial engineers should be creative and detail-oriented. They should be able to work without supervision. Occasionally lift and move objects that weigh up to 20 pounds Occasionally need to tell the difference between colors Occasionally need to judge the distance between objects Occasionally kneel and crouch while looking at equipment Occasionally use fingers to make fine movements, such as while typing Work Setting Industrial engineers usually work indoors in an office or industrial plant. Some travel may be required. They may belong to the Institute of Industrial Engineers.
Wages vary according to training, experience and location.
Entry level wages may be lower. Pay varies with area of the country and the engineers level of education and experience. Full-time engineers generally receive benefits. Common benefits include health insurance, vacation, sick leave, and a retirement plan. There were 4,080 people employed as industrial engineers, excluding safety engineers, in Indiana in 1998.